A small automotive service shop was looking for new compressors. The old compressors were reaching the end of life and required constant overhauls. The shop owner was persuaded by a compressor salesperson to go with a screw compressor instead. The existing 10-hp units put out about 35 cfm each, one was the lead unit, the […]
Featured
DSNU-S standard ISO round cylinders are small, slim and light
The new DSNU-S round cylinder is the latest response from Festo to the need of machine designers for smaller versions of standard components so they can shrink the footprint of their machines or production lines accordingly. The DSNU-S, part of Festo’s core product range of always-in-stock components, is up to 40% slimmer, 35 mm shorter, […]
What are single-acting pneumatic cylinders?
Contributed by Frances Richards Pneumatic cylinders, also called air cylinders, pneumatic actuators, or pneumatic drives, are relatively simple mechanical devices that use the energy of compressed air and turn it into linear motion. Lightweight and low maintenance, pneumatic cylinders generally operate at lower speeds and less force than their hydraulic or electric counterparts, but are […]
Pulsed air boosts pneumatic efficiency
The AirFlowSaver supplies energy- and cost-optimized compressed air based on unique SmartValve technology. Contributed by Wolfgang Teichmann, CEO and Markus Koenig, CSO, KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany nad Andy Pott, Vice President, PHIR Technologies, Hartland, Wisconsin For well over a century, compressed air has been commonly used across many industries because it is a simple, flexible and […]
How do you specify pneumatic cylinders?
Contributed by Darryl Powell, Doc’s Hydraulic-Pneumatic Training LLC When specifying pneumatic cylinders, you may think that the most important information needed is the bore size and stroke. While these details are certainly important, the application’s requirements are more critical. For example, several questions should be considered: is the cylinder in a wet environment (maybe salt […]
Distributed electro-pneumatics maximize machine automation options
Distributed automation options have been improving for many years. Networked electro-pneumatic solenoid banks give machine builders smart and convenient choices. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect Most automated machines and systems incorporate some number of enclosures and panels for housing controls components. However, these centralized devices typically must interconnect with many more field sensors and […]
Application-specific pneumatic cylinder for cheese making
Festo recently introduced an application-specific pneumatic cylinder for cheese presses that improves consistency and quality in large operations and low-volume artisan cheese making. The stainless-steel outer body of the Festo CRD cylinder represents the latest in sanitary innovation as its unique bell-shaped construction provides best-in-class hygienic design. These cylinders are lubricated with NSF-H1 grease, which […]
How do you test compressed air flow?
A common question when looking at optimization of a compressed air system is; How much air am I wasting? Often, inappropriate uses consume significant amounts of flow, and savings can be gained if the operation can be supplied more efficiently through optimization measures. To be able to initiate improvement projects, we must first calculate how […]
U.S. college students: Apply by May 31 for ASCO Engineering Scholarship
Emerson reminds U.S. college students to apply, by May 31, to its 2021 ASCO Engineering Scholarship Program. The merit-based scholarships reward excellence in education and service, and the potential for leadership and contributions to the engineering, instrumentation, systems, and automation professions. In its 14th year, the scholarship program is a key part of Emerson’s strong commitment to supporting quality, […]
Atlas Copco develops solid desiccant block
Atlas Copco has developed what they call the world’s first completely solid desiccant for air dryers. The material, termed Cerades, will be initially used in its CD 20⁺-335⁺ series of dryers. Company officials said the new product will revolutionize compressed air drying. Adsorption dryers have previously used containers filled with thousands of tiny desiccant beads […]
