Elgi North America will introduce the AR Premium Series Energy Saving Cycling Refrigerated Air Dryers at the annual Association of Independent Compressor Distributors (AICD) conference in Grapevine, Texas, taking place from May 21–23. In addition, Elgi will showcase its expanded range of AB Series oil-free screw air compressors in 15-30 hp, offering a more affordable […]
Quality air is critical for aerospace manufacturing
Compressed air quality is crucial for aerospace manufacturing, as aircraft components and tools must be of the highest quality and precision. This demanding standard for component quality urges aerospace manufacturers to utilize compressed air with specific requirements. The air must be clean, dry, and unvaried under pressure. If the air becomes dirty, moist, or varies […]
Get a grip with modular vacuum kits
Vacuum gripper technologies provide many advantages for machine and OEM payload handling. Designers find that modular gripper system kits are a versatile and rapid way to create handling solutions, with other benefits such as internal vacuum routing. By Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect Manufacturing equipment, pick-and-place systems, robotics, and other machinery typically need to reliably grip products, […]
New vacuum pump unit lifts more with less
Piab has continued to evolve its piCOBOT program by adding a larger version, the piCOBOT L. Developed for customers who work with small industrial robots and cobots, its high payload and low building height enable maximum capacity usage. The piCOBOT family consists of two pump units and a selection of grippers. Optionally, a tool changer with […]
Clippard releases Cordis CP1 single-valve dynamic pressure controls
Known for reliability, innovation, and focus on miniature pneumatics, Clippard’s Cordis Pressure Controllers use the proven EVP and DVP proportional valve series allowing for steady, accurate, and repeatable downstream pressure control as demand or process changes. The result is a very precise linear pressure control within a closed-loop system providing ultra-high resolution and repeatability. The […]
PMMI Foundation awards $16,000 in fall scholarships to students
The PMMI Foundation, of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, awarded $16,000 in educational scholarships to students last fall. Four students received $4,000 academic scholarships from the PMMI Scholarship in Memorial of Claude S. Breeden, Glenn Davis, and Art Schaefer, all of whom were industry leaders committed to education and workforce development. The […]
Service truck equipment study reveals overwhelming preference for rotary screw air compressors
VMAC surveyed 340 people in the service truck industry in 2022, asking them questions about their fleets and service truck equipment. The data shows 80% of professionals prefer rotary screw air compressors over reciprocating air compressors on their service vehicles. The 2021 and 2020 survey results also indicated a strong industry preference for rotary screw […]
Beswick Engineering announces new miniature pinch valve
Beswick miniature pinch valves are now available for 1/8-in. OD and 1/4-in. OD tubing. The PV series miniature pinch valve is designed to control fluid when it is advantageous to avoid fluid contact with mechanical components and elastomeric seals. Pinch valves achieve fluid control by clamping down on the outside diameter of the tubing in […]
Wearable pneumatic actuators that assist human motion derive air from walking
Mechanical engineers at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering built a pneumatic arm-like device that can grasp and carry small objects using a textile-based energy harvesting system. This lightweight robotic limb is intended to assist individuals with limited mobility and is tough enough for everyday use. The pneumatic “arm” consists of heat-sealable fabrics stacked together […]
Pneumatic system upgrade preserves collegiate tradition
SMC recently updated the pneumatic system on the Boilermaker Special VII, the official mascot of Purdue University. According to the Reamer Club that cares for the train, the Boilermaker Special is the world’s largest, fastest, heaviest, and loudest collegiate mascot. Some of these accolades can be attributed to the train’s extensive pneumatic system, which controls […]