Small rotary actuators and grippers are designed for special purpose machines dedicated to industrial production in the electronic, medical and packaging sectors
Global pneumatics expert Norgren has launched two completely new product ranges for industrial automation. Designed for applications requiring fast, accurate handling of small items, such as electronic components, the ranges of small rotary actuators and grippers significantly enhance Norgren's current offering in this area. The products have been launched specifically for OEMs and automation houses building special purpose machines dedicated to industrial production in the electronic, medical and packaging sectors.

Norgren's small rotary actuators offer a consistently smooth, accurate, cushioned movement and are available in six sizes - two miniature and four compact and can be easily adjusted to provide bespoke angles of rotation.

They have an expected service life of 3 million cycles before servicing or replacement is required.

Seven individual families of grippers make up the second new range.

All are lightweight, compact and fitted with magnetic pistons, and have a service life of five million cycles.

Angular and parallel motion versions are available and both single and double acting models are on offer.

These grippers are ideal for loading or unloading production lines, assembling printed circuit boards or handling test-tubes.

Norgren's product marketing manager, Liz Fairweather, said: 'These new products are the latest step in enabling us to offer our customers a comprehensive range, from heavy duty pneumatics right through to the light duty assembly applications within the electronics, packaging and medical sectors.'

A new compact air gripper has been designed to improve dynamic behaviour by eliminating end play.
A new compact air gripper, launched by SMC Pneumatics, has been designed to improve dynamic behaviour by eliminating end play. This is particularly important in pick and place applications, especially in the electronics field, where small, delicate parts are being handled, as is the low head height, which is reduced by a third, in comparison to similar products, with comparable holding force. Designated series MHF2, the grippers give the user the option of selectable strokes from 8mm to 80mm, together with low profile design, and a reduction in bending moments and vibration.

In addition, the compact design, strong holding force, (19 - 141N at 5 bar, with closing stroke at 20mm to 80mm), smooth movement and high rigidity are achieved by the use of linear guides and the double piston construction.

A choice of piping ports is available (axial or lateral) to ensure flexibility when installing the gripper to it's mounting plate.

Other technical specifications include: - * bore sizes from 8 to 20mm.

* Action: double acting.

* Ambient fluid temperature 10 to 60degC (but not freezing).

* Repeatability: +/-0.05mm...

* Weight: 65 up to 1,225g, depending upon model specified.

* Autoswitch capability magnet built-in.

At what point does science become art? Perhaps it's when form follows function to produce something as creative and aesthetically pleasing as the new smart pneumatic cubic valve terminal.
At what point does science become art? Perhaps it's when form follows function to produce something as creative and aesthetically pleasing as the new Smart Cubic valve terminal from automation innovator Festo The remarkably compact new CPV-SC valve terminal is the world's smallest for its flow rate featuring a profile cross section of just 40mm x 40mm and a grid of 10mm. But these tiny dimensions disguise a powerful performance, with flow rates up to 150 litres/min.

The units are aimed directly at the increasing miniaturisation demanded by applications in the electronics, mechatronics and pharmaceutical industries.

Smart Cubic valve terminals are ideal for use in restricted spaces and are especially suitable for the operation of the Festo range of miniature cylinders, rotary actuators, vacuum grippers and slides.

With such compact dimensions, the opportunity to install the terminal in closer proximity to actuators is a distinct benefit that shortens cycle times in fast switching applications.

Equally, the low weight of the Smart Cubic VT offers moving mass advantages where the terminal must be mounted on a drive.

The CPV-SC terminal itself can be configured with 4, 8 or 12 valve positions.

It provides two electrical connectors: one of D-sub profile for advanced Festo functionality, and a conventional flat-style connector for wider industry compatibility.

Placing these connectors at the side of the unit accounts for much of the space saving, making the unit about half the size of competitive equivalents and permitting the option of installing the terminal on a multiple pneumatic connector, which acts as a sub base.

Advantages include the ease and speed of terminal replacement during service operations, as the pneumatic tubing remains intact attached to the multiple connector.

