Rodless cylinders are used in pneumatic applications requiring a compact installation with a wide range of stroke possibilities. They most often used for automation applications requiring positioning, and can run full stroke to index tooling, or position objects in material handing. A rodless cylinder has a piston activated from either side with compressed air. The […]
Actuators
New twist on pneumatic muscles
Ken Korane • Contributing Editor Researchers are taking advantage of light, yet powerful pneumatics to improve life for pediatric patients. The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), a network of researchers, educators, students and industry experts, is helping advance hydraulic and pneumatic technology and developing fluid-power systems that are smaller, lighter and better-performing […]
Pneumatic system guidelines for success
Pat Phillips • Product Manager • Fluid Power & Mechanical Products • AutomationDirect Following these design rules will ensure a successful machine automation application. Pneumatic cylinders are a popular way to clamp, position and transfer parts in automated equipment. They also offer one of the simplest ways to achieve mechanical motion and fixturing of parts […]
Surgical assist robot goes pneumatic
Surgical precision saw a major technological boost in the early 1980s when robots began accompanying doctors in the OR. In recent years, minimally invasive operations have been gaining popularity over traditional surgery because of faster post-operative recovery and less scarring. Many of these endoscope-based surgical operations present unique risks, such as camera shake or communication […]
Pneumatic actuators ensure ballast function in emergencies
Depending on the weight and distribution of the load in the hull, ballast tank systems either flood or empty the distributed tanks. This “trimming” generates counterweights on demand, keeping the ship stable on water. The special challenge: “The system has to continue functioning even in the event of power failure and if the valves are […]
Close to the actuator: energy-efficient pneumatic design
Technical designers always try to position pneumatic valves as close to actuators as possible, because shorter tubing lengths reduce the required compressed air by up to 20 percent. However, common valves are usually too large and heavy for handling applications. With AVENTICS’ new generation of extremely compact and lightweight Advanced Valve AV valve systems, engineers […]
Safe and easy braking with pneumatic actuators and valves
Slowing and stopping a towed vehicle can be tricky. To simplify this, SMI Brake, Newburg, Ind., turned to Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Cincinnati, and Isaacs Fluid Power, Indianapolis, to provide solutions for braking a towed vehicle. Pneumatics was chosen over solenoids because of its compact size, efficiency, consistency and long term reliability. SMI offers three solutions […]
PHD releases 2 OEM-targeted drop-in replacement actuators
PHD, Inc. revolutionized pneumatic actuators with the innovative Tom Thumb® Cylinder over 55 years ago. Today, PHD is setting the standard in industrial automation actuators with Optimax®, a product line that broadens PHD’s range of product offerings and provides machine builders and end users with more choices. Built on the foundation of long-life products for […]
Efficient, versatile MHRQ Series of rotary actuators
Bimba Manufacturing Company, a provider of pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric solutions, and its subsidiary Mead Fluid Dynamics (MFD), an innovative manufacturer of pneumatic components, added extruded pneumatic rotary actuators to its full line of rotary actuators. The new MHRQ double-rack, rack & pinion series includes a robust, clean and compact extruded aluminum body for maximum […]
Fabco-Air releases vane style rotary actuator line
Fabco-Air, Inc. announced the launch of the FRB Series Rotary Actuators. The FRB Series is a Vane Style Rotary Actuator. This product was designed to offer actuator rotation in the tightest of spaces. The ultra compact, Pancake design is available in 4 different models (10, 15, 20, and 30 mm). Standard rotation angles are 90°, […]