Pneumatics News

July 5th, 2006 - Volume 2 Issue 7

In what is said to be the first system of its kind in North America, an automotive stamping operation has networked its pneumatic control system using Ethernet. Built for DaimlerChrysler, the system handles the sheet metal blanks that become car body panels. Ethernet/IP-equipped manifolds from Bosch Rexroth control the pneumatic components that help move and position parts. Stamp Project Manager Joe Mitory credits the system for network simplicity, reduced cost, and better productivity. Machine Design has the full story.

CFdesign® turns your MCAD work station into a 3D flow bench. Do design trade-off studies using real-world operating conditions and cut project costs by 65%. See what you've been missing in the lab. Put more innovation in your engineering. Check out our case studies and request a CFdesign Starter Kit.

Tubing is available in both inch and metric sizes for practically any industrial setting. Characterized by material composition, the tubing types offered by Festo fall into categories which are defined by the material's compatibility with the various mechanical and environmental conditions found in common and unique applications.

Too much cushioning slows cycle rates; to little shortens cylinder life. Instead of adjusting the air cushion, Ace Controls recommends NuCushion. Fitted inside a standard air cylinder, the elastomeric ring reduces end-of-stroke impact, cutting noise and energy consumption at the same time.

Ensuring the aseptic filling of a liquid in a fully sterilized package can be a challenge for process engineers. That's why Dutch company OVME Netherlands partnered with Norgren to design its new Plasma-Fill machine. This application article describes how a pneumatic drive and actuator system, monitored by PLC, guarantees sterilization and helps maintain minimum product loss. Unlike an electrical system, the pneumatic solution does not require additional safety features.

Read how pneumatic controls and a field bus network have released RRR Development Company from the grasp of a "50 arm octopus." As reported in Design News, the manufacturer of tire making equipment uses the networked system to interrogate valve health and determine, for instance, when a coil is losing its magnetic field. Get the whole story...

Xenon headlamps, mass produced by Osram for the automotive industry, are molded on inline vacuum casting machines. The production sequence requires numerous control and handling operations, all run by compressed air. Because system demands surpass the capabilities of conventional valve-terminal solutions, the company employs a unique mechatronic solution. Read how Festo's modular CPX/MPA product line simplifies the previously complex operation (click Bright Prospects).

Pneumadyne, Inc., manufacturer of pneumatic components, recently introduced a new Portfolio and Catalog On CD. Request your complimentary copy for detailed information pertaining to pneumatic control valves, solenoid valves, fittings, manifolds, custom products, tubing, and more.

These pneumatic series caliper disc brakes, from W.C. Branham Inc., can be used in either industrial or mobile, off-highway applications. Features: hardcoated aluminum housing; 8.0 sq. in. friction pad area; used on disc diameters to 18 in.; replaceable friction pads; optional retractable pistons, and more. Braking function can be used as stopping, holding, or tensioning.

These patented blowoff nozzles are said to provide as much as 25 times the airflow volume of standard compressed air sources. Air passing through the nozzles accelerates, dragging along free surrounding air. Results: lower energy costs and reduced consumption of compressed air. Besides chip and powder blowoff, applications include parts ejection and water or solvent stripping. Check the specs...

The Rexroth QR1 (Quick Release) fittings program encompasses inch and metric connects covering a wide range of pneumatic components. From push-in fittings for compressed air tubing to check and ball valves, the QR1 series covers the "small handling" sector. Check the specs...

The automated handling of pallets is often deemed "too expensive." Not so with the "Palletizer" from J. Schmatz GmbH. The large-area vacuum gripper, good for standard or custom-size pallets, lifts complete layers of boxes and crates in a single operation. For more information...

When designing robotic materials handling systems, vacuum flow is just as critical as vacuum pressure. PIAB Application Engineer Andy Lovell explains how the optimized design of vacuum systems improves productivity and reduces costs. His Robotics Online tutorial covers vacuum system architectures, the importance of quick gripping action, and the benefits of multi-stage compressed-air-driven generators. Follow the link for more information.

PIAB, a global leader in industrial vacuum technology, marks the next generation in vacuum technology with the introduction of its P6010 vacuum pump. Based upon the company's patented COAX® multi-stage ejector technology, the P6010 provides up to 40% more flow than conventional vacuum pumps, while still reducing overall energy consumption.

Bimba OL-700 catalog describes more than 2,000 models, including: "Original Line" cylinders in bore sizes 5/16 in. to 3 in.; cylinders with adjustable cushions; MRS cylinders for position sensing; the "500" line of lightweight hydraulic cylinders; non-rotating cylinders, plastic end cap cylinders; and three position cylinders. Learn more...

Everyone knows altitude affects air pressure. How it affects air pump performance is more of a mystery. Fortunately, fluid system design engineers can size pumps and predict pump performance at altitude with the Standard Atmosphere Table. This Web page from Hargraves Technology Corporation provides the link and offers additional altitude tips.

Mechanical engineers with experience designing hydraulic and pneumatic machinery are candidates for this lead engineer position in Fairfield, CA. Can you convert conceptual designs into manufactured systems? Are you skilled in AutoCAD® or ProE? Have you worked with construction equipment or food and beverage machinery? If so, Aerotek's open position is one you may want to consider. Look here for more details.

Make your computer clean the air. Plug this product into a USB port to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and cigarette smoke. That's the promise of IAP565A Car & Computer Air Purifier. It even claims to reduce smelly odors for real multi-tasking.

Ron Patrick's wife isn't satisfied with her scooter's 40 mph top end, so he's juicing it up with two jet engines. Weight's a problem, but he'll save some by replacing batteries with compressed air. A joke? Read about his street-legal Beetle.

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