Many engineers are familiar with plant compressed-air networks that pipe high-pressure air to pneumatic tools, industrial robots and countless types of production and packaging equipment. Perhaps not as widely known, but equally as important, compressed air also handles critical tasks on large commercial ships. Compressed air is used onboard in a number of ways. One […]
Time-honored process embraces food-safe pneumatics
Food-safe pneumatics automates traditional cheese production. Contributed by Bill Oliver, Sector Head Food & Beverage/Industrial Automation and John Bridges, Head of Marketing, AVENTICS Corp. Most everyone who enjoys a good bowl of pasta is familiar with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padano, the well-known Italian cheese varieties famous around the world. These types of parmesan cheese have […]
Going soft on grippers
There’s a growing interest in nontraditional pneumatic end effectors that offer flexibility and a deft touch. Pneumatic grippers have been used for decades to pick up, carry and place everything from tiny electronic components to sizeable objects like engine blocks and lumber. Most have rigid fingers or jaws, usually made of steel or aluminum. Such devices work […]
How automated air control valves can replace VFDs
Air knife systems controlled by automated valves offer significant benefits over complex and costly VFD motor controls. By Dan VanderPyl, President, Sonic Air Systems Variable frequency drives for electric motors have become a welcome addition to a wide variety of machinery for a long list of 21st century applications, but they are no longer the […]
Trampoline generates compressed air for dental use
A group of engineering students at Seoul National University has developed a trampoline designed to produce compressed air and power high-speed dental tools. According to university officials, the set-up would help dentists in developing countries, where reliable power sources may be lacking. A team led by Kim Jae-in, a student in the Mechanical Aviation Engineering […]
IMI agrees to acquire Bimba Manufacturing
IMI announced that it has agreed to acquire Bimba, a market leading manufacturer of pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motion systems with an extensive distributor network principally servicing the North American Industrial Automation market. Bimba will become an integral part of IMI Precision Engineering and the acquisition represents a significant strategic step for the division. According […]
Soft robotics design winners announced
The third annual Soft Robotics Design and Research Competitions rated projects that exhibited novel and innovative approaches to soft robotics components and research. Winners of the contest have just been announced. The competition is sponsored by the Soft Robotics Toolkit, a team that grew out of research at Harvard University and Trinity College Dublin and […]
ISO valves and manifolds
ISO-standard valves are widely used in a wide range of industrial applications. Hafner Pneumatik, Kornwestheim, Germany has recently developed a range of ISO 4 valves and manifold plates. Single- as well as double-solenoid, 5-way valves are available. And designs include modular manifold plates with all ports on one side, as well as single base plates. […]
Nozzle Bar blow-off device uses less energy
Maxum has introduced the Nozzle Bar, an air blow-off device that looks and installs like an air knife but offers the full blow-off power of individual air nozzles—while using less energy and reaching longer distances. According to the company, based in Rochester Hills, Mich., its internal nozzle system is fully customizable for optimum blow-off of […]
Soft pneumatic actuator generates cyclical motion
A new study has demonstrated the advantages and potential applications of an innovative multi-chambered soft pneumatic actuator. Researchers described how the actuator generates cyclical motion and characterized its trajectory and force output in an article published in Soft Robotics. Coauthors Alar Ainla, Mohit Verma, Dian Yang, and George Whitesides of Harvard University detailed the actuator’s […]