To satisfy requests for fittings that offer better heat and chemical resistance, a range of one touch, SS fittings can work with ambient and fluid temperatures from -5 deg C up to 150 deg C.
With constantly increasing industry requests for fittings that offer better heat and chemical resistance, engineers from world leader SMC Pneumatics have met the challenge with the launch of their latest Series KQG, one touch, stainless steel fittings. With there all metal construction - body, guide and chuck - made of SUS 316 stainless steel, this comprehensive range of grease free fittings can work with ambient and fluid temperatures from a bone chilling -5 deg C up to a sweltering 150 deg C. What's more, due to their special FKM sealing material, they can even handle harsher environments such as hot steam! Available in male connector, straight union, male elbow, union elbow, male branch thread, union T, union Y and bulk head union, these fittings are compatible with 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12mm OD tubings made from FEP, PFA, nylon, soft nylon, polyurethane or polyolefin materials.

With sealant coated threads as standard, including five thread size options Series KQG one touch fittings really are the hottest connectors around.

Push in compressed air fittings provide quick and easy connection without the need for tools thus saving on valuable installation times in general manufacturing and food industries.
Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has extended its range of world-class push in fittings with the introduction of the all-new Pneufit D series. Providing a perfect compliment to its existing Pneufit range the new fittings feature quick and easy connection without the need for tools thus saving on valuable installation times. Pneufit D is suitable for a wide range of compressed air applications and is approved by FDA, WRAS (UK), SK Zert (Ger) and NSF-51 (USA).

The integral stainless steel grab rings offers fast secure assembly for Nylon PU and PE tubing and the new range consists of over 45 different shapes equating to over 600 part numbers.

Tube sizes are available from 4mm to 12mm in metric and 5/32in to 1/2in.

Pneufit D can also be specified with NPTF, BSP and UN type threads.

Focused on providing a wide range of solutions Norgren now offers customers Pneufit C for general industrial, Pneufit D for specialist food, water and beverage and metal Pneufit for higher specification requirements.

A reliable cost-effective alternative for pneumatic cushions in pneumatic cylinders provide superior cushioning and quiet operation without the need for adjustment.
Automation control equipment manufacturer Ace Controls International announces the introduction of NuCushion for mounting externally to pneumatic cylinders. NuCushions are a reliable cost-effective alternative for pneumatic cushions in pneumatic cylinders. Unlike pneumatic cylinder cushions, NuCushions provide superior cushioning and quiet operation without the need for adjustment.

Adding NuCushions eliminates the need for the bleed needle assembly, cushion spud and spud seal.

NuCushion advantages include significantly reduced reaction forces, resulting in longer pneumatic cylinder life.

They are unaffected by oil, grease, chemicals, sunlight, salt spray and hydraulic fluids.

Versatile NuCushions compensate for changes in velocity, weight and pressure.

Cycle rates are maintained without loss of cycle time.

Two models are available, the 3.25R and the 4.00R with respective diameters of 58.4 and 64.5mm and energy capacities of 200 and 300Nm.

An air saving valve operates the return stroke at a reduced pressure and also prevents both jerky movement of working stroke and operation delay in a return stroke.
SMC Corporation of America, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products has announced the release of series ASR/ASQ air saving valve. With an increase of energy cost, customers' interest in energy saving is growing. SMC developed the new air saving valve to respond to this demand.

SMC will offer ASR (pressure valve) and ASQ (flow valve).

ASR consists of regulator with check valve and speed controller.

ASQ consists of quick supply/exhaust valve and speed controller (Meter-in, Meter-out).

The body and one-touch fitting allow 360 deg rotation.

Fixed set pressure type and variable set pressure type are available.

ASR and ASQ can cut air consumption by operating the return stroke at a reduced pressure and also prevent both jerky movement of working stroke and operation delay in a return stroke.

Conventional valve does not have those functions.

There is no manufacturer, which can provide the similar products at this moment.

SMC Corporation manufactures high quality actuators and cylinders, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum components, instrumentation, and a host of fittings and accessories applicable to the pneumatic automation industry.

SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, three of which are in North America: Indiana, California, and Ontario, Canada.

SMC's global presence enables it to provide quality customer service in any part of the world.

