Emerson will demonstrate how it’s transforming the future of factory automation through its proven Floor to Cloud approach and comprehensive portfolio at Hannover Messe in Hannover, Germany, from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Visitors to the Emerson booth (Hall 11, Booth C30) will learn how companies of any size can apply a Floor to Cloud…
New Piab magnetic grippers designed for automative applications
The new Piab magnetic gripper (PMG) series consists of pneumatically operated magnetic grippers that use permanent magnets to safely grab workpieces. These grippers are activated and deactivated by compressed air. The magnetic grippers are designed and suitable for handling perforated sheet metal and complex laser-cutting workpieces within industrial systems. They are not intended for life-critical…
Festo unveils Controlled Pneumatics digital closed-loop control strategy
Festo introduces Controlled Pneumatics, a digital closed-loop control strategy for delivering energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and precision movement. Controlled Pneumatics is an ideal solution for web tensioning; welding; surface processing; flexible gripping, including vacuum gripping; dispensing and pumping; PET bottle blowing; and diaphragm pump control. Controlled Pneumatics lowers compressed air usage by up to…
Festo introduces VEFC mass flow controller for precise control of inert gases
Festo introduces the VEFC mass flow controller, the company’s latest entry into its Controlled Pneumatics family of solutions. The VEFC features precisely controlled flow of inert gases of up to 200 l/min and is one of the most compact mass flow controllers on the market – only 24 mm wide. Like all Controlled Pneumatics solutions,…
The new PHD ERDP Remote Drive simplifies pneumatic actuator electrification
PHD Inc. announces the release of the new ERDP Remote Drive, an advanced servo-actuated pneumatic drive device. This new technology from PHD simplifies pneumatic actuator electrification in a closed-loop system, using standard air lines to connect to one or more pneumatic actuators. The Remote Drive enables the power system to be located near the point…
New Emerson pneumatic valves provide greater automation flexibility, optimized flow
Emerson has launched its AVENTICSTM Series XV pneumatic valves. These valves are designed with interoperability in mind to provide machine builders across multiple industries and factory automation applications with a flexible and cost-effective valve platform. The new valves are ideal for machine builders and end users who operate globally, with universal threads and other features…
PHD launches comprehensive catalog of Pneumatic Thruster & Rodless Linear Slides
PHD, an innovator in industrial automation solutions, announces the release of its latest catalog, featuring the complete line of PHD Pneumatic Thruster & Rodless Linear Slides. This comprehensive catalog offers a wide variety of guided linear slide styles, sizes, travels, and options designed to meet the diverse needs of the automation industry. Key Features of…
Upcoming EXAIR webinar: Laminar versus turbulent airflow in compressed air systems
Are you ready to improve your understanding of compressed air systems and operations? Dive into the world of airflow dynamics with EXAIR’s upcoming webinar, designed to explain the complex dance between laminar and turbulent flows in compressed air systems. Master the Fundamentals: Get a grip on the critical differences between laminar and turbulent airflow and…
Automation24 adds Norgren, a pneumatic motion and fluid control technologies company
Norgren air preparation products currently offered by Automation24 include regulators, filters, combination units (filter/regulator/lubricator), valves, and accessories. These proven air preparation products are built to overcome the common challenges of using compressed air. The Norgren Excelon Plus ¼-in. PTF combination unit, for example, combines several system-critical components: a 40 μm filter for particle and moisture…
Tech Toolbox: Pneumatics
Pneumatics is a fluid power technology similar to hydraulics in that it transmits force through a pressurized medium to create useful work. However, pneumatic technology differs from hydraulics in every critical fashion — compressibility. To be fair, hydraulic oil compresses as well, but only 0.4 percent every thousand psi or so. However, in the simplest…
Pneumatics in food manufacture
Pneumatic actuation is ubiquitous in food and beverage-processing equipment because it outperforms electric automation for many tasks. Pneumatics have a lower upfront cost and higher resistance to harsh cleaning — both dry and wet. With minimal electrical or electronic subcomponents at pneumatic axes’ end effectors and points of application interactions, these delicate elements aren’t potential…
AIV series air-piloted media isolation valves from Clippard
Like Clippard’s NIV and PIV lines of isolation valves, the AIV series features Clippard’s unique multi-functional valve stem design for longer life and minimal dead volume. The difference with the AIV series is that is that it also provides the added benefit of air operation, which is — by definition — intrinsically-safe. No solenoid means…
Clippard introduces Cordis CP1 single-valve dynamic pressure controls
