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 […]
Pneumatics winners of the 2022 LEAP Awards announced
Winners of the 5th annual LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced during a virtual celebration to recognize innovation and engineering achievements. This year, our top-notch independent judging panel selected 44 gold, silver, and bronze winners and honorable mentions across 14 categories. The 2022 Pneumatics category winners are: Gold Norgren Excelon Plus Integrated […]
Coval announces enhanced multi-stage vacuum pumps for heavy duty suction
Coval’s new CMS HD series of modular multi-stage vacuum pumps offers a solution for high suction flow rate vacuum handling of a wide variety of objects. The pumps are ideally suited for pick-up and transfer operations in applications such as handling of porous parts or emptying large-volume tanks. Jointly developed with system integrators and industrial […]
Ingersoll Rand to acquire SPX Flow’s air treatment business
Ingersoll Rand has entered into an agreement to acquire SPX Flow’s Air Treatment business for approximately $525 million. With expected revenue of approximately $180 million in 2022, the Air Treatment business is a leading manufacturer of reliable and energy-efficient desiccant and refrigerated dryers, filtration systems, and purifiers for dehydration in compressed air. The business has […]
Emerson to showcase powerful automation solutions at Pack Expo 2022
Emerson will present new solutions that drive operational excellence in packaging and food and beverage processing applications at Pack Expo International 2022 on October 23-26 in Chicago. Today’s packaging lines must accommodate an unprecedented level of product variety and packaging complexities, but there are powerful automation capabilities that can significantly improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability […]
Atlas Copco acquires compressor distributor in New Mexico
Atlas Copco has acquired the operating assets of the compressor business of Mesa Equipment & Supply Company (Mesa) located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 19 employees will join Atlas Copco. The company sells oil-free and oil-injected compressors and offers parts and services across a broad range of customer segments. “Mesa has built a strong sales and […]