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 […]
Tubing
Modular aluminum compressed air distribution for sustainable, reusable designs
Designing a well-structured compressed air distribution network is essential to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term adaptability within a factory. TESEO knows this well: it was the first company in the world to invent and launch modular aluminum piping systems for the distribution of compressed air and pressurized technical fluids (such as argon, nitrogen, carbon […]
Simple design changes can reduce packaging machine air consumption
Total savings over the lifecycle of the packaging machine can surpass 30%, outweighing the incremental cost of enabling components. By Steve Bain, Industry Segment Manager, Food and Packaging, Festo Original equipment manufacturers reduce packaging machine air consumption by more than 30% while increasing the speed of their packaging machines by designing those machines with valve terminals […]
Using compressed air hoses safely
Compressed air is often disregarded as a common utility in factories, but risks are high with pressurized air running through pneumatic hoses. Learn how to use these tools safely. Contributed by Mindy Schoeff, Marketing Communications Manager and Ron Hibbler, Applications Manager, Proportion-Air Compressed air is nearly ubiquitous in factories. It’s part of the power behind everything […]
Festo develops innovative aluminum pneumatic tubing for welding cells
Festo’s PM aluminum pneumatic tubing offers a weld-spatter resistant solution in welding cells that by every consideration outperforms both laminated and steel pneumatic tubing. Festo PM tubing is ideal for new welding cells as well as for cost-and-time efficient retrofit solutions for existing systems. PM aluminum tubing can be located closer to the welding process […]
Condition monitoring for compressed air piping
The Transair business unit of Parker Hannifin has announced the next evolution in compressed air piping with its new Condition Monitoring Technology, which lets end-users track the status of their compressed air piping systems. The setup uses sophisticated wireless sensors to monitor a compressed air piping network, alert users to system changes, and provide critical […]
Safe pneumatic system design
Consider the following safety and design choices for control of pneumatic systems in automated equipment. By Pat Phillips • Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect A safe pneumatic system design starts at the connection to a machine’s air preparation hardware and continues to correctly pairing valves with cylinders. This article reviews the […]
Where do you use pneumatic hose and tubing?
THE basic function of pneumatic tubing and hose is to convey pressurized air to actuators, valves, tools and other devices. But there are countless types and sizes of tubing and hose on the market, so engineers should consider a number of important factors to select the right one for a given task. Start with construction. Tubing […]
AutomationDirect offers additional fittings and tubing
AutomationDirect’s NITRA line of pneumatics products now offers additional straight, branch, union, Y, reducer, elbow and bulkhead fittings in 1/8 in. and 5/16 in. tube connection sizes. Designed to work with flexible pneumatic tubing, select fittings are constructed with thermoplastic bodies and stainless steel tube gripping claws. Additional fittings with nickel-plated brass bodies are also […]
NewAge Industries Offers Hose Clamps in Three Styles
Available from plastic tubing manufacturer NewAge Industries are three styles of clamps to secure fittings to tubing. The three styles – double bond, ear type and worm gear – are used in a wide range of industries including food and beverage, chemical, laboratory, medical, OEM, MRO, aerospace and aviation, pool and spa, automotive, appliance, marine […]
