By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A motor is any device designed to convert one form of energy into rotational mechanical force. For example, an electric motor converts electrical potential into mechanical torque, and a hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy from pressure and flow into mechanical torque. And an air motor converts compressed air into that […]
What are pneumatic actuators?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pneumatic actuators take advantage of compressed air to provide your machine with quick and powerful actuation of nearly infinite possible functions. Pneumatic actuators may take the form of cylinders, motors, slides, grippers and rotary actuators, each of which receives pressurized and compressed air to create linear or rotational force. The […]
How do pneumatics technologies work?
Pneumatics is a fluid power technology similar to hydraulics in that it transmits force through a pressurized medium to create useful work. However, pneumatic technology differs from hydraulics in every critical fashion — compressibility. To be fair, hydraulic oil compresses as well, but only 0.4 percent every thousand psi or so. However, in the simplest […]
What are pneumatic rotary actuators?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Rotary actuators are devices used to transmit torque through a limited rotational arc. Rather than pneumatic motors, which rotate continuously, pneumatic rotary actuators move a load through a limited range of motion. Some actuators rotate through two discrete positions, while others are capable of positioning at any angle around the […]
Ayhan and Dr. Karl Busch earn Gold Medal of Honor from district of Lörrach
Three generations of the Busch family were present to witness the honoring of Ayhan and Dr Karl Busch. The couple was awarded for their joint life’s work, their social and cultural commitment and their dedication to the community with the Gold Medal of Honor, the highest award the district of Lörrach bestows. “You revolutionized the […]
Pack Expo heads back to the Midwest
Pack Expo International is scheduled to run from October 23-26 at McCormick Place Convention Center. Pack Expo International, the annual Fall tradeshow and conference dedicated to packaging machinery and related technology, always features a broad variety of pneumatic components and applications. The show, which alternates each year between locations in Las Vegas and Chicago, is back […]
How do you specify electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators?
Electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators are by nature both electrical and mechanical, thus requiring the designer to develop two sets of specifications for the regulator to function properly. The pneumatic or mechanical portion of the device is the same as a standard flow control valve or regulator. As with many things in fluid power, the […]
Designing optimum pneumatic systems for food & beverage packaging
These tips not only adhere to food safety guidelines, but also serve to improve machine utilization and performance. By Steve Bain, Food and Beverage Industry Segment Manager, Festo Before describing the four pneumatic automation design tips for food and beverage packaging applications, it is a good idea to answer a fundamental question: Why apply pneumatic […]
ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valves from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added new NITRA ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valve components. These solenoid valves are completely interchangeable with any brand of ISO 5599/1 equipment. ISO 5599 size one and size two components include solenoid valve bodies in 5-way, 2-position configurations with single or double solenoids and 5-way, 3-position, double solenoid valves with a center-pressure, center-closed, […]
Can electropneumatic regulators be used in hazardous locations?
When thinking of hazardous locations, one’s mind conjures an oil/gas drilling rig, refinery, or underground coal mine — all these locations have in the past utilized traditional pneumatics as risk reduction because they do not have a spark risk, which a solenoid’s electrical actuation requires and creates. Expanding our view of hazardous locations, we should […]