To prevent actuator failures from causing excessive production down-time, a 'Fast Track' service guarantees that maintenance personnel are able to receive actuators within 24h.
Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has recently launched its new innovative fast track actuator service in the UK. In the event of breakdowns that can damage reputations, impact production levels and ultimately lead to falling profits it is imperative that solutions to address the problems are readily accessible and can be delivered fast. Norgren's new Fast Track actuator service guarantees that maintenance personnel are able to take delivery of actuators from Norgren within 24 hours if orders are received before 4.00 pm.

Customers can also make their own arrangements for delivery if it is required, i e, collect from Norgren's Lichfield or Farnham facilities or via their own preferred courier.

All Norgren actuators come with a world leading two year warranty and the Fast Tack service offers units from the popular PRA/180000 and RA/8000 ISO/VDMA, RT/57000 small roundline, RM/90000 compact, RM/900 Imperial series and M/46000 Lintra rodless series.

All the customer needs to do is to fill in the fax back form that is available from Norgren or from one of its Independent Distributors, send it back to the number shown on the documentation and the actuator will be manufactured to the specific requirements.

Cylinder sensor has patented snap-fit mechanism that allows the user to fit the switch with only one hand and no special, easily-lost tiny Allen key is needed.
Following the acclaimed innovative T-slot cylinder sensor launched earlier in the year, sensor market leader ifm electronic has followed up with an another unit which offers the same benefits for the increasingly popular C-slot. The C-slot is common in short-stroke cylinders and grippers, consequently this new unit is only 15mm in length, so it fits the shortest cylinders. Fitting sensors to C-slots in pneumatic cylinders can be tricky when access is limited.

Being small, cylinder sensors are difficult to seal against wet environments, and while the sensor sits flush in the cylinder, the cable can snag and break the switch.

Sensor market leader ifm electronic has addressed these problems and more with their new MK53 series solid-state cylinder sensors.

The unique, patented snap-fit mechanism allows the user to fit the switch with only one hand.

Even in a vertical slot it stays put while you reach for a screwdriver to tighten it.

No special, easily-lost tiny Allen key is needed either.

Most cylinder sensors are fixed at the end furthest from the cable, so snagging the cable lifts the switch out of the slot.

Not so with the ifm unit.

Cleverly, ifm have integrated the fixing at the cable end, and moulded the cable into the housing, so the forces applied to the cable can be orders of magnitude greater than anything on the market now.

Moulding the cable in this way means a seal of IP67 or better.

ifm's solid state cylinder sensors are supplied as three-wire PNP or NPN, with a 2m cable or an in-line connector.

ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.

Carrier finishing machine uses servo-pneumatics for precision control of welding forces of its two welding units, to accommodate different carrier variants.
The specialist automation company Lambert Engineering has developed a unique plastic component assembly machine, using Festo servo-pneumatic drives to provide ultra-precise control of welding force. By combining low cost linear positioning technology with innovative feedback techniques, the company has significantly lowered the system's build costs and produced a highly reliable manufacturing tool. TI Automotive, one of Lambert Engineering's key customers in the automotive sector, recently contracted the company to develop a turnkey manufacturing solution for assembling fuel-carrying plastics components used on a leading 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Aside from meeting the tight cost constraints that are standard in the automotive supply industry, the machine needed to be capable of handling complex component shapes, and perform very carefully controlled hotplate welding operations to ensure product quality and consistency.

In addition to this it effectively had to accommodate four different types of component assembly operation, meet stringent operator safety standards, and provide fast and reliable operation to maximise product throughput.

In this instance, TI Automotive required a machine to fully automate the welding of hose assemblies to a large moulded plastics component known as a 'carrier', which is subsequently fitted inside the special fuel tank used for a new 4WD model.

The carrier is a multi-function component, designed to provide level sensing and other functions, as well as fuel take-off.

Since it forms an integral part of the fuel tank, which is effectively built around it, all the carrier's hose connections need to be of the highest integrity to ensure long-term reliability - it would not be possible to inspect or repair them after manufacture.

Furthermore, TI Automotive's contract with the vehicle manufacturer involved the provision of two physically different variants of carrier, each of which needed to be produced in two versions - one for petrol tanks, the other for diesel.

