By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor It would be easy to assume all cylinders fail in the same fashion — that hydraulic cylinders bypass and air cylinders experience bent rods. However, it’s a false assumption because the nature of their operation and intended application differ. Sure, a hydraulic cylinder can bypass but not as easily as […]
Actuators
Festo introduces Pneumatic Essentials for easy-order/fast-shipping
Festo launches the Pneumatic Essentials program, an ambitious global undertaking to streamline ordering, ensure fast delivery of guaranteed in-stock pneumatic components, and produce more compact parts for today’s smaller footprint, energy efficient machines. In addition to competitive prices, guaranteed availability, short delivery time, and innovative design, customers are assured of world-renowned Festo quality components that […]
Festo introduces online 3D CAD Configurator for actuators and accessories
Festo continues to enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to lower engineering and purchasing overhead and bring machines to market faster with the company’s new online 3D CAD Configurator for pneumatic actuators and associated accessories such as fittings, lengths of tubing, and sensors. The tool is intuitive and easy to use. Once the actuator is selected […]
Wearable pneumatic actuators that assist human motion derive air from walking
Mechanical engineers at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering built a pneumatic arm-like device that can grasp and carry small objects using a textile-based energy harvesting system. This lightweight robotic limb is intended to assist individuals with limited mobility and is tough enough for everyday use. The pneumatic “arm” consists of heat-sealable fabrics stacked together […]
How do air motors work?
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 […]
Emerson to showcase powerful automation solutions at Pack Expo 2022
Emerson will present new solutions that drive operational excellence in packaging and food and beverage processing applications at Pack Expo International 2022 on October 23-26 in Chicago. Today’s packaging lines must accommodate an unprecedented level of product variety and packaging complexities, but there are powerful automation capabilities that can significantly improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability […]
What are pneumatic actuators?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pneumatic actuators take advantage of compressed air to provide your machine with quick and powerful actuation of nearly infinite possible functions. Pneumatic actuators may take the form of cylinders, motors, slides, grippers and rotary actuators, each of which receives pressurized and compressed air to create linear or rotational force. The […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
