Each full-function compact vacuum generator and control module is only 10mm wide, but includes built-in vacuum venturi, 30m suction filter long life solenoid valves, and a digital vacuum switch.
SMC Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products has announced the release of the ZQ Compact Vacuum Generator and Control Module. Each full-function vacuum module is only 10mm wide, yet comes with a built-in vacuum venturi, 30m suction filter with replaceable element, long-life solenoid valves, and a digital vacuum switch. ZQ manifolds also come standard with One-touch tube fittings for easy air supply and pilot exhaust connections.

The ZQ series modules are 1/3 smaller than SMC's existing ZX series vacuum modules, yet enjoy the same high performance.

The venturi generates up to -25inHg and suction flow rates of up to 0.7ft3/min.

At less than 4 ounces each, the ZQ is well suited for mounting on moving components.

Up to eight ZQ modules can be manifolded for a clean and compact installation.

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, 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.

Since more and more automation applications are getting miniaturised, the demand for smaller sizes of tubing and fittings is on the rise, hence the introduction of miniature tubing and fittings.
SMC Corporation of America, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products has announced the release of series TU/M miniature tubing and fittings. Since more and more automation and medical device applications are getting miniaturised, the demand for smaller sizes of tubing and fittings is on the rise. SMC responds to this demand with their new line of miniature tubing and fittings.

SMC now offers their polyurethane tubing in a new 2mm outside diameter (OD and 1.2mm inside diameter - ID) size.

Seven standard colors are available (black, blue, white, red, yellow, green and clear) in 20m rolls.

With a minimum bending radius of only 4mm and an OD of only 2mm, this tubing can go places never before possible.

Maximum operating pressure (at 68 deg F) is 116 lb/in2.

Suitable fluids include air and water.

Four new fitting configurations have been developed to coincide with this new tubing.

Straight and elbow style barbed fittings are available with either M# or M5 threads and a unique collar that helps hold the tubing on the barb better.

Barb to one-touch unions allow you to step down to the smaller tubing size where needed and plug in reducers allow direct connection of the 2mm tube to valve manifolds with built in one-touch fittings.

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, 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.

A world leader in the design and development of electrostatic coating systems has now standardised on one supplier for the construction of all of its pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.
A world leader in the design and development of electrostatic coating systems, Fara Technology has been so impressed with equipment supplied by Parker Hannifin that it has now standardised on Parker equipment for the construction of all of its pneumatic and hydraulic control systems. One of its recent projects was the development of an electrostatic coating system used to apply an extremely thin film of oil to metal strip. Fara Technology used a range of Parker equipment, including the company's latest Moduflex Valve System and Moduflex60 FRL manifold regulators, to operate the rotary turbine applicators used within the enclosure.

The regulators and valves, controlled by a PLC and housed within a cabinet on the front of the machine, are used to control the applicators.

In addition to providing simple open/close functionality, the pneumatic equipment also regulates the pressure fed to the applicators.

Precise control is necessary to ensure consistency of atomisation and allow the equipment to meet the production quality standards of material demanded by the automotive industries and other critical end-users.

Fara Technology has equipment in most major steel and aluminium plants around the world, as well as in a number of food producers.

It provides specialised electrostatic coating systems, including blade applicators, rotary atomisers, circular nozzles and air atomisers.

These systems apply coating weights from as little as 2mg/m2 to more than 5g/m2 at temperatures up to 100 deg C and line speeds up to 2000m/min.

A new series of rod cylinder slides has ISO style repairable cylinders with integral air cushions and dowel pin locating holes on the tooling plate and slide body.
Tol-O-Matic has announced a new RCS series of Rod Cylinder Slides. The series includes a choice of linear ball and composite bearing models in 5 bore sizes from 20mm to 50mm. Stroke lengths for each size are available, off-the-shelf, in one-inch increments up to 12 inches.

The RCS series includes several standard features that are not found on competing, built-to-order slides.

