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AutomationDirect

Rodless cylinder solutions for compact pneumatic linear motion

December 18, 2020 By Mary Gannon 1 Comment

Figure 2: This glue station application depicts how a traditional rodded cylinder (at left) creates a large overhang and requires a mechanical slide, while a rodless cylinder (at right) accomplishes the motion in a small footprint with no additional mechanism.

Designers requiring linear motion should consider rodless cylinders to realize compact packaging and other benefits for pneumatic actuation, without the cost of electrically-driven options. Contributed by Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect Machine and equipment automation projects — whether performed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), a systems integrator (SI), or the capital projects group at […]

Filed Under: Cylinders, Equipment, Featured Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Rodless air cylinders for small or tight applications

January 16, 2020 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

Automation Direct nitra rodless air cylinders 5x7

NITRA L-series rodless air cylinders from AutomationDirect offer a robust design in a compact package. Rodless cylinders can offer the same stroke as rodded cylinders in a smaller space. Rodless cylinders have the piston connected to a carriage that rides outside the extruded cylinder wall, reducing overall length, making them ideal for small or tight […]

Filed Under: Cylinders, Equipment Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Getting a grip with pneumatic grippers

October 22, 2019 By Mary Gannon 1 Comment

Figure 1. Pneumatic grippers are usually the end effector and must be coordinated with the motion systems on which they are mounted. Image courtesy of AutomationDirect

Pneumatic grippers are a common and useful way for machines to handle product and other items, but they must be properly selected to match the payload. Pat Phillips, PE, Product Manager for AutomationDirect, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Div. Prior to the industrial revolution, grippers used in manufacturing were human hands and simple implements. Automation […]

Filed Under: Equipment, Grippers Tagged With: AutomationDirect

NITRA pneumatic coalescing air filters for mist and vapor filtration

October 18, 2019 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

automationdirect nitra coalescing air filters

The NITRA pneumatic AC series of coalescing air filters from AutomationDirect allows finer removal of moisture, vapor and oil mist from compressed air applications to provide optimal performance for pneumatic systems and components. NITRA coalescing filters are available in a range of port sizes from 1/8 to 1/2 in. FNPT; replaceable 0.3-micron filter elements are […]

Filed Under: Air Preparation Tagged With: AutomationDirect

“Pneumatics: A Practical Guide” ebook available for free download

August 20, 2019 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

AutomationDirect Pneumatics Practical Guide

AutomationDirect has released a new guide in eBook format entitled “Pneumatics: A Practical Guide” which discusses a wide range of pneumatics topics including circuit symbols, component capability, integrating pneumatics with controls and improving pneumatic efficiency. This updated eBook is intended for users who want to broaden their knowledge of pneumatic components, circuits and systems. Specific […]

Filed Under: Industry News Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Pneumatic actuator control options

June 13, 2019 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

More-complex machinery often requires position switches to interlock functions and provide alarming and indication capabilities. Image courtesy of iStockphoto.com

Pneumatic actuators are essential workhorses for machine and equipment motion. Here are some pointers about different styles for control and monitoring. Contributed by Pat Phillips, Product Manager, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Division, AutomationDirect Pneumatic actuators are commonly used in countless types of equipment and machinery because they provide a simple, cost-effective and durable way […]

Filed Under: Actuators, Equipment, Featured, Positioning sensors Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Nitra miniature solenoid valves and manifolds for low-flow needs

January 31, 2019 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

AutomationDirect miniature solenoid valves.jpg

NITRA GVP series pneumatic miniature solenoid valves from AutomationDirect are an excellent choice for many automation applications with low flow requirements. These two- and three-port valves are typically used for on/off flow control or with single-acting cylinders. Starting at $26.00, GVP series 12 or 24 Vdc solenoid valves are available in 10 and 15mm valve […]

Filed Under: Equipment, Valves Tagged With: AutomationDirect

What type of of air prep is required for plant compressed air?

October 19, 2018 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

This NITRA air prep unit provides filtering, regulating and sometimes lubricating (FRL) of compressed air at the machine level.

Here are some best practices to supply safe, clean and dry air to a machine or piece of equipment. Contributed by Pat Phillips, Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect Plant-supplied compressed air often travels a long and varying path from the air compressor to where it is connected to a machine or piece […]

Filed Under: Air Preparation, Featured Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Pneumatic pushbutton and selector switch pilot devices from AutomationDirect

June 26, 2018 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

AutomationDirect-Pneumatic-Pushbutton-and-switches-for-valves

AutomationDirect’s NITRA brand of pneumatic products now includes new 22-mm pushbutton and switch pilot devices intended for use with pneumatic valve bodies. These pneumatic pushbuttons can also combine valve bodies and electrical contact blocks. ECP series 22 mm pneumatic pushbuttons and switches are used with EVP series valve bodies to create manual valve assemblies, or […]

Filed Under: Equipment, Valves Tagged With: AutomationDirect

Innovative pneumatics are realized in subsystem design

June 22, 2018 By Mary Gannon Leave a Comment

AutomationDirect pneumatic_washdown unique design

Innovation in pneumatics is often found in the way components are put together to create subsystems, instead of within the components. Contributed by Pat Phillips, PE, Product Manager for AutomationDirect, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Div.   Pneumatics have been used in industrial machines and manufacturing plants and facilities for decades, so most of the […]

Filed Under: Air Preparation, Engineering Basics, Equipment, Featured, Valves Tagged With: AutomationDirect

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