The 2020 financial year proved to be a challenging one for Festo, but it also offered a year full of opportunities. According to Dr. Oliver Jung, chairman of the management board, the company proved to be economically stable and has weathered the pandemic well. The Festo Group had to cope with a 7.5% decline in […]
Smart leak-detection system
FDX Fluid Dynamix, located in Berlin, Germany, has developed the OsciLeak compressed air leak-detection system. It’s based on the company’s proprietary next-generation nozzle technology. Compressed air is commonly used as an energy source, especially in industrial plants. According to FDX officials, it is estimated that 30% of the electricity generated in the U.S. is used […]
Atlas Copco develops solid desiccant block
Atlas Copco has developed what they call the world’s first completely solid desiccant for air dryers. The material, termed Cerades, will be initially used in its CD 20⁺-335⁺ series of dryers. Company officials said the new product will revolutionize compressed air drying. Adsorption dryers have previously used containers filled with thousands of tiny desiccant beads […]
Cutting compressed-air costs at the point of use
Energy efficiency has become a hot topic. There are worldwide initiatives to rein in CO2 emissions and limit climate change. Consumers are becoming critical and demand products that are produced in a sustainable way. Furthermore, many production plants are more aware of the huge cost reductions involved with energy savings. As a result, firms are […]
Unique SmartValve is fast and precise
The SmartValve from KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany, is a new type of flow-control valve that relies on a magnetized ball as the fluid-control element. This ultrafast switching valve is designed for high-speed pulsing of airflow, making it well suited for compressed-air blow-off, cooling, cleaning and drying applications where it reportedly brings higher efficiency and performance. […]
Timmer launches timLIFT vacuum-handling line
Timmer GmbH, a manufacturer of pneumatic, vacuum and fluid-handling products based in Neuenkirchen, Germany, has revamped and expanded its vacuum-lifting product portfolio and rebranded it as the timLIFT family. According to company officials, the new timLIFT designs are significantly more ergonomic and quieter than previous versions. Three model ranges include: • quickLIFT — for one-hand […]
Smart pneumatics: Gateway to higher efficiency, productivity
Open and flexible IIoT systems can pinpoint leaks and faults, reduce downtime, increase throughput and, ultimately, improve the bottom line. Contributed by Nils Beckmann, Product Marketing Manager IIoT Integration • Emerson From food and beverage processing to packaged goods and factory automation, manufacturing facilities are turning to smart pneumatics for improved energy efficiency. In compressed air […]
Productivity Master embodies digital manufacturing
Last year when it became clear that in-person trade shows were not possible, Festo built its own stand for organizing virtual exhibitions and virtual customer meetings. “One of the most valuable exhibits is the Productivity Master, which helps customers deal with the global challenges of today,” said company spokesman Christopher Haug. It will be at […]
How to turn data into useful information
In a preview of their offerings at this year’s digital Hannover Fair, scheduled for April 12 to 16, Emerson takes a pragmatic look at today’s IoT landscape and discusses a number of new edge computing and analytics products that help manufacturers turn data into actionable insights. “We are 30 years into the concept of ‘big […]
Vacuum plus vision system automates bin picking
Schmalz Inc. has developed a complete system for the complex task of automated parts handling. The Vision and Handling Set 3D-R is a complete solution that includes all accessories for efficient box- and bin-picking with lightweight robots and cobots, and is among the latest innovations from Schmalz, Raleigh, N.C. Compared to conventional handling devices on […]