These include: ISO style repairable cylinders with integral air cushions and dowel pin locating holes on the tooling plate and slide body.

On composite bearing models, oversized guide shafts are also standard.

Guide rods on the RCS Series are made of precision ground, hardened steel and share the industries highest rating for load capacity.

'In addition to offering a broad selection of off-the-shelf slides, we wanted to assure that the new RCS Series exceeded performance expectations.

To do this, each model variation was tested and validated for max load at over 200 million linear inches of travel' stated Gary Rosengren, Director of Engineering, Tol-O-Matic.

Tol-O-Matic, an internationally certified ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer and is celebrating its 50th year of designing and manufacturing high quality power transmission and motion control products.

A tried and tested series of pressure switches now includes a low temperature version for pneumatic operations in a wide operating temperature range of -40degC to +85degC.
Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has extended is tried and tested series of 18D pressure switches with the introduction of a new low temperature version. Designated as the 18D LT the pressure switch is ideal for indoor and outdoor applications that require a wide operating temperature range of -40degC to +85degC. The new devices are suitable for pneumatic applications with operating pressures from -1 to 16 bar.

Suitable for neutral, gaseous and liquid fluids that are non combustible the units are ideal for mobile applications like trains, trams and other rail vehicles.

The devices are also suited for commercial vehicles and mobile construction machinery.

Various fluid connections are available (G, NPT, flange) and features micro switches approved by UL and CSA.

Using a low profile design to save space and reduce bending moments, a low profile air gripper remains close to the manipulator to which it is attached.
SMC Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products, has announced the release of the MHF2 Low Profile Air Gripper. The MHF2 gripper is in stock and available for immediate shipment from SMC's distribution center in Indianapolis, IN. The MHF2 Air Gripper uses a low profile design to save space and reduce bending moments.

Because of its compact height, the gripper remains close to the manipulator to which it is attached, thus greatly reducing bending moments and thereby allowing the use of a lighter duty and lower cost manipulator.

The height is approximately 1/3 that of conventional air grippers with equivalent gripping force.

The gripper jaws are guided using precision ball bearing guides.

A dual air piston design maintains high gripping force.

The MHF2 series grippers are designed for simple, repeatable installation and setup.

Mounting holes are located on all sides of the gripper body and both side and axial ports are included to allow for flexible mounting and piping.

Locating pin holes on both the body and jaws allow for repeatable positioning.

The body also includes auto switch rails extruded into the body so you can utilize the vast range of position sensing auto switches available from SMC.

The MHF2 series includes 12 models featuring gripping forces ranging from 8-200N and strokes from 8-80mm.

The operating ambient/fluid temperature range is -10 to 60 deg C.

Unit weights range from 65 grams for the smallest size, up to 1225 grams for the largest size.

Maximum operation frequency is 120 cycles per minute.

MHF2 Grippers are designed to meet or exceed a life of 10 million operating cycles when properly used within specifications.

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

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

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

A full range of non-electrical, ATEX certified pneumatic products includes certified solenoids, enclosures and automation products for use in hazardous atmospheres.
The introduction of a full range of non-electrical, ATEX certified pneumatic products means that Asco Joucomatic is now able to offer users and OEMs in all industry types a single source supply for the widest range of ATEX certified solenoids, enclosures and automation products for use in potentially explosive gaseous and dust laden atmospheres. Asco Joucomatic's ATEX certified non-electrical range is the third component of an ATEX offering that also includes one of the widest ranges of solenoid operators and enclosure types complying with the Directive, and dust collector systems for removing dust from the atmosphere in industrial manufacturing plants. Asco's non-electrical ATEX range covers zones 1-21 /2-22, with certification for zone 0-20 available on magnetic detectors and pending for PEC and PES cylinders.

The range overall is extremely comprehensive, including air service units, spool valves, special interface Namur valves, direct operating solenoid valves, pilot valve islands with fieldbus control, angle seat valves for use on hot water and aggressive fluids, pneumatic cylinders and mountings and magnetic detectors.

