Hot products 2-16-98Hot products 2-16-98

February 16, 1998

4 Min Read
Design News logo in a gray background | Design News

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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