An automotive plant was having trouble with a finishing tool. The device was sluggish and would easily stall. It had no power. It even sounded weak. It didn’t have that nice “Vrrip, vrrip!” sound like a normal air tool. A compressed air auditor was called in the investigate. The auditor took one look and frowned. […]
Equipment
VMAC puts the “Air” in Lincoln Electric’s Air Vantage for 20 years
Lincoln Electric’s Air Vantage system is a critical piece of equipment for many operators in tough terrain, offering a welder, generator and air compressor. But the Air Vantage wouldn’t exist without VMAC, a mobile air manufacturer that provides compact yet powerful air compressor technology. “Lincoln Electric and VMAC have successfully worked together for the past […]
How do you control pressure in a pneumatic circuit?
Pressure regulators, as the name indicates, control the pressure in a pneumatic circuit. Setting and maintaining pressure in a system is important for safety and energy efficiency of individual actuators, tools and instruments as well as for the complete circuit. A typical manufacturing facility has plant air pressure from the compressor set to around 110 […]
Where are single-acting pneumatic cylinders used?
By Frances Richards, contributor Pneumatic cylinders are a clean and cost-effective option for achieving reliable linear motion in many industrial environments. Because they are lighter weight and lower maintenance than their hydraulic and electric counterparts, they are an excellent choice in applications from factory automation and transportation to packaging and life sciences. Two main styles […]
A look at air compressor capacity control problems
If an air compressor ran uncontrolled at full load all the time during periods of light load, the system pressure would rise until something popped. Manufacturers have built-in ways to prevent overpressure, the simplest of which is start/stop and load/unload control, using pressure switches. But for large fixed-speed screw type air compressors, there are two […]
Emerson to showcase smart pneumatics at PackExpo
Exhibiting in booth #SL 6307, Emerson will present the new integration of AVENTICS series 652/653 air preparation units with AF2 flow sensors. The combined solution enables more efficient air consumption and versatility for packaging lines. The expanded capabilities of the newly combined solution provide a clearer picture of air consumption in pneumatic systems and deliver valuable […]
New drive series for compressors and fans
Siemens has announced the availability of a new enclosed drive system, the SINAMICS G120XE, designed specifically for demanding compressor, fan and industrial pump applications operating in rugged conditions. Built around the popular SINAMICS G120X infrastructure drive, this new enclosed system is suited for fast design and commissioning in industries such as oil-and-gas, mining, petrochemical, refrigeration […]
How do you mount/install a compact pneumatic cylinder?
By Vicki Burt, Contributor One of the benefits in choosing a compact cylinder is getting effective motion in a small footprint. These short-stroke, low-profile, air cylinders are designed to fit into tight spaces and are available in a variety of mounting options. Pancake cylinders are a trademarked line of compact air cylinders from Fabco-Air Inc. […]
Achieve a greener packaging line with pneumatics technologies
By integrating pneumatics technologies, consumer packaged goods companies can reduce their carbon — and equipment — footprint. Contributed by Mark Densley, Director Business Development Factory Automation, Emerson Customer demand, as well as a sense of environmental responsibility, is driving consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. While many companies seek ways to make […]
Pneumatic double valves for external monitoring
The M35 series valve from Ross Controls is designed to supply air to a zone or entire machine/system until signaled to shut off and exhaust residual downstream pneumatic energy from the machine. This reduces the hazards associated with the presence of residual energy during employee access and/or minor servicing. The safety function of the M35 […]