All of these products are certified individually by ensuring that all metal surfaces, which could come into contact with an explosive atmosphere are earthed.

On most components earthing continuity is achieved by removing part of the surface treatment, ensuring direct contact to metal parts.

In the case of earth continuity on pneumatic cylinders many manufacturers have found it necessary to connect the cylinder piston rod to earth.

With Asco Joucomatic's ATEX 450, 453 and 449 series of cylinders this procedure is not required, saving the equipment user both time and cost.

Asco's alternative is to provide five spot faces for earthing on the cylinders: four on the mounting screws of the rear end cap and one on the mounting screws of the front cap.

The benefit of this arrangement is that, as the piston rod is always in contact with the guiding bearing, earthing continuity is ensured between the body and rod of the cylinder.

Users also benefit from Asco Joucomatic's certification of individual devices, which provides flexibility by allowing the association of many like- certified components in assemblies.

What this means in practice is that users of pre-assembled ATEX devices are not constrained from modifying them, because the combination of devices or assemblies is not subject to a single overall ATEX certification.

Complementing the new non-electrical ATEX products, Asco Joucomatic offers users one of the widest ranges of solenoid coils and enclosures complying with the new ATEX directive for use in gaseous and dust-laden environments.

The range includes: * d ˆ flameproof.

(ATEX Zone1/21).

* m ˆ encapsulation.

(ATEX Zone 1/ 21).

* em- encapsulation with increased safety.

(ATEX Zone 1/ 21).

* ia - intrinsically safe for use in continuously explosive atmospheres.

(ATEX Zone 0/ 20).

* ib - intrinsically safe for atmospheres where combustible dust is likely to occur during normal operation, occasionally.

(ATEX Zone 1/21).

* n ˆ non-sparking.

(ATEX Zone 2 /22).

Asco is the world leader in solenoid valves for explosive atmospheres and its enclosures meet the needs of all industry types, being available in a variety of metals such as aluminium, cast iron and stainless steel - and also as convenient epoxy encapsulations such as the EM range.

(PV, ZN, ISSC and SCDU) The EM has been in the vanguard of the trend for designing smaller, lower cost „increased safety‰ solenoid operators in hazardous areas, rather than those of expensive flameproof ('d') construction.

Also designed by Asco to meet a specific requirement is a new family of solenoid valve operators, which meet the Category 2 requirements of the ATEX directive.

These flameproof (II 2 G/D EEx d IIC) operators are manufactured in lightweight aluminium (NF), which is epoxy coated to combat corrosion, cast iron (NL) and stainless steel (WSNF).

Conforming to european standards EN50014, EN 50018 and EN 50281-1-1, the operators are push or pull type units offering ingress protection to IP67.

They are designed for use in the water and process industries, piloting large actuators, or to directly operate large diaphragm or diverter valves.

* ATEX dust collector systems - uniquely among control manufacturers and valve suppliers, Asco Joucomatic extends the scope of its ATEX certified valve operators into fully integrated dust control systems.

The company's innovative Power Pulse range of valves optimises the performance of Pulse Jet cleaning systems, one of the most effective techniques for removing dust from the atmosphere in foundries, wood working plants, incinerators, power stations and many, many more.

In addition to meeting the needs of industry at large, Asco Joucomatic's ATEX certified range is particularly relevant to OEMs.

It is employed in the company‚s Power Pulse Tank System, which provides a neater package for dust collector installations The tank system is a fully integrated package that effectively overcomes the problem of CE certification for OEMs who traditionally build their own tank

Compact valve terminals facilitate innovative distributed control system that reduces industrial IC engine circlip insertion machine cycle time by at least 20% and raising output by nearly a third.
When the Cummins Engine Company sought a new control system for an automated circlip insertion machine on one of its engine assembly lines, it commissioned automation specialist Wearside Pneumatics, a member of the Festo Premier Stockist network, to handle the project. Wearside had previously developed a number of electro-pneumatic control systems for the engine load testing cells at Cummins' Darlington engine plant, as part of a highly successful system upgrade. The circlip insertion machine is installed on the B series diesel engine assembly line at Darlington.

