A 'Plug and Play' PEC cylinder, having an integral control valve, allows up to 30% to be saved on the costs of installing traditional pneumatic cylinder control circuits.
ASCO Joucomatic's new 'Plug and Play' PEC cylinder allows up to 30% to be saved on the costs of installing traditional pneumatic cylinder control circuits. The PEC integrates its own control valve, flow controls and end-stroke sensors, and offers the OEM the time and space saving convenience of single points for both pneumatic and electrical (M12) connections. The 'Plug-and Play' PEC cylinder is the ideal OEM product, meeting all the demands of modern machine design for size, weight and cost reductions.

The fully integrated design provides for much faster and simpler installation as external components such as valves flow controls and their associated fittings do have to be accommodated.

This reduction in system components means that both pipework and electrical wiring, and their attendant cost is reduced.

It also provides benefits in that fewer components mean fewer things to go wrong, less chance of system leaks and a reduced requirement in the number of spare parts required.

The integrated design of the PEC cylinders is both functional and sturdy.

In terms of functionality the design not only reduces size, but also offers the designer cleaner lines, industry standard mounting facilities and compact, flush mounting positional detectors.

The new detectors have integral mountings enabling them to fit right into the cylinders dovetail grooves.

This contributes to overall space saving and provides the facility to mount two detectors on the same side of a cylinder for end of stroke position detection.

Despite integrating many innovative features in their compact design, the PEC cylinders nevertheless retain compatibility with ISO 6431, VDMA 24562 and NF E 49 003-1 standards.

As a result, they are totally interchangeable in mounting with conventional pneumatic cylinders, enabling the user to reduce stock levels by employing one range of mountings for all cylinder needs.

The many benefits of the Plug-and-Play PEC actuators mean that they are ideally suited to assembly, packaging, handling and robotics applications, among many others.

The range covers bore sizes from 40mm to 63mm, and strokes from 5mm to 400mm.

Festo Didactic, the training division of automation specialist Festo, has launched a new issue of its catalogue entitled 'Learning System for Automation and Technology'.
Festo Didactic, the training division of automation specialist Festo, has launched a new issue of its catalogue entitled 'Learning System for Automation and Technology'. Featuring more Training products, teachware, and software than ever before, it is an essential guide to the training concepts that Festo offers for its extensive educational product range. Divided into eight sections for ease of use, the new catalogue focuses on the unique diversity and depth of technology training services that Festo offers.

It provides information on all of the company's training products, and covers all of the automation topics in the Festo range.

These include: pneumatics and electropneumatics; hydraulics and electrohydraulics; electronics; sensors; robotics; CNC technology; PLC and Fieldbus technology; manufacturing technology; process engineering; and mechatronics.

With many new products included in the new, updated issue, it is the most comprehensive edition of the Festo Didactic catalogue ever published.

The 'Learning System for Automation and Technology' edition has been designed with an easy-to-use layout to enable fast access to the products and services required.

The eight sections are as follows: 1) E-learning: web-based training programs for automation and mechatronics.

2) Software and Courseware: featuring self-study programs, simulation software and virtual learning environments, plus textbooks, workbooks, dictionaries, manuals and technical books.

3) Training Packages: to enable learning in conjunction with innovative technology.

4) Workstation Systems: modular training environments for basic and further training.

5) Futurion: a training concept for electrical engineering and electronics.

6) MPS, the Modular Production System: for vocational training and the continual training of automation specialists.

7) Integrated Systems CIM/FMS: flexible manufacturing systems and computer-integrated production systems for CIM training and customer-specific solutions.

8) Process Control System: measurement and open- and closed-loop control.

Also included with the catalogue is a learning system CD-ROM, providing an overview of all of the topics included with the Festo training program.

The training division of an automation specialist has launched a new issue of its catalogue entitled 'Learning System for Automation and Technology' that features more training products and software.
Festo Didactic, the training division of automation specialist Festo, has launched a new issue of its catalogue entitled 'Learning System for Automation and Technology'. Featuring more Training products, teachware, and software than ever before, it is an essential guide to the training concepts that Festo offers for its extensive educational product range. Divided into eight sections for ease of use, the new catalogue focuses on the unique diversity and depth of technology training services that Festo offers.

It provides information on all of the company's training products, and covers all of the automation topics in the Festo range.

These include: pneumatics and electropneumatics; hydraulics and electrohydraulics; electronics; sensors; robotics; CNC technology; PLC and Fieldbus technology; manufacturing technology; process engineering; and mechatronics.

