Rockwell Automation returns as the title-level sponsor of this yearβs PACK gives BACK event at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2019 (Sept. 23-25, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center), reports PACK EXPO producer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Headlining this yearβs event will be the legendary Steve Miller Band known […]
Vacuum-based soft gripper for handling sensitive, delicate objects
Piab has introduced a new soft gripping tool piSOFTGRIP, developed especially with food industry automation in mind. The vacuum-based soft gripper will grip sensitive and lightweight objects of odd geometries and/or an unusual surface. Bin-picking of small irregularly shaped objects, such as toys, is another potential application. piSOFTGRIP has three gripping fingers and a vacuum […]
Compressed air fail: Condensate disposal
Air compressors and refrigerated air dryers typically produce large amounts of condensate, especially when operating in hot humid conditions. A fully loaded 150-hp compressor at a local manufacturer was producing about 750 cfm of compressed air on a 24 x 7 basis.Β The ambient temperature was 70Β° and relative humidity 50%. At this output the compressor […]
Festo rolls out inch series pancake cylinders
Festo has announced availability and support for the new DPC family of inch series compact βpancakeβ cylinders β high-force short-stroke cylinders designed for tight spaces. Two versions of these long-life cylinders are available β the DPCA for new machines and the DPCB for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) applications with βdrop-inβ compatibility to other manufacturers. […]
New IIoT tool demonstrates potential of digitized pneumatics
Emerson has introduced a new tool to help pneumatic system users quickly and easily see the potential benefits of integrating IIoT. By connecting the new Aventics Smart ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟs Analyzer to the compressed air supply on an existing machine, users will have instant analysis options for key machine characteristics such as compressed air consumption and possible […]
Bimba launches pneumatic gripper system for high force applications
Bimba has announced the expansion of its angular and parallel gripper portfolio by launching the new Bimba ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ Gripper System (BPGS). The BPGS offers a cam activated, high gripping force solution for handling large and heavy objects in the most demanding environments. Key features of the BPGS include: Gripping forces up to 450 lb at […]
Grippers handle spools with ease
Spools (or reels or coils) of wire, cables, and cords constitute a special category of loads that need to be lifted and handled.Β The spools are often heavy, plus the cylindrical shape and the need to rotate when in use creates unique requirements.Β Forklifts are often used for handing, especially for larger spools.Β Problems involve not […]
Festo’s website is completely redesigned
Festo has unveiled its first complete website redesign in more than 10 years β www.festo.us. The companyβs 30,000 products and accompanying engineering tools are now accessible more easily, quickly, and efficiently than ever before. A responsive design seamlessly adapts webpages to the customerβs device β phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. βFesto is world-renowned for its […]
Compressed air fail: Backflow problems
A compressor that had reached near the end of its useful life was retained as a spare compressor. The unit sat on standby but rarely ran, except during maintenance periods. Years ago, a compressed air auditor placed thermal mass flow meters on each of the facilities four compressors. The flow on the standby compressor did […]
Motion Industries names Watwood as group SVP of southeast group
Motion Industries Inc. has named John Watwood as Group SVP of the Companyβs Southeast Group, effective May 1, 2019. A graduate of University of North Alabama (MBA) and University of Alabama at Birmingham, (BS Industrial Distribution/Marketing), Watwood has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. He has worked in various positions with AIT, […]
