Smart technologies, from software-defined machines to digital integration, allow manufacturers to easily maintain machines and predict critical failures and faults before they cause downtime. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The packaging industry operates in a world where ultra-high-speed machinery reigns, manufacturers accept razor-thin margins, and versatility is required as products change frequently. From high-speed form-fill-seal machines […]
Valves
Type 625 volume booster provides faster response and stable valve control
ControlAir LLC has released its type 625 volume booster, a compact pneumatic relay designed to improve the speed and performance of pneumatic control valve actuators. These pressure regulation devices use pilot pressure rather than a spring or adjustment thread to provide force balance when opening the supply valve. Installed between a valve positioner and pneumatic […]
Festo extends fieldbus connectivity into hazardous locations
In Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations, pneumatic actuators have typically been controlled from cabinets located in safe areas. Long wiring runs can increase installation and commissioning time, make maintenance and troubleshooting more difficult, and limit future system expansion. Festo’s VTUG-EX valve terminal provides fieldbus connectivity for use in Class I, Division 2 areas. Ethernet-based […]
Festo VTOC valve terminal enhances valve control in semiconductor fabrication
As semiconductor gas box designs incorporate more process lines and control points, the number of pilot valves required to manage critical gases increases. Typical valve terminals with limited capacity force OEMs to use multiple units, increasing panel space, wiring complexity, build time, and system cost. Festo offers the VTOC valve terminal designed for high-density semiconductor […]
Directional control solenoid valves and manifolds for automated systems
AutomationDirect has added Mindman MVSC and MVSC1 directional control solenoid valves and manifolds which provide reliable, high performance air control for a wide range of automated systems. The MVDC stackable solenoid valve series builds on that capability with a modular design that keeps installations clean and scalable, making it easy to create efficient multi station […]
Festo introduces intelligent end plates for remote I/O system expansion
OEM machine platforms evolve as additional zones, modules, or downstream cells are integrated into the original control design. When remote I/O extends beyond its initial boundary, added gateways, new Ethernet addresses, and separate power distribution increase wiring complexity and commissioning effort. To simplify scalable machine architecture, Festo introduces intelligent end plates for the CPX-AP-A remote […]
Spartan Scientific debuts 1090 and 1590 stackable solenoid valves
Spartan Scientific has released its Series 1090 and Series 1590 stackable solenoid valve platforms for compressed-air control in compact electro-pneumatic systems. Both series are intended for OEMs and system integrators where space constraints are a factor. The Series 1090 is a 10 mm-wide stackable valve rated for low-power switching and up to 50 million cycles […]
State feedback pinch valve provides real-time verification for smarter, safer automation
Clippard has released its new State Feedback Pinch Valve, providing precise, real-time valve status information for enhanced automation, improved diagnostics, and smarter process control. This plug-and-play design verifies valve position both electronically and visually, providing a direct feedback signal that mirrors valve operation and turning a standard pinch valve into a data-ready control component. Using […]
A designer’s guide to pneumatic valves
Directional control valves are the traffic police of pneumatic systems, charged with diverting, directing, and reversing airflow to manage the operation of actuators. A fluid power designer must first understand valve functions, flow rates (and the resulting sizes), and the construction materials best suited to their application before sending out requests for quotes. This designer’s […]
Compact booster valve for high-flow applications
Clippard released its new PHV series booster valve, delivering high-flow performance in a compact, pressure-piloted design. Engineered for manifold mounting, the PHV series achieves output flows up to 400 lpm at 100 psig with a lightning-fast 10 msec nominal response time, making it suitable for high-speed automation, large-volume dosing, quick-venting, and other demanding applications. The […]