Both carrier variants require the welding of breather pipe and roll-over valve (ROV) clusters; diesel carriers are fitted with a single ROV cluster, while petrol carriers are fitted with two separate assemblies.

Lambert Engineering has considerable expertise in developing machines that use pneumatic rather than electrical drive technology to provide robust and reliable operation, combined with relatively low build costs.

In this case, the precision positioning and force control capabilities needed to ensure high quality welds made closed-loop control essential, and the company chose to use Festo servo-pneumatic drives and proportional valves for all of the machine's critical functions.

As Matthew Cox, Lambert Engineering's sales engineer responsible for this industry sector, points out, 'We use Festo pneumatic components, including servo technology, for many of our automation designs, and consider them to be the most reliable and cost-effective products on the market'.

'This particular machine also employs Festo pneumatic cylinders and Profibus-controlled CPV compact valve terminals on many of its other motion axes.' The carrier finishing machine comprises two functionally independent assembly stations - one for each carrier variant - housed in the same cabinet and sharing the same control system.

Each assembly station is equipped with two hotplate welding units, one for attaching breather pipes, the other for ROV clusters.

The entire machine is controlled by a PLC, using a profibus network for communication with many of the system's I/O functions, including hotplate temperature control and most of the pneumatic control valves.

An HMI running Windows CE is employed for all operator control and process monitoring functions, and makes extensive use of graphical mimic diagrams to present information very clearly and help prevent operator error.

Each welding operation is critical, involving precision control of temperature, force, travel distance and time, and is completely automated.

After loading the hose assemblies and carrier body into pneumatically actuated gripper units on the appropriate assembly station, the operator simply activates the process from the front control panel.

Built-in light guards ensure safety compliance, immediately shutting the machine down if anyone crosses the threshold.

The machine checks that the correct components have been loaded for the requested assembly operation and then begins the welding process.

Although each assembly station has separate welding units for the breather pipe and the ROV cluster(s), they operate simultaneously to maximise machine throughput.

The sequence is similar in each case.

Taking the ROV cluster welding unit as an example, the hotplate is driven into position by three pneumatic cylinders, trapping the plate between the carrier body and plastic nipples on the cluster to preheat the surfaces.

The main drive cylinder in the welding unit - a Festo ADVU unit - initially exerts a high force to square up the surfaces, then reduces the force while heat penetrates the components.

The hotplate is then withdrawn and the main drive cylinder again exerts a high force - this time to join the components and compress the weld and then reduces the force to hold the components together while the weld sets.

Each stage of this operation demands ultra-precise control.

The hotplate is held at exactly the right temperature - normally around 250 deg C - by a Profibus-based multi-loop temperature controller, which also monitors the hotplate in the breather pipe welding unit, and in the two welding units in the second assembly station.

The main drive cylinder is fitted with an LVDT (linear variable displacement transducer) to provide analogue feedback of position data to the PLC, while the force that it applies is measured by a load cell located between its output rod and the component gripper unit; after amplification, this force signal is also fed back to the PLC.

The forward pressure in the cylinder determines the maximum force that can be generated, and is set by an MPPE precision regulator, with a pneumatic valve dictating whether the cylinder is extended or retracted.

The actual force that is applied by the welding head is determined by the cylinder's pressure balance - the back pressure is controlled by a Festo proportional control valve that receives analogue signals from the PLC.

Providing that all processes are accomplished successfully, the machine opens the gripper clamps and deactivates the light guard, allowing the operator to remove the completed assembly and reload the machine.

Any process errors are immediately flagged to the operator, and used to build audit trails for the manufacturing operation.

They are also used to build an empirical history file, enabling the next welding cycle to 'learn' from its predecessor and automatically make running adjustments to ensure process consistency.

These extensive real-time monitoring functions are backed by powerful diagnostic facilities help minimise system downtime.

The carrier finishing machine was installed at TI Automotive's Deeside, UK, facility at the beginning of this year, and its performance is proving highly satisfactory.

Matthew Cox adds, 'There are no comparable manual or automated assembly times for this complex component assembly task, simply because none exists - this machine provides a unique solution'.

'It is consistently achieving an overall cycle time of 55 seconds - the weld processes take up some 70% of this figure - enabling TI Automotive to meet its customer's demands for volume delivery of high quality components.' * About Lambert Engineering - Lambert Engineering is a world class manufacturer of special purpose machinery and automation, serving a wide customer base across multiple industries.

