Vacuum-lifting attachments make construction equipment more productive. Construction equipment has long been used to move material like large pipes and concrete slabs, typically with ropes, chains or slings tied to the bucket or stick. Lately, however, operators of these machines are turning to vacuum-lifting technology as a faster and safer alternative. According to officials at […]
Bimba enhances “Blue and Improved” cylinder line with Blue and Improved Flat-1, including 19 new features
Bimba today announced the release of the latest in its cutting-edge, compact air cylinders—the Blue and Improved Flat-1. “Blue (as in New) and Improved” designates Bimba products that have been redesigned to offer enhancements applying the most recent advances in design technology. The Blue and Improved Flat-1 features 19 new product enhancements such as permanent […]
Safe pneumatic system design
Consider the following safety and design choices for control of pneumatic systems in automated equipment. By Pat Phillips • Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect A safe pneumatic system design starts at the connection to a machine’s air preparation hardware and continues to correctly pairing valves with cylinders. This article reviews the […]
AutomationDirect adds Total Air Preparation (TAP) Units and Ethernet/IP (EIP) modules
AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics now includes new Total Air Prep (TAP) units and NITRA Ethernet/IP protocol compact modular valve (CMV series) modules. Both TAP units contain an automatic drain air filter with clogged filter indicator, relieving regulator, lockable shut-off valve, pressure gauge and air dump. Electric models also have an adjustable electric soft start […]
William L. Clippard III, Clippard board chair, receives Lifetime Achievement Award
William L. Clippard, (Bill), Chairman of the Board of Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc., recently received the highly prestigious Stillman Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of The Ohio State University for his commitment to the field of engineering. The Stillman Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award honors retired or emeritus alumni who have distinguished […]
Compressed air delivery via modular interfaces allows thousands of mating cycles
HARTING, Espelkamp, Germany, has announced the development of a new compressed air module at Hannover Messe, which is designed to meet the increased demands on interfaces for flexible production processes – the Han Pneumatic Module Metal. It employs robust, durable high mating cycles contacts made of metal that can be plugged and unplugged at least 10,000 […]
Clippard NPV series 3-way miniature pinch valves
Clippard NPV Series Miniature Pinch Valves are solenoid-operated devices designed to open and close tubes for controlling flow of liquids and gases. Other valve types have internal passages that may cause small amounts of fluid to remain in the valve. Pinch valves have no areas or dead volume where fluid can become trapped. Only the inside of […]
ASCO introduces 617 series SentronicLP electronic pressure regulator for low-power applications
ASCO has introduced the ASCO Numatics 617 Series SentronicLP proportional electronic regulator for accurate pneumatic pressure control in applications with limited power supplies. “The 617 Series’ 4-W power consumption offers design and control engineers a highly reliable and cost-effective solution for pressure regulation in low-power environments,” said Andy Duffy, vice president sales – Americas, ASCO. […]
ASCO’s Engineering Scholarship deadline is approaching
U.S. students pursuing a degree in engineering are urged to apply for the 2017 ASCO Engineering Scholarship by March 31. ASCO will award two $5,000 scholarships to U.S. engineering students, provide $1,000 grants to their college’s engineering departments, and host the students at “The Amazing Packaging Race” at PACK EXPO International in 2017. Applications are […]
NFPA forms strategic alliance with FIRST, adds scholarship opportunity
The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) recently started a Strategic Alliance collaboration with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international not-for-profit organization aimed at increasing interest and participation in science and technology among K-12 students. The partnership will harness the similarities between the mission of FIRST and those NFPA’s workforce development […]