With many new products included in the new, updated issue, it is the most comprehensive edition of the Festo Didactic catalogue ever published.

The 'Learning System for Automation and Technology' edition has been designed with an easy-to-use layout to enable fast access to the products and services required.

The eight sections are as follows: 1) E-learning: web-based training programs for automation and mechatronics.

2) Software and Courseware: featuring self-study programs, simulation software and virtual learning environments, plus textbooks, workbooks, dictionaries, manuals and technical books.

3) Training Packages: to enable learning in conjunction with innovative technology.

4) Workstation Systems: modular training environments for basic and further training.

5) Futurion: a training concept for electrical engineering and electronics.

6) MPS, the Modular Production System: for vocational training and the continual training of automation specialists.

7) Integrated Systems CIM/FMS: flexible manufacturing systems and computer-integrated production systems for CIM training and customer-specific solutions.

8) Process Control System: measurement and open- and closed-loop control.

Also included with the catalogue is a learning system CD-ROM, providing an overview of all of the topics included with the Festo training programme.

The flexibility of spool valve islands to meet all OEM control needs from a single manifold platform has been improved further with a Profibus-DP version easy to integrate into machines.
The flexibility of ASCO Joucomatic's Mega spool valve islands to meet all OEM control needs from a single manifold platform has been improved further with the addition to the range of a new Profibus-DP version. Like existing Interbus-S and devicenet equipped variants, the MEGA Profibus-DP version is extremely easy to integrate into machines, improving competitiveness by reducing both the cost and the complexity of control installations. OEMs employing the new Mega Profibus units have the capability to connect up to a maximum of 97 islands, each holding up to 16 monostable or bistable (3/2, 5/2, or 5/3) solenoid air operated valves, with space saving, low wattage (1.5Watts) push/pull coils.

The islands are easily connected to the fieldbus via two M12 connectors (one for power, 24V, one for the Bus connection) and enjoy IP65 protection, allowing for direct connection onto machines in close proximity to pneumatic actuators.

As a result they fulfil automation requirements in industrial environments such as assembly, food processing, packaging, process control, textile and paper industries.

The reduced size, modularity, low weight, high flow rate (900 litre/min) and connection via 6mm or 8mm instant fittings, make the MEGA valve islands the ideal product for installations where compactness and high performance are essential requirements.

In addition, much time and effort is saved by the OEM as assembly of the Mega islands is achieved without tools : the different elements are simply clipped onto connecting rods.

The effectiveness of this procedure can be judged from the fact that it takes less than 20 seconds to mount a spool valve on a Mega island.

Moreover, once complete, the assembly can be mounted directly onto what it is controlling, reducing the size of an installation, or mounted conveniently in a control panel on industry standard DIN rails.

The flexible design philosophy employed to create the Mega range offers the OEM and user the best possible range of connection options to meet almost all requirements.

In addition to fieldbus variants these include: * The 'Classic' connection with a size 15 connector, in a standard IP65 (Pg7P) version, or an IP65 or IP20 version with a LED diode and integral electric protection.

* Multipol IP20 or IP65 single, multi-wire connection, with SUB-D coupling, for use with a PLC.

* Connection with the AS interface network, using a vampire plug for simple and instant connections of flat profiled cables.

This interface, with or without inputs, can supervise 8 monostable or four bistable valves.

* Connection with the 'intelligent' VCS - Valve Connection System - compatible with standard communication protocols, such as Profibus-DP, Interbus-S and DeviceNet, this revolutionary system eliminates the need for cable stripping and fastening.

Comprising an interface, intelligent connectors and a flat profiled cable, it links solenoid air operated valves together in an easy, quick and economical manner.

The VCS cable is placed in a connector with a snap shut cover (one connector per valve).

A current-to-pressure and voltage-to-pressure transducer is now available with zero-based units ranging from 0-7.5 lb/in2 to 0-60 lb/in2 outputs and is compliant with ATEX directive 94/9/EC.
ControlAir announces the current-to-pressure (I/P) and voltage-to-pressure (E/P) Type 900X transducer is now available with zero-based units ranging from 0-7.5 lb/in2 to 0-60 lb/in2 outputs. The Type 900X approved by Factory Mutual (FM) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as intrinsically safe, is also now compliant with the ATEX directive 94/9/EC for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe. The Type 900X uses an innovative internal control and feedback system which provides accurate conversion of an electrical signal to a linear proportional output pressure.

