Tubing manufacturer NewAge Industries recently relaunched its website with a fresh, uncluttered design. The site features intuitive navigation, a clean look and feel and pages that focus on specific markets. NewAge’s new website was planned with clear pathways in mind. Links to products follow an organized approach based on product type (tubing, fittings, clamps) and…
Examining direct drive hydraulic maintenance
By Timothy McCrea, Market Segment Manager – Aftermarket, Hägglunds – Bosch Rexroth Corp. Hydraulic systems are proven, versatile and dependable technologies used in mining operations on equipment such as auger drives, drilling machines, mobile crushers, apron feeders, breakers, belt conveyors, and more. In particular, radial-piston, direct drive hydraulic motors are well-suited for these applications because…
Festo emphasizes process industry solutions at Automation Fair
Festo introduced several new products at Automation Fair last week, including the KDFP online configurator for quarter turn actuators and the CMSH smart positioner with HART communication. Festo also featured such process industry solutions as the VTSA-F-CB pneumatic valve manifold for PLd, (up to CAT 3 for PUS) safety; the CPX-MPA modular valve terminal…
Custom hose design helps aerospace test facility
By Michael Hoffman, of Dragos and the SANS Technology Institute Few industries require more product validation and qualification than the military and aerospace sectors. Before any new technology is approved by the military’s regulatory agencies, they must undergo many levels of technology development, often in a simulated environment. This test environment is designed to push…
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…
Two- and three-way solenoid valves for compact designs
Emerson has launched a range of two-way and three-way solenoid valves that support original equipment manufacturers’ need to develop more compact machines and equipment without compromising on fluid control performance. The optimized body design and internal flow path of the new ASCO series 256/356 not only provides a smaller footprint, but also reduced power consumption…
Stepper technology helps extinguish fires quicker
When a fire emergency occurs, first responders know all too well that every moment is critical. When fire crews first arrive they assess their situation. Depending on the type of fire, they’ll begin to tediously mix a foam solution. A nationally known OEM of firefighting equipment and transportation had been using an older foam suppressant design…
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…
Eisele expands product line to include screw-in elbows for high flow rates
Maximum flow rate for fluids Eisele elbows eliminate turbulence and provide optimal flow rates and easy cleaning. Eisele has expanded the LIQUIDLINE for liquids and cooling water and the dead zone- free FREELINE to include additional components for high flow rates. The product family now includes several material and design variants with flow-optimized elbows. Cooling water…
Valve manifold with integrated safety and EtherNet/IP connectivity
Festo introduces to Rockwell Automation customers at Automation Fair, November 16-20, a unique pneumatic valve manifold that enables up to Performance Level (PL)-d Category 3 safety through an integrated serial bus backplane for pneumatics. The “C-Bus” plug-and-play integration simplifies, speeds up, and lowers component costs when installing pneumatic safety circuits, which are specifically for safe…
EasySwitch Vac simplifies the process of vacuuming wet and dry materials
EXAIR’s new EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac simplifies the filter change process when switching from vacuuming a dry material to a liquid or vice versa. Utilizing minimal compressed air, the EasySwitch is a powerful pneumatic vacuum that is ideal for any application – wet, dry, light and heavy.The fast and tool-less conversion to vacuuming liquids is done…
APVS air-piloted valves control caustic media safely
Spartan Scientific announces that its line of air-piloted valves now includes their APVS Media Separated Valve Series. This new series is comprised of four different styles of APVS valves and provides many versatile options for handling caustic media, all while allowing safe operation in volatile areas. The series includes inert gas/spring-operated valves to control high-purity,…
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ sealing solution for hygienic high-pressure valve
With the introduction of a new single-seated valve, Italian valve manufacturer Bardiani Valvole has launched the first and only high-pressure valve available for hygienic applications certified according to global 3-A® Sanitary Standards. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies worked closely with Bardiani Valvole to engineer a unique seal that supports this new valve design. Valves are indispensable components…
Swagelok GB Series ball valve brings safety, simplified Installation to high-flow applications
Swagelok has announced the release of the full-bore, bidirectional flow–capable Swagelok GB series ball valve. The new valve is engineered to provide high flow rates at a working pressure of 6000 psig (413 bar) while simplifying installation, minimizing rework requirements, and delivering the reliable shutoff performance needed to keep workers safe and systems operating efficiently in a variety…
Next steps in fluid power connections
Reduced effort, high value for automating hydraulic systems By: Theobald Herrmann Product Management / Hydraulic Valves, Bosch Rexroth AG The introduction of fieldbus technology in the 1980s was the starting point for horizontal connection of decentralized actuators within machinery. Serial wiring lead to a considerable reduction in cabling and opened new possibilities for modularization in…
NewAge Industries invests in new plastic hose manufacturing equipment
When NewAge Industries was founded in 1954, it didn’t make anything. The company was a distributor that purchased and resold plastic tubing, reinforced hose, fittings and clamps. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that NewAge began manufacturing products. Extrusion – a method of forcing material through a die to make a certain shape – is…
Festo VAEM Valve Controller for multi-head liquid dispensing
This new multi-channel valve controller raises micro-dispensing to a high level of performance and ease of use. Festo has introduced the new VAEM solenoid valve controller for multi-head micro-dispensing in pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory applications that require high speed and a low coefficient of variation (CV). The compact and energy-efficient VAEM provides individualized control and calibration…
Small, compact cylinder boasts large preload capacity
The new 70 series “Mini” Hydraulic Preloading and Locking Cylinder from PFA Inc. is a part of the KOR-LOK Side-Action System product line. Providing large preloading capacity in a small cylinder and locking in the preload are the product’s primary advantages. The new cylinder’s 8,000 lb of preload activates force in a new narrow format,…
High modulus plastics for off-highway
Tom Zozokos, Product Line Director, and Beth Figliulo, Fluid Power Segment Manager Americas, Trelleborg There are few places where highly durable, temperature resistant, chemically compatible, low maintenance parts are more important than in off-highway vehicles. After all, the vehicle in question might end up in the Australian Outback enduring +130 °F temperatures, in Siberia traveling…
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…
Pulse valve delivers higher peak pressure for longer bag, filter lifespan and reduced maintenance in reverse-jet dust collector systems
Emerson is introducing its newly redesigned ASCO™ Series 353 Pulse Valve, designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users achieve a more effective, efficient and convenient bag cleaning every time. With a higher peak pressure, wider temperature range, patented quick mount clamp connection and overall part simplification, the new series provides longer bag and…
Fluid power manufacturer receives environmental stewardship recognition
Emerson’s fluid control & pneumatics facility in Florham Park, N.J. was recently recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for its leadership in Environmental Stewardship. The facility was highlighted for voluntary and proactive measures taken to improve the environment and foster sustainability. Besides being the headquarters for the fluid control & pneumatics…
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…
Peninsular Cylinder earns #1 spot in annual “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” competition
Peninsular Cylinder in Roseville, was voted #1 in the 2nd annual Michigan Manufacturing Association’s “Coolest Thing made In Michigan” competition. This annual competition is open to all Michigan manufacturing companies. Each company submits a product at the Michigan Manufacturing Association website for viewing and judging. From there, association members can vote via social media. Peninsular…