By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pneumatic systems are the backbone of modern industrial automation, providing reliable and efficient power for a wide range of applications, from packaging and assembly to heavy material handling. However, the very energy that makes these systems so effective also introduces significant workplace hazards if not managed correctly. Understanding and implementing […]
Components
Directional control solenoid valves and manifolds for automated systems
AutomationDirect has added Mindman MVSC and MVSC1 directional control solenoid valves and manifolds which provide reliable, high performance air control for a wide range of automated systems. The MVDC stackable solenoid valve series builds on that capability with a modular design that keeps installations clean and scalable, making it easy to create efficient multi station […]
Festo introduces intelligent end plates for remote I/O system expansion
OEM machine platforms evolve as additional zones, modules, or downstream cells are integrated into the original control design. When remote I/O extends beyond its initial boundary, added gateways, new Ethernet addresses, and separate power distribution increase wiring complexity and commissioning effort. To simplify scalable machine architecture, Festo introduces intelligent end plates for the CPX-AP-A remote […]
Compressed air fail: Flow meter surprise
Greg had been the maintenance engineer at the manufacturing plant for nearly 10 years. He knew every pump, conveyor, and compressor in the facility. When something went wrong, people called him. But compressed air had always been a bit of a mystery. The system seemed to run fine. The compressors started, pressure stayed stable, and […]
Lower compressor energy consumption with low-cost machine adjustments
These changes can unlock plant-wide air savings, avoid major capital investment, and improve carbon footprint. By Steve Bain, Industry Segment Manager, Food and Packaging, Festo Compressed air is one of manufacturing’s largest energy expenses, and most plants run it far above what their machines actually require. By tuning machines that use excess compressed air rather than […]
New type 750V & 7500V vacuum regulators for above and below atmospheric pressure
ControlAir LLC announced the release of the Type 750V and Type 7500V vacuum regulators, engineered to deliver stable, accurate pressure control in systems requiring both vacuum and positive pressure regulation. Both regulators incorporate a fixed –15 psig bias spring to maintain vacuum outputs up to 29-in. Hg, combined with an adjustable opposing range spring that […]
Canfield Connector introduces 8A series cylinder sensors for reliability and efficiency
Canfield Connector announces the release of its new 8A series reed and electronic sensors, engineered to deliver reliable cylinder sensing performance while improving durability and reducing overall cost for OEMs and system designers. Built on the proven performance of Canfield Connector’s widely used 8000 series, the 8A series introduces a fully molded, encapsulated housing that […]
Is your compressed air system out of tune?
By Ron Marshall Remember when your compressed air system was new? The compressors and dryers were shiny, the installation was perfect, and everything was finely tuned for optimal performance. But time takes its toll. Components wear out, sensors fail, and well-meaning adjustments can knock the entire system out of harmony, quietly costing you a fortune […]
How this steel plant saved thousands on compressed air
By Ron Marshall The steel plant had been running its compressors at 120 psi for as long as anyone could remember. The air system was powerful and reliable, or so it seemed. But when energy costs started climbing, management called in a compressed air auditor to see if there were hidden savings. When the auditor […]
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 […]
