By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A motor is any device designed to convert one form of energy into rotational mechanical force. For example, an electric motor converts electrical potential into mechanical torque, and a hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy from pressure and flow into mechanical torque. And an air motor converts compressed air into that […]
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How do pneumatics technologies work?
Pneumatics is a fluid power technology similar to hydraulics in that it transmits force through a pressurized medium to create useful work. However, pneumatic technology differs from hydraulics in every critical fashion — compressibility. To be fair, hydraulic oil compresses as well, but only 0.4 percent every thousand psi or so. However, in the simplest […]
What are pneumatic rotary actuators?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Rotary actuators are devices used to transmit torque through a limited rotational arc. Rather than pneumatic motors, which rotate continuously, pneumatic rotary actuators move a load through a limited range of motion. Some actuators rotate through two discrete positions, while others are capable of positioning at any angle around the […]
Pack Expo heads back to the Midwest
Pack Expo International is scheduled to run from October 23-26 at McCormick Place Convention Center. Pack Expo International, the annual Fall tradeshow and conference dedicated to packaging machinery and related technology, always features a broad variety of pneumatic components and applications. The show, which alternates each year between locations in Las Vegas and Chicago, is back […]
How do you specify electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators?
Electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators are by nature both electrical and mechanical, thus requiring the designer to develop two sets of specifications for the regulator to function properly. The pneumatic or mechanical portion of the device is the same as a standard flow control valve or regulator. As with many things in fluid power, the […]
Designing optimum pneumatic systems for food & beverage packaging
These tips not only adhere to food safety guidelines, but also serve to improve machine utilization and performance. By Steve Bain, Food and Beverage Industry Segment Manager, Festo Before describing the four pneumatic automation design tips for food and beverage packaging applications, it is a good idea to answer a fundamental question: Why apply pneumatic […]
ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valves from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added new NITRA ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valve components. These solenoid valves are completely interchangeable with any brand of ISO 5599/1 equipment. ISO 5599 size one and size two components include solenoid valve bodies in 5-way, 2-position configurations with single or double solenoids and 5-way, 3-position, double solenoid valves with a center-pressure, center-closed, […]
Festo marks 50 years in the U.S. with expansions in U.S.-based manufacturing and R&D
Festo U.S., celebrating its 50th anniversary year, announces expansion plans for its 47-acre campus in Mason, Ohio. A new production facility and the expanded research and development center will be dedicated to U.S.-centric automation components, systems, and solutions. Festo, a $3 billion family-owned company, is a global innovation leader in pneumatic and electric automation systems. […]
Compressed air fail: Units conversion
Have you heard the story of the Gimli Glider? An Air Canada flight ran out of fuel on July 23, 1983, at an altitude of 41,000 feet, midway through the flight. The cause? It was a mix up of pounds and kilograms when calculating the weight of fuel to load for the flight. (Give it […]
Pneumatic systems: an introductory primer and actuator selection guide
Norgren pneumatics expert Dietmar Grün provides a thorough introduction to pneumatic systems, addressing application areas, core components, the critical role of pneumatic air preparation and treatment products and pneumatic actuators and key considerations for selecting pneumatic actuators. Contributed by Dietmar Grün, Product Manager, Motion Control, Actuator, Norgren Pneumatic systems harness the energy generated by the […]