The new Smart Cubic Valve Terminal from Festo builds on the company's significant engineering expertise and commercial success with its existing range of CPV Compact Valve Terminals, but delivers pro-rata performances in a much smaller, but perfectly formed, package.

Whether you call it art or science, it would seem that size does matter after all! .

A compressed air management specialist guarantees the energy savings delivered by the company's compressed air management systems.
EnergAir Solutions, the UK's leading compressed air management specialist, has made an unprecedented move in the compressed air market by guaranteeing the energy savings delivered by the company's compressed air management systems. Industrial sites with even modest consumption can expect to save thousands of pounds, rising to tens of thousands for high volume, multiple compressor installations. Kevin Course, EnergAir UK Sales Manager, comments on the move: 'Early indications suggest a strong take-up for our offer to guarantee energy savings from compressed air installations.

This is no surprise when you consider how much government pressure is being brought to bear on UK industry to improve energy efficiency and that compressed air generation represents 10% of all industrial electrical consumption.

Businesses tend to recognise the importance of proactive plant management now, particularly as the responsibility for controlling and minimising costs is carried company wide.

There is scope for improvement in most installations, even relatively new ones.' EnergAir has the information to support its assertions, having installed compressed air management systems in over 1000 companies, ranging from major car manufacturers and pharmaceutical giants to small local enterprises.

Initially, systems are individually assessed for potential.

Where justification allows, a report on the projected energy savings is produced prior to any equipment being installed.

The systems are monitored prior to any installation work to establish a benchmark and then continually monitored afterwards to prove the net value.

Precise monitoring equipment has also been installed for many customers as part of their existing compressed air management package, allowing them to continually track performance and report on its success internally.

Before the company went public with a commitment to guarantee energy savings, a broad sample of this performance data was taken and analysed by EnergAir in order to compare projected figures with actual cost savings in a range of installations.

Kevin Course explains the results, 'The figures for potential and achieved savings were so close that we had no hesitation in providing a cast-iron guarantee to our customers for the energy savings they will achieve.

There is no risk involved for companies having an EnergAir system installed; if it does not perform, we will not charge for it.

The end user is not committed to any contractual period and the cost can be simply funded by a proportion of the savings made from the electrical energy budget.

Alternatively it can be purchased with guaranteed payback periods.

Companies can effectively start saving in a matter of days.' An EnergAir compressed air management system reduces compressor energy consumption by closely matching system pressure to demand and reducing off-load running or idling of compressors.

The control is implemented in a number of ways depending on the installation.

An 'Enercon' management system controller for example will ensure that all the compressors on any one ring main, regardless of their make, type or capacity, operate cohesively and more importantly, efficiently.

Effective downstream system monitoring is also an essential part of the package.

Sensors are fitted at relevant points throughout a system and the recorded data is presented by EnergAir's EnerSoft air management software.

EnerSoft displays live information on equipment status and system pressure, while providing accurate metering of power consumption in kW/hours, air production volume in m3 and efficiency in kW/m3.

EnerSoft can also be used to produce regular performance reports for internal appraisal; the function is a built-in feature of the software and is extremely easy to use.

An added advantage of the monitoring equipment is that it has a series of alert systems built into it; these can be set-up to trigger multi layer responses both locally and remotely including screen warnings and audible signals.

Provided with a permanent mobile or landline phone connection, the 'Alert' system can also be programmed to call, fax and text message maintenance personnel and maintenance service providers with pre-emptive warnings of problems, emergencies and routine maintenance checks.

Companies can contact EnergAir for a free preliminary site survey and receive an estimate on the amount of energy that can be saved; should it prove that there is potential for saving energy then EnergAir will guarantee and demonstrate those savings.

An electronic pressure sensor that is incredibly easy to programme and use, makes it ideal for all tasks where a vacuum has to be monitored or a space saving design is needed.
Global pneumatics expert Norgren has launched an electronic pressure sensor that is incredibly easy to programme and use, making it ideal for all tasks where a vacuum has to be monitored or a space saving design is needed. Named the 40D, the sensor has a number of selectable special functions, such as easy programming of set points and easy calibration. The built in electronic processor ensures the utmost accuracy, by linearising the signal and compensating for temperature fluctuations.

