Thereβs a growing interest inΒ nontraditional pneumatic end effectors that offerΒ flexibility and a deft touch. ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ grippers have been used for decades to pick up, carry and place everything from tiny electronic components to sizeable objects like engine blocks and lumber. Most have rigid fingers or jaws, usually made of steel or aluminum. Such devices work […]
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Aventics participates in Future Day and Girls Day events
This spring, Aventics will again sponsor several campaigns aimed at getting young people interested in technology. By participating in βGirls Dayβ and βFuture Day,β the pneumatics specialist hopes to draw the interest of children and youth in compressed air as a technology. On April 12, 2018, Aventics welcomed ten participants to its Girls Day in […]
Is it worth buying dew point control for an air dryer?
Dew point controls on desiccant dryers should definitely be considered.Β If not controlled, the purge air circuit on a desiccant dryer will consume constant flow even through it might not be required.Β This represents a significant area of waste in your compressed air system, but something can be improved with a retrofit. Purge air is […]
Festo to triple its Mason, Ohio manufacturing center with $90 million investment
Growth continues for Festo Corp.’s North American manufacturing operations, as it announced, along with the City of Mason, Ohio, that it willΒ expand its existing state-of-the-art Regional Service and Manufacturing Center in Mason by approximately 350,000 square feet. This will nearly triple the companyβs capacity in logistics, production and industrial training solutions offered through its […]
What are common locations of pressure loss in compressed air systems?
A small fiberglass manufacturer had a problem.Β Their tools were not performing adequately; they would stall when production workers tried to really work them, reducing production throughput.Β A compressed air auditor was called in to investigate, he found that the air compressors were running at 140 psi, as high as they could go, but the […]
Advanced vacuum pump technologies from Leybold are clean, quiet and sustainable
Today, innovations for vacuum-based applications in laboratories,Β analytics and research and development are the drivers for a healthier and safer life.Β Modern vacuum technology mustΒ therefore offer cleanliness, low noise and sustainability in daily operation. With a vacuum portfolio developed inΒ line with this requirement profile, Leybold presents its innovations at the leading AnalyticaΒ trade fair from April10 to 13 […]
How automated air control valves can replace VFDs
Air knife systems controlled by automated valves offer significant benefits over complex and costly VFD motor controls. By Dan VanderPyl, President, Sonic Air Systems Variable frequency drives for electric motors have become a welcome addition to a wide variety of machinery for a long list of 21st century applications, but they are no longer the […]
How important is pressure to my compressed air efficiency?
By Ron Marshall The pressure at which you operate your system has a significant effect on the energy efficiency of your air compressors, and Β can affect the air consumption of the compressed air powered tools and equipment in the plant. Running at higher pressure than desired causes higher system flow and more power consumption, increasing […]
Why are my compressed air lines freezing?
The water vapor contained compressed air will condense out if the temperature of the air in plant piping falls below the compressed air dew point. If the pipes are below the freezing point of water, such as in an outdoor installation in winter, then ice forms. The ice will build up and block the flow […]
Trampoline generates compressed air for dental use
A group of engineering students at Seoul National University has developed a trampoline designed to produce compressed air and power high-speed dental tools. According to university officials, the set-up would help dentists in developing countries, where reliable power sources may be lacking. A team led by Kim Jae-in, a student in the Mechanical Aviation Engineering […]
