With the recent introduction of its distributed I/O solution CPX-AP-A, along with its established CPX-AP-I decentralized I/O, Festo now offers a range of electric and pneumatic automation solutions that is unmatched in North America in terms of performance, flexibility, cost savings, and engineering productivity. AP stands for Automation Platform, and this backplane-based remote I/O system […]
Rockwell Automation and CaseiZ help manufacturers reduce energy costs
Nearly every manufacturing facility uses compressed air. And all share the challenge of keeping compressed air systems running efficiently and reliably. Depending on the industry (e.g., automotive, consumer goods, mining, etc.), the compressed air system accounts for 10-50% of a plant’s energy usage and is as essential to uptime as electricity. But compressors are inherently […]
These new flexible, modular, high-pressure air compressors are gas-tight
Sauer Compressors offers a new series of high-pressure compressors for industrial applications. The Sauer Orkan series is now available in the first four standard types. They are suitable for the compression of many gases and a wide variety of applications. A newly developed magnetic coupling makes the compressors hermetically gas-tight. When developing the Sauer Orkan […]
Closed-loop feedback opens up possibilities
Manufacturers across all industries seek ways to electrify, digitize, and automate their systems to decrease costs and increase efficiency. Electro-pneumatic pressure regulators and valves enable such efforts while improving pressure and flow rate accuracy. Back in the day, there were only manual pressure regulators that relied on the skill and precision of the human hand. […]
Elgi announces energy-saving dryers at the 2023 AICD conference
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 […]