Distributed automation options have been improving for many years. Networked electro-pneumatic solenoid banks give machine builders smart and convenient choices. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect Most automated machines and systems incorporate some number of enclosures and panels for housing controls components. However, these centralized devices typically must interconnect with many more field sensors and […]
Components
Festo launches online KVZA Butterfly-Valve Configurator
The new Festo KVZA Butterfly-Valve Configurator lowers overhead by speeding up and simplifying procurement of manual and automated butterfly valves. In only minutes with the configurator, engineers will have the price, estimated delivery date, data sheet, bill of material, 2D CAD data, 3D CAD models, and certificates of the optimum butterfly valve for the application. […]
Application-specific pneumatic cylinder for cheese making
Festo recently introduced an application-specific pneumatic cylinder for cheese presses that improves consistency and quality in large operations and low-volume artisan cheese making. The stainless-steel outer body of the Festo CRD cylinder represents the latest in sanitary innovation as its unique bell-shaped construction provides best-in-class hygienic design. These cylinders are lubricated with NSF-H1 grease, which […]
Air pickers and air grippers provide precise, secure, gentle handling
Koganei International America Inc.Β has added the Air Picker and Air Gripper (Bridgestone series) components to its selection of high performance pneumatic grippers. These versatile rubber end effectors are designed to handle workpieces securely, gently, and with precision. The air picker and gripper have numerous factory automation and warehouse applications, including picking, transporting, and loading products, […]
Festo adds manual and mechanical pneumatic valves
Festo recently introduced the manually operated VHEF and the mechanically operated VMEF pneumatic valves. These small, durable, and versatile valves are core Festo products and guaranteed to ship within 24 hours. Whether the valve is triggered by a workpiece, a component, or a person, manual and mechanical valves are the most direct way to control […]
High productivity blow-off with less compressed air
The AirFlowSaver from KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany, is an integrated system that reduces compressed air consumption while improving productivity in many industrial applications, including blow-off, drying, degreasing, cleaning, material handling and certain pneumatic control tasks. It works by converting continuous air flows into sharp and powerful pulses that increase output force. Thus, it cuts air […]
How to improve compressed air systems
Here are some tips to reduce losses, right-size components and streamline circuits, all of which can lead to sizable cost savings. Phil McElroy, Product Sales Manager and IFPS-Certified Fluid Power ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ Specialist, Norgren Most industrial facilities depend on compressed air for a range of operations, performed by everything from simple air tools to far-more-complicated pneumatic […]
Air filters reduce particle contamination risk in food processing and packaging
Festo introduces the MS series of filtration products β filters that lower the risk of particle contamination when compressed air comes into direct contact with food or packaging in the food zone. The MS series meets or exceeds the highest industry standards for clean air. Always in stock with guaranteed fast shipping, MS filters arrive […]
Cordis electronic flow controllers offer precise, linear flow in closed-loop systems
The Cordis flow controller utilizes an extremely fast-reacting mems technology sensor upstream from a proportional valve, with the option of aΒ DR-2 regulator for accurate and precise pressure control in a small package. Unlike other mass flow controllers that require a 30-minute warm-up time, large differential pressures, and limited flow ranges, the Cordis requires less than […]
Heavy-duty vacuum pumps are easily adaptable for many applications
Vacuum handling systems in industry must respond to very diverse requirements, gripping parts of different weight or material, integration on machines and robots, and high speed operation. Coval’s GVMAX HD series of heavy-duty vacuum pumps combine robustness, power, modularity and communication, allowing them to adapt to multiple applications. And thanks to IO-Link technology, they are […]