These engines are produced in 3.9L four-cylinder and 5.9L six-cylinder versions, and are widely regarded as industry workhorses, being used in applications as diverse as medium-sized trucks, fire pumps and generator sets.

Designed to fully automate a complex assembly operation, the insertion machine takes partly-built sub assemblies containing pistons and con-rods with loose gudgeon pins, and applies circlips to either side of the piston.

Part of the process involves removing pre-fitted bolts from each conrod before the circlips are fitted.

The machine is a dual-stage system - using a total of 16 pneumatic actuators - with fully replicated functions, enabling one half to be loaded with new components while the other half is handling assembly operations, to maximise throughput.

The machine performs six assembly operations on each 6 cylinder engine, and with its original control system had a cycle time of 200 seconds, giving a throughput of just over 18 engines per hour.

The circlip insertion machine has performed impeccably ever since it was installed.

However, after some 18 years, its control system was showing signs of age and presenting Cummins with a variety of problems.

The pneumatic valves were early-generation models that were now obsolete and unreliable.

Increased machine downtime was impacting production throughput and maintenance costs were rising.

Also, the control system was very large by today's standards - occupying a 0.6m deep panel measuring some 2 x 1.5m - and was becoming extremely noisy in operation.

According to Garry Price, Manufacturing Systems Support Leader at Darlington, 'The control system was really no longer suitable for a modern manufacturing environment.

Apart from its size, which was preventing us installing further automation because of limited space on the production floor, downtime was becoming a big issue.

It wasn't unusual to experience two to three breakdowns a week, which would typically take between 10 and 30 minutes to fix - during which time of course, production was halted.

Manual override wasn't an option either, because the control valves didn't allow for it.' When it awarded the development contract to Wearside, Cummins specified that Festo compact valve terminals must be used for the new control system, because previous experience had proved these to be highly reliable, small form factor components.

They also offer Profibus communication facilities, which is the protocol Cummins is adopting for all future automation control.

After analysing the existing set-up, Wearside was convinced it could create a control system that would not only overcome all the problems of the existing installation, but also reduce circlip insertion cycle time to help speed up the line.

By basing the new control system on compact valve technology, the company knew it could design a highly reliable, small footprint solution that could easily be housed next to the machine on the production floor.

In fact, during development, it became clear that an even more innovative control architecture was feasible.

Instead of a single, centralised control system, a distributed approach would allow even greater space savings.

As Darren Barnes, Fluid Power Consultant for Wearside Pneumatics, points out, 'We realised that the exceptionally compact dimensions of Festo CPV valve terminals combined with the fact that we were effectively producing two identical control systems - one for each half of the insertion machine - would enable us to use two small cabinets instead of one larger one.

This would allow the entire control system to be accommodated beneath the machine, taking up no extra floor space, with the added advantage that the valve terminals could be connected to the machine's pneumatic cylinders via much shorter air supply tubes, to maximise dynamic performance.' Wearside chose to base the control system on Festo CPV18 valve terminals because it wanted high flow rates to achieve fast switching - and these latest models can handle flow rates up 1600 litres per minute.

They are also the only compact 18mm valves on the market which offer a broad choice of electrical/pneumatic connections and different pressure ranges, to help speed design-in.

Like all Festo CPV valves, the CPV18 are IP65-rated - making them ideal for decentralised control applications such as this - and feature generously dimensioned flow ducts and powerful surface-mounted silencers to accommodate the high flow rates needed for relatively large pneumatic cylinders.

The final system comprises two 0.5m2 cabinets - each with a depth of just 0.3m - containing a CPV18 valve terminal and an air preparation system.