Guaranteed accurate to +/-0.10% of span, this series of transducers is loaded with features, plus, is rugged and versatile.

Output pressures of up to 100 lb/in2g can be direct/reverse acting, full/split rangable.

Maximum supply pressure of up to 100 lb/in2g does not need to be pre-regulated.

Integral volume booster provides high airflow capacity of up to 12 standard ft3/min.

The Type 900X series is available in port sizes of 1/4 NPT (pneumatic) and 1/2 NPT (electric).

ControlAir's Type 900X series is tough and versatile.

Housed in a NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosure that's ideal for remote locations and harsh environments, this transducer has a modular design that allows the user to wall, pipe, panel, DIN rail and manifold mount.

The compact size provides for high-density mounting.

Front and back porting provides piping flexibility.

Electrical connections can be made with pigtail, DIN 43650 connector or terminal block.

Calibration is simplified by the inclusion of a noninteractive zero and span.

The 900X series can be calibrated, mounted, wired, and in operation quickly and easily for a variety of applications, including the outdoors or in washdown environments.

Applications include valve actuation, pneumatic valve positioners, cylinders, clutches, brakes, dampers, louvers, pumps, web tensioning, flow and speed control.

ControlAir manufactures precision pneumatic and electro-pneumatic 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.

Automatic weighing equipment maker has replaced sintered bearings in a steel rod end with igus KBRM style rod ends, which were found to be resistant to corrosion and chemical attack.
Easiweigh is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of automatic weighing equipment. The company discovered it needed to source a new bearings manufacturer, because cleaning agents were causing metallic rod ends on a pneumatic cylinder to fail. corrosion resistant polymer rod-ends from igus were selected as the ideal replacement.

Machines manufactured by Easiweigh are designed to accurately weigh products prior to packaging.

The machines are also designed to be easily cleaned and maintained.

The company use lubrication-free igubal rod end bearings on a pneumatic cylinder, used to open and close lids on a pan used for weighing a variety of foodstuffs.

Easiweigh had previously used sintered bearings in a steel rod end.

However, the company hit problems when they discovered aggressive cleaning agents caused the bearings to corrode.

In contrast, igus KBRM style rod ends were found to be resistant to both corrosion and chemical attack.

They also helped solve the alignment problems encountered with the sintered bearings.

Matthew Aldridge, director of igus UK's bearings division, says: 'The all polymer rod ends combine long and predictable life with a low unit cost, which dovetails perfectly with the requirements of Easiweigh.' Easiweigh entered this application into the manus plastic plain bearing design awards in 2004, in which it was shortlisted for the GBP 2,500 gold prize.

Proportional valve inlet pressure range has been extended from 12 bar to handle an input pressure of 16 bar, thus allowing users to increase flow rates from 3600 litre/min to 5000 litre/min. .
Norgren extends VP60 proportional valve pressure range In response to market needs Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has extended the input pressure range of its VP60 proportional valve. Originally specified at 12 bar the VP60 now has the capability to handle an input pressure of 16 bar. This now allows customers to increase flow rates from 3600 litre/min to 5000 litre/min.

The VP60 is ideal for applications that require very high operating figures and can be deployed in a wide variety of sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, packaging, printing/paper processing, medical and food.

Typical projects within these sectors include rotational speed control, velocity control, vacuum generation and torque regulation.

Electro-pneumatic valve family allows automation systems to be built around a configurable manifold - replacing control cabinet functionality with a standalone, point-of-use system.
Festo has launched a major electro-pneumatic valve family that allows full-featured automation systems to be built around a configurable manifold - allowing the functionality of a control cabinet to be replaced with a standalone, point-of-use system. Ease of configuration and access are fundamental to the design of the new valve family - VTSA - to suit users creating machines for demanding application environments such as continuous processes. Here, the advantages of a terminal with industry-standard dimension valves - compliant with ISO 15407-2 - is complemented by intrinsic modularity that allows systems to built with different pressure zones, gas zones, and electrical power isolation.

Festo is renowned for its innovation in pneumatic valves, and it has used its very wide application experience in this area to give VTSA a high degree of versatility.

For example, VTSA supports 'hot swap' valve changeovers, enabling valve bodies to be exchanged without turning off the air supply to the manifold for reduced downtime and disruption.

It is also possible to make all air connections face in the same direction, to suit the space available or to offer an improved controls layout.

This focus on user-oriented detail extends to the gauges on the optional pressure regulator sandwich plates, which swivel for easier setting and reading.