Measuring just 62 mm long (75mm for the display version) by 16mm diameter, the space saving design allows the sensor to be installed in all but the tightest of applications.

The revolving display means even if the sensor is located in an awkward to reach position, its readout can still be clearly seen.

Four different measurement units, as well as peak values, can be shown on the display.

Industry standard analogue and digital signals are catered for, and the 40D can be programmed to be NO or NC.

With a standard M8x14-pin electrical connector, the sensor needs no tools to wire it up.

The 40D is suitable for use with filtered, non-lubricated compressed air and neutral gases.

Manufactured from ABS plastics, the sensor is tough and can withstand harsh environments.

With an impressive switching time of less than 2.5 ms, the 40D is ideal for all vacuum and handling applications.

The 2002 Motek event appeared to buck European trade exhibition trends by attracting almost 28,000 visitors.
The 2002 Motek event appeared to buck European trade exhibition trends by attracting almost 28,000 visitors. In addition, Motek secured more than 800 exhibiting companies keen to demonstrate their participation in the growing but increasingly competitive assembly and handling technology market. The undeniable Festo presence at this year's Motek exhibition wasn't confined to the company's own booth space.

Festo products and equipment were in evidence throughout the event on dozens of other stands - some as strategic Festo business partners, others as Festo customers - most notably the many system integrators and automation solution providers who select Festo as the automation component vendor of choice The 2002 Motek event appeared to buck European trade exhibition trends by attracting almost 28,000 visitors.

In addition, Motek secured more than 800 exhibiting companies keen to demonstrate their participation in the growing but increasingly competitive assembly and handling technology market.

The show also featured a newly built exhibition hall (Hall 6) to give more space, but even then, Nigel Dawson of Festo commented that the show was so busy on the second day that 'visitors were queuing to get onto the Festo stand'.

Festo exhibited an extensive range of handling and assembly technologies including actuators, valves, valve terminals, control systems, the innovative pneumatic muscle and its Didactic education and training resources.

In addition, the company unveiled several new products such as a new high speed picker (model HSP) and a new range of cost effective stepper motors and drivers (models MTR-ST and SEC-ST).

Dawson also reports that although there was a great deal of interest in new products there was particular interest in applications.

'More than any other event I've seen, Motek seems to be application driven,' says Dawson.

'That's compelling for the visitors as, rather than simply observing new products and thinking how they might apply them, they get to see the actual application.

In turn, it's good for exhibitors: we took orders on the stand!' The success of the event could be partly down to the location of Motek in a region of Germany that accounts for 40% of the country's GDP and is heavily populated with manufacturing industries focussing on automation.

Whatever the reason, even if Motek doesn't indicate an upturn in the european manufacturing economy, it clearly demonstrates the increasing interest in assembly and handling automation solutions.

Miniature pneumatic cylinders have been developed for applications requiring fast repetitive actions, such as function and life testing manually operated products.
Norgren has extended its roundline cylinder offering by launching a new range of miniature pneumatic cylinders. The miniature roundline cylinders are available in diameters of just 2.5 and 4mm. They have been developed for applications requiring fast repetitive actions, such as function and life testing manually operated products including mobile telephones, calculators and keyboards.

Features include a service life of three million cycles before replacement is required and a corrosion resistant finish meaning low cost of ownership.

No fittings are required to install the cylinders which have just one barbed air connection.

The new range has been designed for sectors which need to move extremely light loads such as the electronics and print industries.

Pneumatic rodless cylinders are becoming widely accepted as a competitive advantage and offering space saving benefits over standard pneumatic cylinders.
New from KV is the 'Ultraline' range of pneumatic rodless cylinders, offering a wide variety of user friendly options and configurations. With rodless cylinders now becoming widely accepted as a competitive advantage and offering space saving benefits over standard pneumatic cylinders, the new 'Ultraline' rodless programme incorporates several innovative and user driven features including smooth slow speed operation, very low leakrates, minimal breakout pressure, extended cushioning, flexible port options and compactness. Working in conjunction with a major seal manufacturer and by utilising hybrid seal technologies, KV have been able to develop a unique sealing system.