The cabinets are mounted beneath either end of the machine, rather than next to it, saving approximately 1m2 of floor space compared to the previous system.

The control system was installed at Cummins' Darlington plant at the end of July, 2004 - just five weeks after Wearside was awarded the development contract.

It has performed flawlessly ever since.

To quote Price again, 'We are extremely pleased with the new system, which has a performance that significantly exceeds the original design specification.

It has enabled us to reduce the cycle time of the insertion machine by at least 20%.

To put this in perspective, trimming some 20 seconds off each complete assembly operation means that we now achieve a throughput of 22 engines per hour, compared to the previous figure of 18.

What's more, the control system is virtually silent in operation, making working conditions more pleasurable, and because it is effectively integrated with the insertion machine and takes up no extra space, we have since been able to install further much-needed machinery on the production floor.

Latest generation, open architecture Ethernet gateway for pneumatic valve terminals enables SCADA systems and master PLCs to access diagnostic data at sensor/actuator level.
Automation company Festo will be showing its new Ethernet-equipped gateway for pneumatic valve terminals for the first time in the UK, on stand D28 at mtec 2005. This latest-generation, open-architecture product is specifically designed for easy integration with factory automation and higher level IT networks, enabling master PLCs or SCADA systems to retrieve diagnostic data from valves, sensors and actuators. The Festo CPX-FEC front-end controller is the first product on the market capable of accessing this type of 'level 1' data, which is set to become a key requirement in future automation systems.

By using this data to focus preventive maintenance on high priority areas, users will be able to increase machine productivity, eliminate process errors and minimise system downtime.

Festo will be highlighting its commitment to open systems standards at mtec 2005, showing how it is prepared to work in partnership with manufacturers of SCADA systems, DCSs and PLCs to help implement next-generation electro-pneumatic automation solutions.

The company will also be promoting its training seminars for PLC and I/O programming, as well as demonstrating its ability to connect actual PLC technology to design, test and simulation software via its EasyPort interface.

Jacqui Reid, Festo Product Manager, points out: 'The CPX-FEC can operate as an embedded Ethernet gateway or standalone PLC, accommodates a wide range of communication protocols, and integrates directly with our CPX range of modular pneumatic valve and I/O terminals.

It is an exceptionally versatile platform for automation OEMs, and opens up a multitude of new control and diagnostics possibilities.'

Festo will be exhibiting its latest ATEX-compliant products on stand 17 at HazardEx 2005.
Festo will be exhibiting its latest ATEX-compliant products on stand 17 at HazardEx 2005. As the industry leader in pneumatic and electro-pneumatic products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the company will also be taking the opportunity to highlight its commitment to this particular market. Joachim Bischof, worldwide product manager for Festo ATEX-compliant products, will be on hand to answer any questions from designers and builders of automation systems.

Following the launch of its ATEX-compliant product range - which now includes more 3,700 components - Festo has seen sales in this emergent market sector grow from zero to some 2 million euros in little over a year.

Most revenue to date has been generated by new applications, but Festo is also witnessing increasing interest from machine builders seeking ATEX-compliant replacement parts for existing installations.

There are probably few in the industry who need reminding that by mid 2006 every system installed in a hazardous environment prior to July 2003 will require a formal risk assessment to be carried out, to ascertain whether or not it is suitable for continued use.

Festo adopted a particularly proactive strategy with regard to EU directive 94/9/EC (ATEX), and was the first pneumatics manufacturer to ensure that a wide range of its products complied with the standard.

It also operates an aggressive on-going test and certification programme, to continue increasing the number and type of products that can be used in hazardous areas with potentially explosive atmospheres.

Some 750 new ATEX-compliant products have been added in the past 12 months alone, including a family of category 1GD proximity sensors.

The Festo ATEX product portfolio currently includes six families of pneumatic cylinders and twelve families of drives approved to directive 94/9/EC for equipment categories 2G and 2GD, as well as category 3GD proximity sensors and the new 1GD models.

