AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics now includes new Total Air Prep (TAP) units and NITRA Ethernet/IP protocol compact modular valve (CMV series) modules. Both TAP units contain an automatic drain air filter with clogged filter indicator, relieving regulator, lockable shut-off valve, pressure gauge and air dump. Electric models also have an adjustable electric soft start […]
Featured
Servopneumatics embraces Cinema 4.0
Experiencing films with all the senses is what cinema audiences can expect in one of the worldβs 18,000 MediaMation cinema seats. With this concept, the whole body senses the movie, thanks to movements controlled by Festoβs servopneumatics and VTEM motion terminals. In essence, this provides a unique way of combining the digital world with pneumatics. […]
Compressed air delivery via modular interfaces allows thousands of mating cycles
HARTING, Espelkamp, Germany, has announced the development ofΒ a new compressed air module at Hannover Messe, which is designed to meet the increased demands on interfaces for flexible production processes β the Han ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ Module Metal. It employs robust, durable high mating cycles contacts made of metal that can be plugged and unplugged at least 10,000 […]
Predictive maintenance at the forefront at Hannover
Moving beyond simple preventive maintenance for fluid-power systems, more than a dozen companies are looking to the future in a special Predictive Maintenance 4.0 exhibit at the Hannover Fair. The goal is not only to monitor the condition of machines and note anomalies, but also to use analytics and cloud-based systems to determine the remaining […]
Saving air with a pulsating flow
We’ve written quite a bit lately about Parker Hannifin’s air saver unit (ASU), which decreases compressed air waste and can increase productivity. Through manual adjustment, ASUs can save energy by interrupting compressed air flow. These series of impulses are said to be mechanically more advantageous because the ASU can recover during the βoffβ period of […]
Festo North America relocating headquarters offices this summer
Festo, aΒ manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation, will move its corporate office from 395 Moreland Rd., Hauppauge, N.Y., to a newer state-of-the-art facility at 1377 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge. The targeted move-in date is July/August 2017. The new office will be approximately 53,000 square feet in size […]
Air actuators isolate disruptive vibrations
Even in harsh conditions involving a lot of dust and permanent vibrations, air actuators from ContiTech continue to work reliably, especially in construction machinery. βWith these properties, they offer added value compared with steel spring bearings or hydraulic cylinders, as disruptive vibrations are largely minimized,β said Douglas Duesing, sales manager of industry and off-highway air […]
Making technical education more local
Talk to many component manufacturers and youβll hear the phrase βlocal for local,β meaning that theyβre strategically placing facilities near their customers. So, instead of one manufacturing plant in China, they may have one in China, one in the U.S., one in Brazil and one in the Czech Republic. Now, the University of Florida is […]
Hyperloop is coming to Conexpo/IFPE
Much of the mobile equipment on display at Conexpo/IFPE, and their underlying fluid-power systems, revolve around building and maintaining things like housing, roads and bridges. But an unusualβsome call it outlandishβ infrastructure project thatβs under development is Hyperloop. This novel passenger transportation system will be the focus of several Tech Talks at the Tech Experience […]
Vacuum tooling system offers secure global grip in automation
Highly versatile and cost-effective, Piab’s Modular Automation Tooling system PMAT is available across the globe, helping manufacturers to realize secure, flexible and adjustable vacuum gripper/fixture tools for their assembly lines. Machined from high quality anodized aluminum alloy, PMAT is lightweight and easy to assemble on site without welding or special tools. It offers multiple mounting […]
