The ERDP Remote Drive is a closed-loop system that captures energy and enables more efficient designs. Air leakage is an accepted challenge in pneumatics applications. It is considered unintentional and requires maintenance and continuous monitoring. However, pneumatic systems are also designed for frequent intentional air releases as part of regular operation, which exhausts usable energy […]
Actuators
Which pneumatic technology is best for linear motion applications?
In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]
Where are air springs and actuators used in industrial systems?
When we delve into the realm of linear actuators used in industrial fluid power, our minds often gravitate towards the familiar, such as NFPA and mill-type for hydraulics, or compact round-line or extruded-aluminum body cylinders for pneumatics. These are the tried and tested construction styles. However, a lesser-known yet highly innovative player in this field […]
Emerson to showcase Floor to Cloud solutions at Pack Expo 2023
Emerson will exhibit its Floor to Cloud packaging solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas, September 11-13, 2023. As the future of automation, Floor to Cloud solutions empower smarter packaging lines and more efficient processes that make it possible for manufacturers to continuously improve plant productivity, sustainability, and safety. Visitors to South Lower Hall, Booth 6107, […]
Why do pneumatic cylinders fail?
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 […]
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 […]