In addition, there are seven families of solenoid valves and coils, three families of pneumatic valves and a compact valve terminal - including its associated fieldbus and I/O modules - that are approved to directive RL 94/9/EC.

This wide product offering is rounded-out by an extensive range of ATEX-compliant pneumatic accessories, such as pressure regulators, filters, manual control valves and tubing.

To assist customers seeking ATEX-certified pneumatic and electro-pneumatic products, or more information about the 94/9/EC directive, Festo publishes a highly informative 28-page booklet titled 'Pneumatic Products and Explosion Protection'.

The booklet details the various zones, equipment categories and degrees of protection covered by the directive, explains the meaning of the directive in the local language of each EU member country, and offers a comparison with equivalent north American standards.

It also provides a comprehensive overview of all ATEX products produced by Festo for Group II equipment applications (Group I is reserved for mining applications).

Mini-solenoid valve offers the lowest energy consumption on the market: just 0.5W for a flow rate of 11 litres/minute and has IP67 protection for high integrity operation.
Asco Joucomatic's new 302 Series mini-solenoid valve offers the lowest energy consumption on the market: just 0.5W for a flow rate of 11 litres/minute. Designed for use in the medical, automation and process control sector, the 15mm mini-solenoid valve offers users the benefits of IP67 protection for high integrity operation in aggressive environments, and the option of an intrinsically safe 'ia' version 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 (100 million cycles).

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/minute.

* 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 ˆ 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 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: For more general applications, an IP65 rated version is also available.

Servo motor controller is a servo amplifier/controller for SMC LJ, LG and LTF series actuators and provides high-level features at mid-level pricing.
SMC Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products has announced the release of the LC8 AC servo motor Controller. The LC8 is a servo amplifier/controller for the LJ, LG and LTF series actuators and provides high-level features at mid-level pricing. Up to 7 LC8s can be slaved together for control from a single PLC, which can execute 117 steps that can command any or all of the actuators to move to a specific position, move a specific distance or apply a specific amount of torque.

The position accuracy is +/-0.005 mm to +/-0.025 mm, depending on the feed screw lead of the actuator.

There are also five palletizing steps that can use the same command from the PLC to move 2 axes sequentially through pallets of up to 10,000 rows by 10,000 columns.

The simple method for configuring and running the palletizing features has been awarded a US patent.

The LC8 comes with easy to use human/machine interface software for configuring and testing the controllers.

This HMI software includes features for 'teaching' positions by moving the actuators either manually or under power and all of the configuration data can be stored in files so that a setup for one machine can be easily duplicated on many others.

The LC8 is compact, 141mm H x 75mm W x 130mm D, weighs less than 1kg and is available for 100 - 115V AC or 200 - 220V AC power and either 50, 100 or 200W motors.

SMC Corporation manufactures high quality electric actuators and controllers for industrial automation.

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.

Compact vacuum generator and control module is only 10mm wide, yet has built-in vacuum venturi, 30m suction filter, long-life solenoid valves and a digital vacuum switch.
SMC Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products has announced the release of the ZQ Compact Vacuum Generator and Control Module. Each full-function vacuum module is only 10mm wide, yet comes with a built-in vacuum venturi, 30m suction filter with replaceable element, long-life solenoid valves, and a digital vacuum switch. ZQ manifolds also come standard with One-touchTM tube fittings for easy air supply and pilot exhaust connections.

The ZQ series modules are 1/3 smaller than SMC's existing ZX series vacuum modules, yet enjoy the same high performance.

The venturi generates up to -25in Hg and suction flow rates of up to 0.7ft3/min.

At less than 4 ounces each, the ZQ is well suited for mounting on moving components.

Up to eight ZQ modules can be manifolded for a clean and compact installation.

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.