Large easy to read labels can be clipped onto valves and sub-bases for instant commissioning, fault finding and identification.

The VTSA terminal family includes over 150 new components, ranging from solenoid valves in all standard configurations, through sub-bases, supply-plates, end-plates and gaskets, to a wide choice of vertically stackable components and accessories such as pressure and flow regulators and hot-swap adapter plates.

VTSA is compatible with both 18mm (ISO 02) and 26mm (ISO 01) valves.

A novel feature of VTSA's design is its ability to combine both valve sizes in one installation without an adapter.

This can save considerable installation space in the machine or control cabinet.

Electrical actuation can be achieved by configuring VTSA systems with terminal boxes, multi-pin connections, or Festo's popular CPX modular electrical I/O system.

As standard, integrated diagnostics allow incorrect valve allocations, coil short-circuits or lack of a load supply to be detected directly via LEDs.

If systems are fitted with the CPX I/O system, powerful additional diagnostics are available via a handy plug-in MMI or via the fieldbus system to help minimise downtime, increase availability and reduce operating costs.

To support machine builders in the target markets for this new product, Festo offers a free software tool for configuring VTSA systems, via its online shop.

Stainless steel NAMUR and body ported pilot valves been developed for use in corrosive and hazardous environments in the petrochemical, process, chemical, oil and gas and food industries.
Asco Joucomatic's new 551 series of stainless steel (316L) valves has been developed for use in corrosive and hazardous environments in the petrochemical, process, chemical, oil and gas and food industries. ATEX approved for all categories including 1GD (zones 0/20) and/or SIL level 4, the marine grade (316L) stainless steel valves are particularly suited to piloting process actuators in hazardous areas, both on and offshore. Designed with an environmentally protected construction, the 551 valves offer the highest levels of protection against the ingress of liquids, dust or any other foreign matter.

They also provide the user with the facility for all valve exhausts to be piped away, providing enhanced environmental protection in sensitive areas such as clean rooms, and in market sectors such as pharmaceutical and food processing.

To ensure reliability in the most corrosive environments, the 551 valves employ internal parts of 316L or 304L stainless steel and high performance seals of silicone and polyurethane.

This combination enables the valves to be used on filtered air and neutral gases at pressures up to 10bar, and across a wide ambient temperature range from -40 deg C to +60 deg C.

The 551 series are 1/4in valves which are available in both NAMUR interface and body ported (BSP and NPT) versions.

They are offered as of 3/2 or 5/2 configurations, with either monostable (solenoid/spring) or bistable (solenoid/solenoid) operators.

In both cases, the solenoids have the option of being equipped with manual (impulse-type) overrides.

The flexibility of the 551 valve design means that it can be equipped with the full range of Asco Joucomatic solenoid enclosures, including IP65 epoxy-moulded general purpose types; intrinsically safe waterproof versions; increased safety EEx em types; cast iron/aluminium EEx d variants; and UL and CSA approved units.

In addition, the 551 Series can be used with Asco Joucomatic's new family of flameproof (II 2 G/D EEx d IIC) operators.

Meeting Category 2 requirements of the ATEX directive, the introduction of the stainless steel WSNF operator is part of an new overall package from Asco Joucomatic, providing the offshore oil and gas markets with all-stainless steel valves and operators for tasks such as piloting large actuators, or operating diaphragm or diverter valves, directly.

Integral pressure gauge features integral, non rotating, pressure gauges inside a unique adjustable handle thereby eliminating the need to install separate pressure controls.
One of the most frequent requests from machine builders and manufacturers with production facilities is for the development of smaller, easier to use, components which require less installation and general maintenance time. Research engineers from SMC, the world's leading automation experts, have clearly recognised this requirement with the launch of their comprehensive range of new regulators and filter regulators with built in pressure gauges - Series ACG/ARG/AWG. Developed initially to achieve space savings and reduced labour costs when panel mounting regulator and filter regulator units.

This latest range of compressed air supply components feature integral, non rotating, pressure gauges inside a unique adjustable handle thereby eliminating the need to install separate pressure controls.

Offering excellent visibility, Series ACG/ARG/AWG can be clearly seen and adjusted even when mounted in those difficult areas such as close to the floor, or even when side mounted high up a wall.

Performance can be set using simple limit indicators, which can be easily adjusted by removing the one-touch see through gauge cover.

Additionally, the mounting angle of the gauge can also be selected from four directions - 0, 90, 180 and 270 deg in relation to the piping direction.

