There are thousands of industrial applications that require a linear motion during their operation sequence. One of the simplest and most cost effective ways to accomplish this is with a pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic actuators are also very clean operating because the operating fluid is a gas, which prevents leakage from dripping and contaminating the surroundings.
In the pneumatic world, valves are the equivalent of relays controlling the flow of electricity in automation systems. Instead of distributing electric power to motors, drives and other devices, pneumatic valves distribute air to cylinders, actuators and nozzles. Valve Activation Pneumatic valves, also called directional control valves, are activated in a variety of ways including…
In today’s modern pneumatic systems, there are a variety of choices available to get the air preparation systems, valves and cylinders connected. Most designers use flexible pneumatic tubing or hose rather than rigid tubing, and many different types of both are available. Fittings offer many choices as well to meet the needs of a wide…
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Are Pneumatic Components Compatible?
The industrial pneumatics market is fairly mature. While there continues to be new developments and technologies, many of the tried and true core products have been around for years. One advantage that this can offer to both system designers and end users is often having several brands of pneumatic components that are interchangeable with each…
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Pneumatic System Design Considerations
Pneumatic systems as a whole can be simple, but this simplicity can be deceptive when it comes to selecting components. For instance, there are thousands of types, sizes, and variations of cylinders and valves, from off-the-shelf versions to custom designs. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, especially when options such as sensors are…
Reducing energy consumption is a priority in almost every manufacturing plant and industrial facility, as no company can afford to throw money away using machines and processes that waste energy. Because pneumatic systems are abundant throughout manufacturing and account for a large share of a plant’s power costs, it is extremely important that they run…
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Pneumatic Actuator vs. Electromechanical
In materials handling and assembly there are many ways to move an item from one location to another. Conveyors are one way and are widely used, but they can only move objects in a fixed path, limiting their use in more precise manufacturing applications. When more accuracy is required than a conveyor can deliver, such…
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Pneumatic Application Stories
Want some examples of what people are doing with pneumatics? You’re in luck, we have a full collection of Application Stories here. For your convenience we took the time to list some of our favorites. You can see a preview below and then pick the ones that look the most interesting to you. Just remember that…
Often regarded as the fourth utility after electricity, natural gas and water, compressed air is widely used in manufacturing facilities. AutomationDirect’s new eBook, “Pneumatics: A Practical Guide” is designed as an easy-to-read guide for users new to pneumatics and explains the basics along with the “why” and “how” pneumatics are used.
How fast can you scan and bag dozens of items at the grocery store? Have you ever accomplished this in less than a minute? Well, as of 2014, Datalogic has held the Guinness World Record (the universally recognized authority for record-breaking achievement) for the fastest time to scan and bag 50 items with a time…