In the pneumatic industry, Cv is one standard for expressing the flow capacity of devices used in pneumatic systems. However, there are multiple other standards that also express flow capacity, including effective orifice size and normal liters per minute, as well as measurements of actual flow rates at specific pressure differentials. These methods are not […]
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Vacuum generation for handling technology
Future trends point to mobile, autonomous and energy efficient systems. Contributed by Harald Kuolt, Functional Coordinator Pre-Development, J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany Automated production is the key for marketable products. Automation technology makes it possible to cut process costs, increase output and productivity, and raise qualityβall of which lead to highly efficient production and better, […]
Screw vacuum pump is completely oil-free
The new Varodry dry-compressing screw vacuum pump, made by Leybold, Cologne, Germany, is 100% oil-free. Screw pumps are considered state-of-the-art industrial vacuum pumps, according to company officials, and the Varodry series is well suited for a wide range of manufacturing processes. Thatβs because in industrial settings, pumps not only need to handle clean air, but […]
New digitization solutions from Festo advance Rockwell Automationβs IIoT Initiatives
At Automation Fair 2018 this week, Festo will introduceΒ new solutions that advance Rockwell Automationβs data-driven manufacturing and processing initiatives. See Festo at Automation Fair,Β November 14 and 15, in Booth #411) βThe future of optimum overall equipment effectiveness and energy efficiency will rely on a collaborative maintenance environment and on intelligent devices that deliver real-time […]
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,Β 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 […]
Atlas Copco offers new screw vacuum pumps
As the properties and capabilities of glass evolve, the material isΒ seeing use in increasingly diverse applications. This, in turn,Β is placing greater demands on glass production systems. This includes vacuum technology, which forms a central component in the production and processing of glass products. For example, the evacuation of glass molds, the coating of architectural glass […]
Festo acquires component manufacturer Fabco-Air
Festo announced that it has acquired Fabco-Air, Gainesville, Fla., a manufacturer of pneumatic automation components. The acquisition is the latest in a series of investments to support sales growth in North America. Fabco-Airβs NPT pneumatic cylinders are applied by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on new machinery and systems as well as replacement components in the […]
Festo’s VTEM Motion Terminal simplifies IoT modularity and flexibility
At IMTS this week, Festo showcased its VTEM Motion Terminal and the benefits Industry 4.0 enabled products like this offer to OEMs.Β The VTEM Motion Terminal, which began shipping earlier this year, is a revolutionary cyber-physical system (CPS) that embodies the modularity and insights into industrial data envisioned by Industry 4.0. Ten downloadable apps are immediately […]
Research competition advances soft-robotics designs
The Soft Robotics Toolkit group has announced the winners of the 2018 Soft Robotic Design Competition and the coveted Prize for Research. The annual competition draws hundreds of participants, including researchers, university and high school students, and hobbyists. Participants document the design, fabrication and testing of their submitted soft robotic technology and publish the results […]
Micro solenoid valves from Koganei are “world’s smallest” says the company
Koganei USAβs 005 series micro three-port solenoid valve is the worldβs smallest direct acting valve, say Koganei representatives. The tiny and lightweight valves are perfect for compact devices and equipment used in bio-tech, analytical, and semiconductor manufacturing. Two styles available with either connector or pin types of wiring specifications. They can be mounted in two […]