Measuring just 10mm wide, miniature sub-base mounted valves have achieved a cost reduction of almost 50%, as a result of using polyamide in valve construction.
Asco Joucomatic's new and improved design for its Micro 10 range of miniature sub-base mounted valves has achieved a cost reduction of almost 50%, as a result of using Polyamide in the valve construction rather than metal. The new design also offers OEMs more flexible electrical connections; both vertical and horizontal 5.08mm and 2.54mm spacing options are offered, and also connection via flying leads. Measuring just 10mm wide, the Micro 10 valves satisfy all the space constraints of modern automation systems.

They are designed for easy assembly into miniature sub-base systems of from 2 to 10 valves, providing OEMs with a compact, high performance system, which improves competitiveness through reduced space requirement and installation costs.

Ideal for miniature applications in the medical, packaging, textile and dispensing sectors, the Micro 10 valves are designed for tasks such as piloting of larger valves, and can also be used with vacuum and for direct actuation of miniature pneumatic cylinders.

Several orifice sizes - 0.5, 0.8 and 1mm - are available, enabling the Micro 10 valves to provide high flows for miniature valves of up to 12 Nl/min.

In addition, the facility for 24V, 12V or 5V operation means that the valves require low power for their operation (1.3W max) and are easy to interface to hierarchical control systems using PLCs (etc).

Integration into electrical control systems is also made much simpler and quicker with the connection options offered with the Micro 10 valves.

Asco Joucomatic offers horizontal or vertical connectors with built-in LEDs and electrical protection.

Both of these offer convenient contact spacings of 5.08mm and 2.54mm.

A further option is flying leads, 0.5m long.

The Micro 10 valves are designed for operation on air or neutral gases, lubricated or dry, with 50 micron filtering.

A handheld man-machine interface that allows pneumatic/electrical I/O to be verified as it is built, before PLC installation, can substantially speed machine building.
Festo has introduced a handheld man-machine interface for its CPX family of pneumatic and electrical I/O terminals that can substantially speed machine building. Whereas testing the I/O normally has to wait until the PLC or control system is installed, the new CPX-MMI terminal provides instant visibility and control to commissioning and service technicians. Users can force pneumatic valves and electrical I/O to verify correct assembly, set parameters such as debounce times and fail safe states, and run diagnostics.

These powerful facilities allow a machine's I/O to be tested and proven good before the control system is fitted, avoiding common system integration issues that can arise during the typical sequential automation commissioning process.

As CPX-MMI uses the wireless mark-up language (WML) standard, and downloads details of the I/O from the host Festo PLC - via the local bus on the I/O module or a fieldbus network - no software or programming of any kind is required to use the terminal.

The low-cost tool - which costs just GBP 220 - provides a keypad and 7-line LCD display in a compact form-factor that can be held and used with one hand.

Four arrow keys and three function keys, plus clear-text messages, provide a soft-key driven user interface that is intuitively easy to understand.

It works with modular CPX valve and I/O terminals - which are compatible with all the major field buses, and may be populated with pneumatic valves from the Festo Midi, Maxi, MPA or CPA families.

During automation commissioning, CPX-MMI allows users to enter Monitoring/Forcing, Diagnostics, Parameter Setting, Fail Safe configuration, and Module Data modes of operation.

These modes make the terminal equally suitable for routine maintenance or repair, giving quick access to the current diagnostic message and an error log that stores the last 40 events.

Following investigation of an issue, users can enter Parameter Setting and/or Monitoring/Forcing modes as applicable, to verify correct operation or diagnose a fault.

Because CPX has its own bus structure, these control and diagnostics facilities are provided down to the individual I/O channel.

'This terminal gives OEMs a powerful means of overcoming many of the system integration problems that are a common cause of delays in machine building and commissioning,' says Jacqui Reid, Product Manager at Festo GB.

'Its diagnostics facilities and error log also make it a valuable aid for Total Productive Maintenance schemes - helping users to spot trends and opportunities for improvements.' Password security is built into the terminal, to ensure that only authorised personnel are able to use the device's powerful facilities.