Known for reliability, innovation, and focus on miniature pneumatics, Clippard’s Cordis Pressure Controllers use the proven EVP and DVP proportional valve series allowing for steady, accurate, and repeatable downstream pressure control as demand or process changes. The result is a very precise linear pressure control within a closed-loop system providing ultra-high resolution and repeatability. The…
Highly customizable, simplified proportional valve is a step ahead of the competition
Proportional valves are considered both flow and directional valves, to meter flow and control the direction in which flow is metered. When specifying a proportional valve for fluid power control, you need a driver to control the ramp rate and open the valve. Combining these two devices together allows you to have control flow precisely,…
Festo introduces smart positioner for process valve control
Festo has reimagined pneumatic process valve position control through the new CMSH smart positioner and VTOP modular installation platform. The CMSH contains a host of features, including HART communications protocol and integrated safety functions that can provide customers with up to 30% in savings. The attach-and-play VTOP ‒ with any combination of filter regulator, booster,…
5 ways to improve packaging machinery with smart pneumatics
By Chris Noble, Business Development F&B/IIoT Consultant Emerson Automation Solutions Today’s packaging machines are becoming better equipped with sophisticated automation systems that often include some type of pneumatics technology for actuation, filling, positioning, palletizing, depalletizing, etc. However, the digitalization and IoT benefits that can be realized from modern pneumatic systems are often overlooked. The packaging…
Cordis flow controller offers high resolution and repeatability in a closed-loop system
The Cordis flow controller utilizes an extremely fast-reacting mems technology sensor upstream from a proportional valve, with the option of a 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…
Upgrading equipment with solenoids
Pneumatic solenoid valves make it possible to remotely operate and automate equipment, with a range of product and technology options available for upgrading designs. By Kevin Kakascik and Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect Pneumatic systems provide one of the essential methods designers can employ to create motion and force for equipment and manufacturing systems. These systems are…
Proportional isolation valve offers ultra fine resolution and high repeatability
Known for reliability, innovation and focus on precision flow controls, Clippard’s new Eclipse utilizes the industry’s most robust and powerful miniature linear actuator. This patent pending stepper-controlled proportional valve will lead the industry in performance and durability, the company said. The Eclipse is ideal in critical applications for liquid and gas delivery, medical, analytical and…
How to build a pneumatics bill of material
By Kevin Kakascik, AutomationDirect So you have a big home project planned for this weekend, like building a deck. Earlier in the week, you stopped at the hardware store and picked up all the lumber and some necessary tools not already in your kit. Now it’s Saturday and you wake up early to get a…
Talking manufacturing and education with Festo Didactic’s Thomas Lichtenberger
In our latest Executive Edition series, Mary Gannon of Design World chats with Festo Didactic’s CEO Thomas Lichtenberger, about the organizations successful programs to change the manufacturing landscape in the United States. Festo Didactic provides equipment and solutions for technical education for all areas of technology in factory and process automation, such as pneumatics, hydraulics,…
EXAIR Hot Tap Digital Flowmeters simplify installation
EXAIR’s new Hot Tap Digital Flowmeters allow installation when compressed air piping is under pressure. By eliminating the need to isolate and remove pressure from the pipe, these compressed airflow meters reduce installation time while maintaining safety. Hot Tap Digital Flowmeters incorporate two valves that the measuring probes pass through. A sound muffler that also…
Harsh-environment filter regulator
The PCRP filter regulator is for harsh process industry environments, including oil and gas. The PCRP filter regulator series withstands corrosive atmospheres, has a wide temperature range, features resistance to explosive atmosphere ratings, and delivers reliable pressure control at high flow rates. PCRP regulators also feature an all-in-one regulator and filter space-saving design. The PCRP…
Festo displays innovations ranging from robots to adaptive grippers at Robotics Summit DeviceTalks Boston
If you’re attending the Robotics Summit/DeviceTalks Boston 2019, look for Festo solutions that reduce engineering effort for state-of-the-art robotic systems — including laboratory automation. Festo will also show a hands-on bionic learning kit at Booth #216 for middle and high school students. Topping off its display, Festo will fly its Bionic Learning Network flying insects…
Proper air preparation for automated machines
Available in many combinations, filters and regulators are a must-have on any machine. Other devices to perform functions such as energy isolation, lockout tagout and lubrication should also be considered. By Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect All pneumatic motion requires clean and dry air with sufficient flow and pressure. The process of filtering, regulating and lubricating compressed…