FRLs are combination devices used to treat compressed air by filtering it, regulating its pressure levels and lubricating any pneumatic tools or equipment that use it. These devices require careful selection and care to ensure long-lasting, efficient operation. Here are some keys to maximizing the efficiency of your FRLs. Understand proper sizing and selection. Sizing […]
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Robotics is driving a manufacturing revolution
Robots of future will cost less, run safer, improve productivity and adapt their operations on the fly. Contributed by Donna Ritson, President, DDR Communications I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, on a research study exploring the state of the robotics industry, its key markets, recent […]
Compressed air efficiency: 6 key principles
By Ron Marshall If you want to keep your compressed air costs down, there are a half-dozen important key principles that you should adopt for your system. Following them will keep your system costs down for the long term and save you a bundle. They are: 1. Install efficient equipment — The most important decision affecting […]
Proportional pressure controls go digital
Clippard has recently launched what it is calling its most revolutionary product in years — its Cordis proportional pressure controls. Meaning “of the heart” in Latin, Cordis is at the heart of all that is important at Clippard, said Rob Clippard, VP of Marketing. “Everyone wants a smarter product these days and so taking our […]
FPTC keynote: the evolution of advanced automation
The growth in plant floor automation and integrated communications is at a pivotal junction; new technology is available and adoption is underway, said Donna Ritson, President of DDR Communications, regarding her keynote presentation at this year’s Fluid Power Technology Conference (FPTC) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering May 13-15. With a deeper focus on pneumatics […]
Catching up with Clippard in 2019
I had the opportunity recently to sit down with Robert Corazzini, a Regional Sales Manager for Cincinnati-based Clippard, a company known for its valves and other components in the pneumatics, automation and fluidics industries. “A lot of what’s new and exciting at the company revolves around our NR product line, which is the line of […]
Pneumatics and automation must go hand-in-hand to survive
Although some manufacturers are moving away from pneumatics in their machine designs, the industry can continue to grow if done smartly. That is, seamless integration of automation and pneumatics will rely heavily on the continued adoption of smart technologies, data collection and use, and more compact, efficient machines. This, said Donna Ritson of DDR Communications […]
What’s the wrong way to install a piping bypass?
Bypass connections are required for pneumatic components that are in continuous use applications, so that the flow of air is not interrupted when the component is maintained or taken out of service. Typically, shut-off valves are installed before and after the component and a piping loop with a shut-off valve routed around the component for […]
A chat with the AICD’s Kasey Gould
The Association of Independent Compressor Distributors met last month in San Antonio for its 33rdannual convention. We took the opportunity to catch up with the group’s Administrator, Kasey Gould, about her role in the organization and what the future holds for the AICD. Gould first became involved with the AICD through what she calls “pure happenstance.” […]
How continuous position sensing will tie together the factory of the future
Contributed by Tim Faillo, Global Program Manager – Factory Automation, Parker Hannifin Modern factories have come to rely on industrial networks to make their sensors and actuators “smarter.” The use of smart sensors, such as Continuous Position Sensors (CPSs), offers a route toward realizing smart motion control in pneumatic systems. These intelligent devices offer more advanced, […]