Clippard is excited to announce the release of a new series of direct actuating valves that offer an extremely fast response time for accurate dosing of minute volumes with the same long life as the original Clippard EV line of valves—but now in a 7mm cartridge package. Due to very low moving weights, they are extremely quiet and emit very […]
Compressed air fail: Sheet metal firm learns that size matters
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A sheet metal processor went through a plant expansion that more than doubled the size of its facility. To be safe the plant engineer doubled the size of their air compressor to 50 hp from the original 25 hp. The original unit was installed with a 120-gal […]
Catching up with Rob Clippard on new products, outlook for 2016
Recently, I spoke with Rob Clippard, VP Sales and Marketing for Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc. about the company’s newest products—as well as his outlook for the next year Rob explained that the company’s new pinch valve is an exciting product for them, as this type of component is used in many machines where other Clippard […]
Aventics publishes cushioning manual for air cylinders
Aventics developed a superior method of adjusting pneumatic cylinder cushions several years ago and many customers have since enjoyed the benefits. Now a new manual, titled “The ABC’s of Pneumatic Cylinder Cushioning” is available to instruct a user on how to achieve “Ideal Cushioning”. Benefits of Ideal Cushioning include: • Reduced cycle times—increasing productivity for […]
Pisco introduces maintenance-free rotary vacuum pumps
Featuring maintenance-free operation and low vibration, Pisco USA Inc.’s new Rotary Vacuum Pumps are engineered for longevity and accuracy. These Rotary Vacuum Pumps achieve long-term maintenance-free operation (3 years, 24/7) through the use of super engineered plastic. Furthermore, minimum clearance between the rotor and cylinder wall of the pump results in a virtually contactless design […]
Industry 4.0 to be a hot topic at Hannover Messe
Industry 4.0 remains a hot topic—above all at Hannover Messe, where the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (Fraunhofer IPK) will present its solution for the factory of the future. “We envision a manufacturing organization which has no rigid plans or fixed processes, one where human coordination and decision-making capabilities play a central […]
Clippard introduces 7mm, 2-way normally-closed electronic valves
These new direct actuating valves offer extremely fast response time for accurate dosing of minute volumes with the same long life you expect from the original Clippard EV line of electronic valves, now in a 7mm cartridge package. Due to very low moving weights, they are extremely quiet and emit very low vibration. Because of the small size and […]
Live from MD&M West: Nason’s LED pressure switch
I spoke with Danny Dehler of Nason at the MD&M West show here in Anaheim, California. Dehler is the company’s Sales Manager for Automation Products. At the show, Nason is touting their NESD pressure switch/transducer, which has a unique LED display— it allows for 360° scrolling, and features field-programmable set points and hysteresis. “It’s a […]
Live from MD&M West: Festo talks automation safety
I had a nice chat about safety and automation with with Jeff Hawkins of Festo Corp. at the MD&M West show in Anaheim, California, today. Hawkins is the manager of electronics and light assembly, North and South America, for Festo. Hawkins explained that, especially in a complex mechanical device, you have pneumatic, you can have hydraulic, […]
New NFPA air and hydraulic cylinders catalog released by Aventics
Aventics has published a 116-page SC-200 catalog on NFPA air and hydraulic cylinders. Product lines featured include TaskMaster aluminum air cylinders, PowerMaster and PressureMaster steel NFPA air and hydraulic cylinders, plus AccuMaster hydraulic linear positioners. Information provided includes features, specifications, dimensions, options, modifications, accessories and service. An application data section includes force and displacement tables, mounting […]