Square profile barrel of a range of pneumatic cylinders offers cleaner lines for use in hygiene conscious environments, and also the option of 'T' slots or dovetail grooves.
Square profile barrel of a range of pneumatic cylinders offers cleaner lines for use in hygiene conscious environments, and also the option of 'T' slots or dovetail grooves The new square profile barrel of Asco Joucomatic's PES III range of pneumatic cylinders offers the twin benefits of cleaner lines for use in hygiene conscious environments, and also the option of 'T' slots or dovetail grooves to give OEMs the maximum choice and flexibility in respect of sensor mounting positions. The PES III range is designed to provide the benefits of true European interchangability. Offered in sizes from 32mm bore to 100mm bore, it complies with all relevant European standards: VDMA, ISO and AFNOR.

This wide ranging compliance provides benefits to machine builders and equipment suppliers, as it helps them to achieve total conformity between their machine actuation systems and their customers' installed plant and equipment.

The combination of the new profile barrel and cavity-free end caps means that the PES design is one of the cleanest available; its uncluttered lines adding to the aesthetics of any machine.

At the same time, the new square barrel with its multi-groove configuration offers OEMs the flexibility to mount either Reed switches or magnetic detectors in almost any position along the barrel length, to meet specific design considerations.

Easy to maintain, the PES III range is designed for operation on dry filtered air.

Key to this operation is a low friction piston seal, which ensures low breakaway pressure and is insensitive to distortion or temperature differences (in the range -20 deg C to +60 deg C).

Other features of the PES III range include a one piece integrated tube sealing and cushioning unit, which allows easy cylinder maintenance.

The cushioning itself is provided by a cartridge-like system, which integrates a captive micrometric screw for high precision adjustment.

Several options are available to users of the PES range.

These include though rod versions, units with round aluminium barrels and tie rods; cylinders with dynamic rod locking devices and units equipped with Asco Joucomatic's patented Omega seal.

The Omega seal offers the benefit of constant low speed performance without slip stick or jerking.

The unique dynamics of the seal also ensure that high- speed performance is also excellent, at up to 3m/sec.

The introduction of Omega extends the range of applications for pneumatic cylinders and means that in many low speed applications engineers can now employ the simplicity and the convenience of pneumatic actuation, and achieve considerable cost savings by not having to invest in hydraulic rams, pumps, valves relief valves, and so on.

Operating between valve and Rexroth IndraControl PLC, Drive and Diagnostic Link system checks the correct functionality of end-of-line units and reports any faults in plain text.
Drive and Diagnostic Link is the gateway between valve and PLC, extending the function of the Rexroth IndraControl PLC system. As soon as the machine is switched on, the system checks the correct functionality of end-of-line units and reports any faults in plain text. The appropriate PLC displays the plain-text message.

The diagnosis becomes fast and simple, minimizing downtime.

The DDL gateway from Rexroth clearly simplifies the operation of valve units and, what is more, provides detailed monitoring of the electrical control.

The DDL diagnostic system from Rexroth supplies concrete information from the pneumatic actuators directly to the controller.

Checkable points include the tolerance of the supply voltage, function of the solenoid coil and the short-circuit indicator.

The controller is capable of deriving a detailed diagnosis from the check results and can even generate and display plain-text messages.

Having said that, the diagnostic system does not come into play only in case of a fault.

The check can be made as soon as the machine is switched on, establishing whether the pneumatic subsystem is operational and functions correctly in all the sections.

Per gateway it is possible for up to three control valves and valve units of different series to be gated flexibly, securely and rapidly and integrated into production systems under IndraControl.

The DDL between gateway and pneumatic components is equipped with M12 connectors, enabling particularly simple cabling to as many as 48 inputs and outputs for each gateway.

On the PLC side, a plain-text display replaces the usual LED displays.