AutomationDirectβs line of NITRA pneumatic parts now includes a wide range of pneumatic precision regulators designed for applications such as control and analysis instrumentation, medical equipment actuation, web tensioning, high-grade paint booths and drink process machines. NITRA BR and BFR Series Regulators are designed for use in systems that require clean, accurate instrument air. Starting […]
AeroValve changes name to Nexmatix LLC to reflect a focus on total pneumatic efficiency
AeroValve LLC, a technology company focused energy-savingΒ directional control valves, announced that it has changed its name to Nexmatix LLC. TheΒ name change reflects the companyβs expanded capability to deliver a broader value propositionΒ to customers using pneumatic systems to manufacture. The new name, Nexmatix, is indicative of the next generation of pneumaticsβenergy efficientΒ and smart. The company launched […]
Hump Day Hydraulics: What about vacuum?
In this Hump Day Hydraulics (err, we mean Hump Day ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟs!) video, Josh Cosford and Paul Heney discuss vacuumsβthe perceived effect in which air seems to pull towards the object creating the vacuum. As Cosford says, pressure likes to equalize, so ambient air pressure tries to move in to fill the space created by the […]
ControlAir volume boosters achieve Safety Integrity Level (SIL 3) certification
ControlAir Inc. announces that its Type-6500 Aluminum and Type-6600 Stainless Steel Large Flow Capacity Volume Boosters were awarded a Certificate of Compliance to IEC 61508 for a SIL 3 safety rating. SIL is an industry measure of safety system performance and reliability, and is used as part of the Functional Safety Standard IEC 61508 to […]
Ultrasonic tool βhearsβ compressed air problems before they lead to breakdowns
Compressed air leaks, natural gas and propane leaks, vacuum leaks, refrigerant leaks and parts deterioration greatly concern industrial technicians because they can lead to production slowdown, expensive repairs and possible contamination to the environment. Spectronics Corp. manufactures a specialty tool to detect these defects before they become out-of-hand. Spectroline MDE-2000NC MarksmanII is an ultrasonic diagnostic […]
ASCO opens its annual Industrial Automation Engineering Scholarship program
Now in its ninth year, ASCO has begun accepting applications for its 2016 Industrial Automation Engineering Scholarship program. The deadline for application is April 3. ASCO will award two $5,000 scholarships to U.S. engineering students, provide $1,000 grants to their collegeβs engineering departments, and host the students at βThe Amazing Packaging Raceβ at PACK EXPO […]
The changing role of fluid power distributors
In the past, traditional distribution was simply that as a provider of a transactionβbuying and reselling components. But in recent years, distributors have become an extension of an OEMβs engineering department, said Bill Tulloch, executiveΒ VP of Flodraulic Group. βWhat they need help with are solutions,β he said. βParticularly what weβre seeing in the industrial OEM […]
What are air brakes and clutches?
Air brakes serve as the main brake to provide parking and E-stop braking functions in a variety of applications, including draglines, grinding mills and shovels in mining, drawworks for drilling rigs, and marine winches. They provide the quick actuation and stopping times that are necessary in emergency situations or to stop large industrial machines for […]
Lifting the ergonomic way with vacuum
ByΒ Josef Karbassi, VP Automation Div., Piab Apart from being backbreaking work, lifting heavy objects can very easily end in disaster. The laws of physics will tell you that the gravitational potential energy gained by lifting can convert to kinetic energyβthat means ending in an almighty crash, buckling metal or shattering glass, and potentially injuring anyone […]
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. ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟs was chosen over solenoids because of its compact size, efficiency, consistency and long term reliability. SMI offers three solutions […]