It provides low leak rates and minimal breakout pressures, which when combined together, are often impossible to achieve due to the open construction of the cylinder barrel.

In addition, the minimal breakout pressure provides an ultra-smooth linear movement making it ideal for spraying or synchronised transitioning with controllable operating speeds as low as 2mm/sec.

Finally, KV have designed flexible porting as standard, which allows customers the benefits of single porting from one end or porting from either end.

In conjunction, where space is limited, KV have developed a range of compact rodless cylinders, which are currently the shortest cylinders on the market.

'Availability has not been overlooked' advises KV's project director - Andrew Hough.

'The current design and assembly allows for a standard 5 day delivery and we fully expect to be able to offer a 24hr turnaround in the very near future' Cost is also a key feature of the new Ultraline range, and due to its simplistic assembly technique, KV have been able to minimise costs with real cost savings being passed onto customers.

Finally to complement the introduction of the new Ultraline range, KV have also produced an easy to use rodless configurator, which is available as a stand-alone CD or usable on-line, which also incorporates 2D and 3D drawings for all models.

SMC's new mechanically jointed rodless cylinder, series MY2H, has been designed to save space within the mounting height, without sacrificing load capacity.
SMC's new mechanically jointed rodless cylinder, series MY2H, has been designed to save space within the mounting height, without sacrificing load capacity. Compared to existing MY1 series the low profile is achieved by placing the guide unit and cylinder body next to one another, reducing the height by around 30% (between 12 and 26mm). It is available as the MY2H with single axis guide, or the MY2HT with double axis guide, without any sacrifice on height.

Shock absorbers and centralised piping are standard features, with the choice of two sides for mounting auto switches.

The load weight of the MY2HT series is between 15kg and 80kg, and allowable moment is between 6N.m and 220N.m, depending upon application and unit specified.

In addition, the innovative design allows the cylinder body to be quickly and easily replaced - this is done by removing four mounting bolts and the body will easily slide out, leaving the work piece and guide unit in situ, thus reducing downtime.

Bore sizes range from 16 to 40mm on each model, together with standard strokes of between 50 and 600mm, other stroke sizes can be manufactured to order, and these are available in 1mm increments up to a maximum stroke of 1500mm, depending upon model.

This unit is ideal for applications such as conveying devices such as pick and place, for the movement of delicate electronic and electrical products.

Ever wanted a quick method of installing and removing air tubing from panels, machinery and hard to reach locations? SMC now has the answer with a new multi-connector
Ever wanted a quick method of installing and removing air tubing from panels, machinery and hard to reach locations? SMC now has the answer with a new, and unique multi-connector, complete with one-touch fittings. Designated series DMK, the unit accommodates nylon, soft nylon and polyurethane tubing (with up to 6 or up to12 connecting tubes).

The design of the positioning mechanism allows accurate installation/removal in hard to locate areas, and prevents piping errors when reconnecting.

Tubes are easily and securely connected to the multi-connector and unlike traditional multiple bulkhead unions for panels, this connector includes built-in one-touch fittings, thereby reducing piping time.

Flexibility is key to a range of solenoid valves, in which voltages, flow and pressure deviations, connectors and plating of housings and manifolds can be specified according to needs.
Global pneumatics expert Norgren has expanded its offering of solenoid valves by introducing its successful KIP product range to the European market. These were previously only available in the USA. Flexibility is key to the new range which has been designed to be easily adapted to meet customers' specific needs.

Voltages, flow and pressure deviations, connectors and plating of housings and manifolds can all be altered to suit specific customer applications.

Phil Keating, Norgren's product manager, said: 'We have found in the US market that of the 1.8 million valves we produce each year, around 70 per cent are customised in some way.

We can also offer Fusion Deposition Modelling in-house for rapid prototype production from 3D CAD drawings.