Designed for use with air, up to a maximum operating pressure of 1.0MPa, with ambient fluid temperature range of between -5 deg C to 60 deg C these innovative regulators have been designed to fully integrate with SMC's existing range of FRL units.

Latest rodless cylinders use low profile designs to save space to achieve height, length and weight savings of 30% or more when compared to conventional rodless cylinder designs.
SMC Corporation of America, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products, has announced the release of Series MY2 and MY3 Rodless Cylinders. The MY2 and MY3 Rodless Cylinders use low profile designs to save space compared to typical rodless cylinders. Height, length and weight savings of 30% or more are achievable compared to conventional rodless cylinder designs with similar load and thrust ratings.

For high precision linear transfer applications in narrow spaces, series MY2 is the rodless cylinder of choice.

For low cost, basic linear motion in a compact design, the MY3 cylinder is an excellent option.

The MY2 Rodless Cylinder is supplied complete with air cushions and centralised piping - all versions have a stroke adjusting unit, are double acting, and do not require lubrication.

For ease of maintenance, the drive cylinder may be replaced without removing the work piece.

The slide is designed to allow for easy mounting and adjustment of SMC's extensive selection of position sensing switches.

Centralized air piping and a choice of T-slot or through-hole mounting allows for flexibility in mounting orientation.

The MY2 rodless cylinder is available in several sizes with a range of thrust forces and stroke lengths.

Thrust forces from 40N to 1005N are available.

Cylinder strokes extend from 100mm to 5000mm.

Slide table load capability goes up to 80kg.

The operating ambient/fluid temperature range is 5 to 60 deg C.

Unit weights vary from about 1.5kg for the smallest size, up to 75kg for the largest size.

Maximum operation speed is 1500mm/s.

The MY3 Rodless Cylinder is an unguided rodless cylinder with very compact height and length.

The MY3 was designed to offer the same functionality of SMC's MY1B rodless cylinder in a more compact and lightweight package.

The small size was achieved by a utilizing a unique, low profile piston design.

The MY3 cylinder is available in four bore sizes: 16, 25, 40, and 63mm.

Options include floating joints, stroke adjusters, side supports, and auto switches.

The stroke adjuster and shock absorber are integrated into a low profile design.

Auto switches can be mounted on both sides from the front direction.

Using side supports, the cylinder tube can be fixed from the upper or lower side.

Long stroke of up to 3000mm are available.

MY Rodless Slides are designed to meet or exceed a life of 3,000km when properly used within specifications.

Maintenance parts are available to further extend the life of the cylinder.

* About SMC - 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.

Compact electronic proportional regulator is a modular, extremely accurate and simple to use device for controlling a set output pressure for compressed air or inert gasses.
The new compact Moduflex MPT40 electronic proportional regulator, from Parker Hannifin, has been designed to offer both OEMs and end users throughout industry a modular, extremely accurate and simple to use device for controlling a set output pressure for compressed air or inert gasses. The new proportional regulator can be connected directly to PLCs or higher level control systems and features an integrated pressure sensor to allow output pressures to be constantly monitored and adjusted to match set or varying milliamp or voltage input signals. The MPT40 has been specially developed for use in applications where precise control of input and output pressures, cycle times, backpressure or variations in pressure and flow is essential.

Typical applications include web tensioning systems on paper and textile machines, paint spray control and robot welding heads, where each head has to move rapidly until near the weld point, then slow to perform a weld, with the head being held at an exact attitude and pressure.

The MPT40 offers extremely fast response times; for example, a pressure increase from one to six bar takes just 120 millisec, while a pressure decrease from four to two bar is achieved in under 60 millisec.

Just as importantly, the device offers excellent hysteresis and linearity characteristics, plus full flow exhaust and overload protection.

The new proportional regulator incorporates an easy to read digital display, to confirm output pressure in bar or lb/in2, and simplify trouble shooting, diagnosis and maintenance, together with front panel mounted keys, for quick and easy setup.

The unit can easily be configured for different applications, with user selectable input signals, of 0-10V or 4-20mA, and pressure ranges of 0-2, 0-7 and 0-10 bar.

Ease of programming and configuration allow inventory costs to be significantly reduced, while a choice of options, including stand alone, foot bracket or DIN rail mounting, plus a small size and low weight of just 285g enable the MPT40 to be installed on remote control boards or at the point of application.

Other options include a cleanline food version, plus 1/8in and 1/4in ported versions, G thread female or NPT female connectors, bottom or side exhausts, M12 or M8 input connectors, and digital or analogue feedback.