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 […]
Actuators
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 […]
Festo introduces NFPA-compliant DSNB Actuator
Festo introduces the rugged, versatile, and economical DSNB actuator for NFPA mounting applications. The DSNB is ideal for sorting, stacking, insertion, loading, lifting, dispensing, clamping, and gate applications on converting machines. Customers can order the DSNB in 7 bore sizes, 11 variations, and 15 different NFPA mounting configurations, offering maximum flexibility and the advantage of […]
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 […]
How do pneumatic rodless cylinders/slides work?
Contributed by Vicki Burt In a rodless air cylinder — also called a rodless slide — motion is transmitted through the body length by an internal piston moving with the cylinder, driven by compressed air. The piston is attached to a shuttle or carriage, which supports the load and moves it in a linear direction […]
How can you achieve cylinder flow reduction?
Looking for ways to further reduce your compressed air demand? Consider investigating air cylinder actuation. Often times, air cylinders in production machinery only require significant force during a single power stroke, but still use full line pressure to return the cylinder to resting position. Let’s compare the air consumption for double acting versus a spring […]
Compact cylinder reduces downtime, maintenance for building materials manufacturer
A national building materials manufacturing company was needing to replace cylinders on a shingle palletizing machine three times per year. To make sure the shingles are straight and lined up, the side-pusher cylinders are activated as a set of shingles is added to a pallet. These cylinders had a male thread rod end that would […]
Pneumatics: the go-to for food and beverage processing
IoT-enabled pneumatic technologies ensure clean and reliable food and beverage design. Contributed by Amit Patel, Product Marketing Manager, Food & Beverage, Emerson Pneumatics has always been a go-to technology in food and beverage applications, and for good reason. Pneumatics technology is clean and reliable, and it’s safe and easy to maintain. It also has design […]
Pneumatic cylinders that talk back
Air cylinders and actuators are renowned for simplicity, economy and long-time durability in countless motion-control applications. The devices typically provide basic linear motion and perform faultlessly and unnoticed for years. Increasingly, however, many newer equipment designs and automation systems demand a lot of data — even from components like air cylinders — to operate precisely […]
