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 […]
NITRA pneumatic coalescing air filters for mist and vapor filtration
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 […]
“Pneumatics: A Practical Guide” ebook available for free download
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 […]
Pneumatic actuator control options
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 […]
Nitra miniature solenoid valves and manifolds for low-flow needs
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 […]
What type of of air prep is required for plant compressed air?
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 […]
Pneumatic pushbutton and selector switch pilot devices from AutomationDirect
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 […]
Innovative pneumatics are realized in subsystem 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 […]
Pneumatic actuators and grippers
AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics includes rotary actuators and pneumatic object grippers. NITRA rotary actuators are available in four body sizes with or without shock absorbers. All are double acting and have an adjustable travel range from zero to 190°. Anodized aluminum bodies include integral mounting slots for position switches and a durable ball-bearing hub, […]
Pneumatic design 101: Go with the flow
The benefits of pneumatic power can be realized by following some basic pneumatic design rules for specifying air preparation units, actuators and valves. Contributed by Chip McDaniel, Educational Specialist at AutomationDirect Compressed air use by industrial machines is a close second to the use of electricity in terms of cost, and well ahead of other […]
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