This means we can help our customers develop the valve that meets their needs exactly.' Customers are currently using the range in the US for applications in the medical, food and beverage, commercial vehicle, welding and semiconductor sectors as well as for general industrial applications.

Fast track lead times of five days or less for standard solenoid valves are available.

The KIP range will complement the well-established Webber solenoid valve product range and expertise which is already available in Europe through Norgren.

Automation specialist Festo has produced a new 'Pneumatic Specifier's Toolkit' that includes a combined information pack.
Automation specialist Festo has produced a new 'Pneumatic Specifier's Toolkit' to be distributed to engineering customers in November 2002. The Toolkit comprises a combined information pack that features: the new Core Products Catalogue; the latest Digital Catalogue on CD-ROM 2002/2003 that includes search functionality; and a New Products and Innovations brochure. The Core Catalogue is an easy-to-use reference source that, as the name suggests, features a core range of 2,500 Festo products from the standard range of over 20,000.

It is designed to simplify and expedite the selection of the most commonly used pneumatic components and assemblies ensuring a clear product location system.

Concise data listed for each product is fully indexed by part number and description, and includes primary dimensions, pricing and data tables.

Mounting and accessory components are also clearly shown and easy to find.

In addition, the core catalogue details useful customer service information with delivery options - plus guidance for registering and ordering online through the new Festo Webshop.

The Digital Catalogue on CD-ROM comprises data on almost 20,000 products and over 100,000 variants.

The CD includes selection and dimensioning software, automated Bill of Materials parts list generation with pricing data, and an information and FAQ database on pneumatics and technology.

In addition, the user can call up 2D and 3D drawings of components and assemblies, and then use links to the bundled FluidDRAW(tm) circuit design software.

The digital catalogue also provides up to date lists of Festo worldwide service and support information.

Contemporary automation concepts, emerging technologies and new Festo products introduced in 2002 are highlighted in the New Products and Innovations brochure.

This quick guide to the latest and greatest in pneumatic technology is supported by full detailed listings of the new products in the Digital Catalogue.

To meet changing market demands, and fuelled by the goal of achieving a 'no compromise service ethic' commitment, Festo GB is re-aligning its UK business and expanding its Northampton operation to centralise engineering, technology and customer support resources, with a new call centre operation scheduled to go on line in October 2002.

In addition, substantial company-wide IT investments will deliver a future-proof e-commerce and web trading infrastructure, and capitalise on the new pan-European intelligent integrated logistics network.

The Festo Northampton Technology Centre will become the company's UK headquarters.

SMC Pneumatics (UK) has launched its new web site, which will be updated weekly, and incorporates new product information, as well as access to downloadable pdf catalogue files and direct links.
SMC Pneumatics (UK) has launched its new web site, which will be updated weekly, and incorporates new product information, as well as access to downloadable pdf catalogue files, direct links to 2D and 3D CAD drawings, and applications, together with a taste of what's to come - a preview of products yet to be launched in the UK. In coming weeks, and into the future, the company will add more catalogues, a search facility and feedback forms, and it is hoped that visitors will take an active part in suggesting what the site should contain. SMC's training division also has a section on the site.

This, too, will be updated with the availability of all UK courses.

Wyko Industrial Services is to distribute the Hoerbiger-Origa range of pneumatic control equipment and electric linear drives through its 120+ national branch network.
Wyko Industrial Services is to distribute the Hoerbiger-Origa range of pneumatic control equipment and electric linear drives through its 120+ national branch network. An accord covering this has been signed by the two companies following a relationship that has evolved from Wyko's success in providing integrated supply services to leading end-user manufacturing companies, many of whom use and specify Hoerbiger-Origa products. Wyko's customers are largely plant engineers focused on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of existing machinery and equipment.

'For such projects we are usually providing like-for-like replacements,' says Wyko's Fluid Power Business Development Manager Paul Lynch.

'But these engineers are often also involved in developing new equipment and machines to enhance or expand their facilities, so we have a dedicated fluid power centre strategically located in Coventry and a team of over 30 fluid power specialists to provide high level technical assistance too.' Wyko will also be able to call in Hoerbiger-Origa's engineers, so a close working relationship is expected to evolve fairly rapidly.