It is especially well known for consumable product manufacturing equipment, numbering many of the world's leading personal hygiene, healthcare and baby care product companies amongst its customers.

Founded in 1973, the company is based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, where it has a large 70,000ft2 purpose-built facility which includes a secure assembly area for sensitive projects.

Although the automotive sector accounts for a relatively small share of its overall business, Lambert Engineering has acquired considerable expertise in this area over the past 15 years and counts TI Automotive as one of its key customers.

Available in five bore sizes (40mm to 100mm) a pneumatic locking cylinder uses an integral, compact lock unit that is unaffected by the quality of the supply air.
the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products offers many styles of locking cylinders, including the CNA series locking cylinder. This series is available in five bore sizes (40mm to 100mm) and uses an integral, compact lock unit that is unaffected by the quality of the supply air. Also, a manual override lock release is available as a standard feature.

Typical applications include intermediate stops, emergency stops, and drop prevention.

The lock unit design utilizes a tapered wedge and two rows of precision steel balls to evenly distribute the locking force to the cylinder piston rod.

By isolating the locking components from the supply air pressure, poor air quality (contaminants and moisture) will not affect the performance of the lock mechanism.

Also, a standard manual override allows the lock to be released in the absence of supply pressure.

The lock can be applied either during cylinder extension and retraction.

In addition to the tie-rod style CNA series, SMC also offers intermediate-stroke locking cylinders in compact, round body, guided, and rodless cylinder designs.

Cylinders with integrated end-lock mechanisms are also available.

SMC Corporation manufactures high quality actuators and valves, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum components, instrumentation, and a host of fittings and accessories applicable to the pneumatic automation industry.

SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America -Indiana, California, and Ontario, Canada.

SMC's global presence enables it to provide quality customer service in any part of the world.

Mini-solenoid valves combine universal operation on compressed air, gases or vacuum, providing the lowest energy consumption and protection to IP67 and have a mini-shut-off facility.
ASCO Joucomatic has extended the range of operation for its 302 Series of mini-solenoid valves, with new 2/2 (NC-NO) and 3/2 (NO-U (Universal) and Uvacuum) versions. In common with existing valves in the 302 series, the new additions offer the lowest energy consumption on the market: just 0.5 W for a flow rate of 11 litres/min. They are designed for use in the medical, automation packaging and process control sectors.

The new 15mm valves offer OEMs and users a mini-shut-off facility (2/2 NO-NC), and also the flexibility of universal (i e, pressure at any port) operation on air or neutral gases or vacuum.

Rated for operation at 0.5W, 1W or 2W, they offer excellent life, at 100 million cycles, and benefit from IP65 or IP67 protection for high integrity operation in aggressive environments.

In addition, the option of an intrinsically safe 'ia' version is available for use in areas (0-20 (II 1GD) where combustible gas/dust pose a continuous danger.

The 302 Series incorporates an IXEF body and PET spool designed as a monobloc assembly, which guarantees no rotation of the valve spool.

This combination ensures that the 302 is a robust unit with a long service life.

The valves suitability for automation use is also enhanced by a 'lighter- than-light' specification, including integrated LEDs and electrical protection, which facilitates integration directly into equipment and machines and also into robotic systems.

The 302 Series design with its CNOMO mounting to standard E06.36.120N offers users the flexibility of several operating configurations: * Mounted on a sub base for direct control of small-diameter cylinders, fast and simple pneumatic connection is assured, whether single or multiple valves are employed, by a new modular aluminium base.

* Mounted on ASCO Joucomatic Series 304 electro-pneumatic interfaces for flow rates of up to 154 litres/min.

* Integrated directly into remote valve actuators (with a maximum volume of 50cm3) for piloting operations or controlling pressure-operating valves.

* Combined with an ASCO Joucomatic manifold, whether standardised or not.

All of these operating configurations benefit from the facility for two methods of pneumatic connection: a CNOMO pneumatic Interface - on the same side or opposite side to electrical connections (M12 or flying leads).

