February 16,
1998
Hot products
Senior Editor Chuck Murray picks
noteworthy pneumatics products
New piezo pressure regulator limits airflow
Using a tiny piezoelectric "pill," the Tecno
electronic-pneumatic regulator almost instantly limits
airflow. When a low power drive signal is applied, the
device's piezoelectric element changes shape and regulates
pneumatic pressure through an airway. Because it has
no moving parts, Tecno is reportedly wear-free. It is
not affected by magnetic fields and generates no heat
or sparks, making it suitable for use in hazardous operating
environments. Applications for the piezo-based pressure
regulator include ultrasound welding equipment, sheet
tension winding machinery, and highly sensitive medical
equipment, such as breathing apparatus or blood pressure
monitoring systems.
Hoerbiger-Origa Corp
A more efficient two-stage air compressor
Running a 500-hp air compressor can be costly. In one
year, operations costs can exceed four times the initial
price of the compressor. To combat that problem, Gardner
Denver's Electra-Saver Two-Stage Rotary Screw Compressor
employs the simplicity of a single-stage design in a
two-stage package. It also uses a special power-saver
system to introduce lubricant between stages, reducing
oil introduction into the two compression stages and
cooling inlet air temperature into the second stage
by 50F. By reducing the impact of oil drag and heat,
a more efficient compressor is created.
Gardner Denver
Exhaust valves speed return strokes
In certain applications, a cylinder's cycle time is
critical. That means that it must not only extend quickly;
it must return fast, as well. Using poppet-type Jumbo
Exhaust Valves from Clippard Instrument Laboratory,
machine builders can speed the return, even on pneumatic
cylinders with long strokes. To accomplish that, the
Jumbo Exhaust valve mounts on the cylinder, and dumps
pressure on the other side of the piston as soon as
the inlet pressure reaches zero. The Jumbo Exhaust Valve
allows for use of smaller control valves and longer
supply lines. It is said to be ideal for packaging machinery
and automation applications.
Clippard Instrument Laboratory
Valve manifold has on-board PLC
In any system using databuses, most engineers prefer
to place intelligent control as close as possible to
the actuators. With new Smart Pneumatic Valve Manifolds
from Festo, they can now do that to a greater degree
than ever before. The reason: The new manifolds incorporate
the full processing and control functionality of an
Allen-Bradley SLC 5/02 programmable logic controller.
The system, which uses either Allen-Bradley DH-485 or
DeviceNet protocol, provides OEMs and end users with
a space-saving, multi-function control solution for
merging electronic and pneumatic controls in automation
applications. All the system's components--valves, sub-bases,
electrical I/O, bus interface--are integrated with plug-in
electrical connectors, thereby eliminating internal
and external wiring of individual valves.
Festo Corp
Smaller valve simplifies machine design
By placing both of a valve's coils on a single side,
engineers from Miller Fluid Power have created a higher
flow valve in a smaller package. The new valve simplifies
design processes for engineers working on machines with
tight packaging constraints. Because its dual solenoids
are located on the same side of the valve, rather than
on opposite sides, the wiring inside requires less space.
As a result, it achieves high flow rates in package
sizes that are said to be smaller than those of competing
versions. The valve's Cvs range from 0.4 to 3.9.
Miller Fluid Power
Pneumatic actuator handles moments
Large moments caused by non-axial loads can shorten
the service life and damage the performance of pneumatic
actuators. To address that problem, engineers from Bimba
Manufacturing Co. have designed the PneuMoment pneumatic
cylinder. PneuMoment's large bearing surfaces are designed
to resist high side loads and large moments. The unit,
which is available in a 27-mm bore size, offers standard
side and end ports for easy plumbing. An optional auxiliary
port allows air or vacuum through the actuator from
the guide beam end cap to connect additional automation
devices, such as grippers.
Bimba Manufacturing Co
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