Hoerbiger-Origa is a technology leader, with a large part of its business being focused on introducing groundbreaking new systems and techniques for industrial engineering.

Its origins are as the inventors of the rodless pneumatic cylinder and it is now pioneering such technologies as piezo-pneumatics and user-friendly fieldbus control.

Wyko has become recognised as one of the country's largest distributors of fluid power equipment, having enjoyed meteoric growth since it entered the market barely four years ago.

As the agreement was struck Hoerbiger-Origa's Managing Director Ray Barnes, paid tribute to Wyko's achievement.

'Our search for the best MRO company to partner with was rigorous, we particularly needed a National Distributor who satisfied the growing 'Integrated supply' channel, Wyko exceeded all of our criteria in this regard and endorsements from their customers were exceptional.

The high calibre technical support provided to the branches and their proven track record in the Fluid Power sector further convinced us that they were the right partner for us.

Over the recent years we have observed Wyko's transition from being predominantly a bearings and power transmission distributor, to being to a major force in our industry and the rolling out of our product range to all 120 of their branches is already building on that success'.

Global pneumatics supplier Norgren has extensively updated the catalogue, technical help and 3D CAD facilities on its pioneering website.
Global pneumatics expert Norgren has extensively updated the catalogue, technical help and 3D CAD facilities on its pioneering website. The new updates have been designed to give visitors online access to a greater number of products and services, with all of the processes now fully integrated. This means that the user can switch between the catalogue, CAD and technical support areas at any point, ensuring they have all the information they need whether they are designing a system, checking on price or delivery or placing an order online.

'The only way of making sure that you have a website that serves the purposes of your customers is to ask them and this is exactly what we did,' says Mark Stevens, marketing director responsible for e-commerce at Norgren.

'The integration and updates in all areas come from direct feedback that we have sought from the thousands of engineers that use the site each week.' Catalogue updates - the specific key benefit of the updated catalogue is the ability to be able to search for a product by part number.

Visitors need only enter the full or partial reference of the part they require and they will then be given up-to-the-second information on price and delivery before they decide whether to place the order online.

The number of products available from the online catalogue has now also been substantially increased.

In addition to 8,500 individual items from right across Norgren's core actuator, valve, air preparation and fittings ranges, there are over 1,100 base models from which the user can configure the specific options they want - for example cylinder diameter, stroke, cushioning, piston rod type, mountings and switches.

The catalogue area of the site, which already attracts over 1,000 visits a week and has seen a massive growth in usage by customers since it was launched in 2000, has also been given a fresher, newer look.

Revised 3D CAD facility - with many engineers under increasing time pressure, Norgren has extended its online 3D CAD facility to save them time by providing instant online drawings, downloadable direct into the user's CAD system.

The CAD tools can be accessed by visitors from any area of the site without the need to shut down other applications they may be using, thanks to the site's new integrated construction.

The user can either select from the catalogue and link directly to the CAD drawing for that item, or take a fast track through the CAD selector, if they already know what they need.

Users can benefit from full functionality within the online viewer, including the ability to zoom in on and manipulate CAD images before downloading drawings in 13 different file formats using vector-based parametric technology.

Chat to the experts - should visitors to the website require further information on a specific product they have selected, or general advice, they now have access to even further enhanced online technical support.

The biggest update to this section of the site is the 'Frequently Asked Question' area which now includes over 300 of the most regularly made technical enquiries.

This complements Norgren's global online chat facility, which allows users of the website to talk in real time to a Norgren engineer at any point of the day or night.

The chat facility is a service unique to the company.

Stevens continues: 'Our integrated approach to technical support ?

allowing users to move quickly and seamlessly from the catalogue to the FAQ area, to online technical support and, if necessary, contact us via email - is one of the reasons our website is so popular.

'By talking to our customers and using innovative technology to provide the services they need in a simple and easy to use format, we are saving them time and money and ultimately making their jobs easier.' Norgren's website can be found at www.uk.norgren.com.

