Atlas Copco developed the dry screw vacuum pump DHS 3000 VSD+ for high-flow industrial applications. The pump is intended for paper processing, conveying, pick-and-place applications in the food industry, and central vacuum systems. It uses an IE4 motor and an asymmetrical rotor design. Atlas Copco said users can see energy savings of up to 50% […]
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Festo launches SDAC-MHS position transmitter sensor
Festo introduced SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter. The sensor combines analog, digital and IO-Link outputs in a single compact device, reducing the need for multiple sensing components. The sensor is intended for OEMs monitoring the position of pneumatic cylinders and grippers in applications such as product selection, press-fitting, riveting and ultrasonic welding. By sensing the magnetic piston, it […]
Maintaining peak compressed air efficiency
By Ron Marshall When Lisa first took over as plant engineer at a food processing facility, she inherited a compressed air system that seemed to run well enough — or so everyone thought. The compressors were tucked away in a room at the far end of the plant, and as long as production lines kept […]
12 common compressed air misconceptions
When it comes to compressed air efficiency, misunderstandings are everywhere. Many plants operate under assumptions that lead to wasted energy, higher costs, and reduced reliability. Correcting these misconceptions can improve both performance and the bottom line. Here are some of the most common myths — and the reality behind them. Compressed air is free once […]
Spartan Scientific debuts 1090 and 1590 stackable solenoid valves
Spartan Scientific has released its Series 1090 and Series 1590 stackable solenoid valve platforms for compressed-air control in compact electro-pneumatic systems. Both series are intended for OEMs and system integrators where space constraints are a factor. The Series 1090 is a 10 mm-wide stackable valve rated for low-power switching and up to 50 million cycles […]
AI-powered pneumatic cylinder monitoring cuts machine downtime
Festo’s AI-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance system AX Motion Insights Pneumatic is a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for preventing unscheduled machine downtime by monitoring pneumatic cylinders for wear and anomalies. This AI-based industrial app ensures operations are more reliable, efficient, and ultimately more profitable. The system uses AI to detect anomalies in the behavior of pneumatic […]
A designer’s guide to pneumatic valves
Directional control valves are the traffic police of pneumatic systems, charged with diverting, directing, and reversing airflow to manage the operation of actuators. A fluid power designer must first understand valve functions, flow rates (and the resulting sizes), and the construction materials best suited to their application before sending out requests for quotes. This designer’s […]
A designer’s guide to pneumatic cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders are highly varied in their construction and execution, making them difficult to select when you don’t understand your requirements. I won’t pretend that application isn’t the most important deciding factor, but the same can be said of any fluid power actuator. This guide provides all the information you need to select the pneumatic […]
How does moisture affect pneumatic systems and how do we mitigate it?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Desiccant, membrane, deliquescent, centrifugal and refrigerated air dryers are all technologies used to dry our compressed air systems. They are installed in various locations throughout the plant, although downstream of the compressor is the most critical location. Compressing air collects the volume of moisture found in a cubic foot of […]
Why the compressed air system is the heart of the plant
By Ron Marshall With some imagination, your plant’s compressed air system can be compared to the circulatory system of the human body. The compressors act as the heart, pumping the lifeblood of compressed air to every corner of the facility. Just as the human body cannot function without the heart’s steady beat, production machinery cannot […]