Depending upon the requirements of each specific application, the user can choose the appropriate electrical connection (DIN, ISO, M12 or flying leads) and level of protection - the 302 is the only mini-solenoid valve on the market offering IP67 protection for perfectly safe operation in aggressive environments.

Providing maximum space efficiency when multiple units are used, compact manifold regulators enable mounting of a number of units in a control panel or on a DIN rail.
SMC Corporation of America, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment has announced the release of new Compact Manifold Regulators series ARM10/11. These regulators provide maximum space efficiency when multiple units are used. Developed to combine regulators in to a compact manifold configuration, the regulators save space, piping connections and enables mounting of a number of units in a control panel or on a DIN rail for maximum space efficiency.

The space saving ARM10/11 regulator has a built in pressure gauge and the option of two pressure ranges.

Available for ports of various sizes, it also enables ports to be run out of the top or bottom for versatility, in difficult or confined spaces.

The regulator banks can be made to suit the requirements of the OEMs and end users, in any industry including food, pharmaceuticals, automotive and semiconductor.

Other features include push in fittings, both straight and elbow type, and an integral isolation valve for maintenance purposes without affecting other systems, and an integral pressure switch to monitor the inlet pressure to the regulator manifold The regulator manifolds ARM11 can either have a common supply pressure for all regulators or individual supply for each regulator, and the control knobs of the regulators can be positioned to face Top, Front or Bottom of the regulator as required.

The compact arrangement enables all regulators to be viewed together and adjustments and maintenance to be carried out from one location, thus saving operator time The ARM10 single unit type regulator has same basic functions as ARM 11 manifold type regulator, and is ideal for panel mounting, available with top or front facing control knobs.

Non-relieving and oil free versions of these regulators also available from SMC, upon request.

The ARM regulator manifolds are assembled at SMC's Indianapolis, Indiana factory.

* About SMC Corporation - SMC Corporation also manufactures actuators, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum ejectors, instrumentation, and a host of fittings, tubing and accessories applicable to the machine tool, general machinery and automation industry.

With their online product specification tool called E-Tech, customers can specify products, validate part numbers, use sizing calculators and download native CAD files to help select suitable products, and verify selection.

Subsidiaries and joint ventures of SMC Corporation have been established in 38 countries, with sales having grown to a 20% share of the world market, earning it the acclaimed 'Global 500' industry rating.

SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America - Indianapolis, IN, Los Angeles, CA.

and Mississauga, Ontario.

Customised thermoset bumpers for pneumatic nailers and other high-impact applications last 33 to 50% longer than rubber or conventional thermoplastics urethane alternatives.
MPC has improved its own proprietary formulation for Durethane high-performance thermoset open cast elastomer shock-absorbing bumpers for pneumatic nailers. The new material provides durability and resistance to high dynamic fatigue. It also has excellent compression set and resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasion.

The custom urethane bumpers now last 200,000 to 1,000,000 cycles, which on average is 33 to 50% longer than rubber or conventional thermoplastics urethane alternatives.

'Our bumpers and cushions provide higher performance than our competitors' products at a competitive cost,' says Dr Albert C Chiang, vice president of research and development at MPC.

'MPC used a unique, innovative ion process to augment our original cast urethane formulation, which was already more durable than competing materials'.

'Now it far exceeds its previous capabilities.' 'We have barely scratched the surface of the potential market for customised, patent pending urethane bumpers,' says John Roderick, president and CEO of MPC.

'Other products that are subject to repeated impact cycles could benefit from this cast, thermoset formulation.' MPC modifies the urethane at the molecular level, lengthening the 'soft segment' of the molecule to increase its elasticity and durability.

The resulting material is ideal for bumpers and cushions in products that undergo heavily loaded, repeated impact cycles, such as pneumatic nail guns.

Because the MPC custom urethane product outlasts other rubber and thermoplastic urethane bumpers, it reduces maintenance, service stocking, and costly down time.

MPC manufactures the bumpers using special modular tooling that minimises the cost for creating a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Quality assurance technicians test the bumpers under high-speed impact cycles at elevated pressure and temperature for a specific time interval to assure part quality.

* About MPC - MPC was founded in 1965 as Mearthane Products Corporation.

The company specialises in creating customized, castable thermoset polyurethane products with variable conductivity, mechanical and environmental properties to suit a wide range of applications.