As well as qualifying for the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme, a level sensing condensate drain prevents compressed air escaping from the system.
Two extremely cost-effective products from Zander-Hiross, specialist in the treatment of compressed air and gas, are available under the enhanced capital allowance Scheme that enables businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in energy saving equipment. As well as qualifying for the allowance, the Ecodrain LS level sensing condensate drain saves substantially on running costs by preventing compressed air escaping from the system. Unlike conventional timed solenoid drains that waste compressed air by operating whether or not there is condensate in the system, the electronic Ecodrain LS senses the level of condensate and allows only unwanted condensate to drain.

Tests show that the energy saved by replacing a single timed solenoid drain with the Ecodrain LS could amount to 12,500m3 of compressed air per year! The Ecodrain LS can replace timed solenoid drains on compressors systems with intercoolers and aftercoolers, compressed air receivers and large water separators.

The Zander Ecotronic Dew Point Control helps reduce regeneration air costs in an adsorption dryer by up to 75% by automatically measuring the outlet air dew point and adjusting the dryer's cycle time accordingly.

Without dew point control the regeneration airflow, which is affected by ambient temperature and relative humidity, will waste significant volumes of compressed air.

The Ecotronic control is easily retro fitted into the dryer control box of a Zander or other make of heatless dryer.

It displays the outlet dew point and features an alarm function that can operate on overload.

Compliant non-linear pneumatic actuators, or rubbertuators, or braided pneumatic actuators offer important advantages for robotic systems and miniature valves contribute to their feasibility.
Imagine the essential requirements for the components used within a humanoid robot hand which is designed to replicate all the joints and movements of a human hand? Now imagine these components, for example over 250 sensors, must be even smaller if the design is to be successful. When robotics get the human touch, size really does matter, and in this case the smaller the better.

The North London based Shadow Robot Company is an innovative British technology team breaking new ground in advanced robotic systems.These systems are used at the cutting-edge of research in robotics; ultimately these systems have the potential for producing the first humanoid domestic robots.

The systems developed by Shadow use 'Air Muscles', compliant non-linear pneumatic actuators, otherwise known as rubbertuators, McKibben muscles, or braided pneumatic actuators, and these offer important advantages for robotic systems.

Their movement is similar enough to the movement of biological muscles to permit the construction of natural robots.

However, to achieve the same range of movements as the human hand demands large quantities of air muscles, 36 in all to control a total of 25 movements, and each air muscle needs two valves, one to fill and one to empty.

This results in the need for 72 valves for each Hand.

Since the Hand is to be used at the end of a robot's arm, standard pneumatic valves would have to be mounted off-board, resulting in significant cabling and control issues.

To improve the performance of the system, the muscles need to be placed in the same place as in the human - inside the forearm.

In order for the valves to be located as close as possible to the muscles, they must be packed in at the elbow.

This was a major challenge for the Shadow team! Eventually, miniature component specialists Lee products were able to provide the solution, thanks to the ultra-compact size of their face-mount HDI valves.

The design of these valves enables Shadow to pack 72 valves into 1/30th of the space required by other valves.

This allows the valves to be embedded directly into the dextrous hand itself, making a significant improvement in the quality and performance of the system.

In the quest to pack the valves more densely, Shadow tried fitting an even smaller Lee plug-in HDI valve into the hand.

However, the face-mount valve offers advantages in construction and maintenance, as well as allowing the use of a simpler and more modular manifold design.

Rich Walker, Technical Director at Shadow commented, 'Most of the valves we looked at and tested were described as 'miniature' although these were still at least as big as my thumb, however, the Lee plug-in valves were small enough to fit 72 into a cylinder 120mm in diameter and 65mm long.' Walker continued, 'All of the other valves we tried were simply too bulky, the previous valve rig occupied a cubic foot of space and had to be mounted below the shoulder of the arm'.

