Canfield Connector announces the release of its new 8A series reed and electronic sensors, engineered to deliver reliable cylinder sensing performance while improving durability and reducing overall cost for OEMs and system designers. Built on the proven performance of Canfield Connectorβs widely used 8000 series, the 8A series introduces a fully molded, encapsulated housing that […]
Components
Is your compressed air system out of tune?
By Ron Marshall Remember when your compressed air system was new? The compressors and dryers were shiny, the installation was perfect, and everything was finely tuned for optimal performance. But time takes its toll. Components wear out, sensors fail, and well-meaning adjustments can knock the entire system out of harmony, quietly costing you a fortune […]
How this steel plant saved thousands on compressed air
By Ron Marshall The steel plant had been running its compressors at 120 psi for as long as anyone could remember. The air system was powerful and reliable, or so it seemed. But when energy costs started climbing, management called in a compressed air auditor to see if there were hidden savings. When the auditor […]
Maintaining peak compressed air efficiency
By Ron Marshall When Lisa first took over as plant engineer at a food processing facility, she inherited a compressed air system that seemed to run well enough β or so everyone thought. The compressors were tucked away in a room at the far end of the plant, and as long as production lines kept […]
12 common compressed air misconceptions
When it comes to compressed air efficiency, misunderstandings are everywhere. Many plants operate under assumptions that lead to wasted energy, higher costs, and reduced reliability. Correcting these misconceptions can improve both performance and the bottom line. Here are some of the most common myths β and the reality behind them. Compressed air is free once […]
Spartan Scientific debuts 1090 and 1590 stackable solenoid valves
Spartan Scientific has released its Series 1090 and Series 1590 stackable solenoid valve platforms for compressed-air control in compact electro-pneumatic systems. Both series are intended for OEMs and system integrators where space constraints are a factor. The Series 1090 is a 10 mm-wide stackable valve rated for low-power switching and up to 50 million cycles […]
AI-powered pneumatic cylinder monitoring cuts machine downtime
Festoβs AI-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance system AX Motion Insights ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ is a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for preventing unscheduled machine downtime by monitoring pneumatic cylinders for wear and anomalies. This AI-based industrial app ensures operations are more reliable, efficient, and ultimately more profitable. The system uses AI to detect anomalies in the behavior of pneumatic […]
State feedback pinch valve provides real-time verification for smarter, safer automation
Clippard has released its new State Feedback Pinch Valve, providing precise, real-time valve status information for enhanced automation, improved diagnostics, and smarter process control. This plug-and-play design verifies valve position both electronically and visually, providing a direct feedback signal that mirrors valve operation and turning a standard pinch valve into a data-ready control component. Using […]
A designerβs guide to pneumatic valves
Directional control valves are the traffic police of pneumatic systems, charged with diverting, directing, and reversing airflow to manage the operation of actuators. A fluid power designer must first understand valve functions, flow rates (and the resulting sizes), and the construction materials best suited to their application before sending out requests for quotes. This designerβs […]
Compressed air efficiency: The showdown at 86 psi
By Ron Marshall It all started on a Tuesday morning. Dave, a seasoned mechanic, walked onto the shop floor and felt something was off. The familiar din of the pneumatic machines sounded β¦ weaker. He glanced at the main compressor gauge. 86 psi. For years, it had been humming along between 90 and 100. He […]