'This reduced our ability to control the hand, as well as making the robot arm non-portable.' Summing up, Walker said, 'We particularly appreciate the small size of the Lee valves, now the robot hand is self-contained, needing only an air supply and 28V power and can be easily mounted on a robot or even carried around an exhibition.' Lee HDI (LHD) series valves are designed on the three-way HDI (High Density Interface) valve platform and require only momentary (10ms) pulses of current to switch the state.

They consume only 28mW-sec per switch and the polarity of voltage to the terminals controls the switched position.

They are available in flexible plug-in configuration, so they are ideal for compact manifold applications.

A one place ported adapter for use with 1/16in tubing is available in addition to a variety of standard manifolds.The valves, which can be supplied in 5 and 12V options and with other voltages available on request, have a flow capacity of 6 sl/min and a pressure range of 0-15 lb/in2g.

Miniature shock absorber for mounting in pneumatic cylinders and rotary actuators has a stretch seal design that prevents air from being ingested and oil from escaping undere high pressure.
Automation control equipment manufacturer Ace Controls International has introduced a new miniature shock absorber that is ideal for mounting in pneumatic cylinders and rotary actuators. The new MC 30M-Z fully threaded, shock absorber features Ace's unique stretch seal design, which prevents air from being ingested and oil from escaping in these high pressure applications. Because it is a self-compensating unit, it can handle changing energy conditions without the need for adjustment.

With an overall length of only 75mm, the three models available offer an effective weight range from 0.45kg to 15kg, operating temperatures between 0 deg C to 66 deg C and all have an integral mechanical stop built-in.

Application areas include small linear slides, material handling and packaging equipment, small robotics, office and medical equipment, instrumentation and so much more.

Compact housing, accessible ports and easy adjustments of a miniature electropneumatic I/P, E/P transducer provide an ideal answer to applications that are space-constrained.
ControlAir announces the Type-550X Miniature Electropneumatic I/P, E/P Transducer with ATEX compliance. The unit's compact housing, accessible ports and easy adjustments provide an ideal answer to applications that are space-constrained. The Type-550X with 4-20mA signal, approved by Factory Mutual (FM) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), is now compliant with the ATEX directive 94/9/EC for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe.

The Type-550X is an electronic pressure regulator that converts a variable signal (current or voltage) to a proportional pneumatic output.

The Type-550X's economical startup cost, low air consumption, and reliable performance make this unit a great investment.

The unit's compact housing permits space saving and dense mounting while multiple mounting configurations provide installation versatility.

The ATEX compliant Type-550X comes standard with a NEMA-4X housing and is approved for intrinsically safe applications.

Input and output ports on both front and back of the unit allow for versatile plumbing.

High flow capacity delivers quick actuation of dampers, louvers, valves and cylinders.

Other features include field reversible, RFI/EMI protection, external zero and span adjustments, and removable external orifice.

The Type-550X has a built-in volume-booster that provides up to 20 SCFM air flow capacity allowing increased control speed in critical applications.

The ATEX approved Type-550X standard and zero-based range units utilise an input signal of 4-20mA.

Output pressure for the standard range include 3-15 lb/in2g, 3-27 lb/in2g, 6-30 lb/in2g, 2-60 lb/in2g and 3-120 lb/in2g.

The zero-based range output includes 0-30 lb/in2g, 0-60 lb/in2g and 0-120 lb/in2g.

Supply pressures range up to 100 psig in the standard range and up to 130 lb/in2g in the zero-based range.

The standard mounting bracket allows mounting directly on a valve, wall, panel, or pipe.

Optional DIN rail and manifold mounting kits are available.

Multiple choices for electrical connection include NPT conduit terminal block and DIN 43650 connections.

The Type-550X provides precise air pressure regulation to actuators, valves, positioners, cylinders, clutches, brakes and other final control elements.

Industries that utilise the Type-550X include petrochemical, HVAC, energy management, textile, pulp and paper, aper converting, robotics, machine control, medical, semiconductor and food and drug.

*About ControlAir - the company manufactures precision pneumatic and electropneumatic controls.

ControlAir's markets include process control, semiconductor, printing and converting presses, diagnostic and surgical medical equipment, robotics, quality control, automotive, analyzers, compressors, pumps and paint equipment.