To ensure optimum machine safety, design engineers need a solid understanding of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and how to comply with required safety levels.  A safety exhaust valve when...

With the ever-increasing complexity of modern pneumatic components, it becomes crucial to know what to look for and what is best suited to your system. Choosing and maintaining system components...

The demand for aluminium has been on a relentless growth track, driven by the needs of many and diverse industries in established and rapidly developing regions of the world. The introduction of point...

The popularity of air motors is on the rise as a result of their many advantages. However, not all pneumatic motors are made the same, so choosing the right one for your application can prove...

Any engineers who are involved in machine building as part of their core activities will know all about the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Most will have stood in front of a newly built...

In every manufacturing industry, machine safety is always a top priority. When operating in Europe, utilizing machinery and components with CE certification is the best way to ensure the reliability...

We are all witnesses to the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 as it has been coined, as most of us will have seen robots, machines, vehicles or control systems connect to the Internet at...

Installing a pneumatic cylinder correctly is a vital design consideration. Failure to address this properly can result in inaccurate operation, compromised reliability and premature failure. Depending...

Pneumatics have always played an important role in achieving maximised productivity for manufacturing automation applications and the technology is constantly evolving to solve engineering challenges. ...

The latest generation of smart sensors for actuators are able to share information with the controller, typically via technologies such as IO-Link. They can also receive commands and...

When optimally selected and applied, the latest generation of smart sensors can have a positive impact on predictive maintenance strategies for fluid power applications. Real-time data collection via...

The use of industrial networks to make sensors and actuators more intelligent has become common across modern factory environments, and the use of continuous position sensing is a pathway to achieving...

One of the biggest changes in the rail industry has been the move away from dependence on diesel as the main motive fuel. With the increasing electrification of railway networks, train...

Looking at a complete system within the vehicle along with all its interfaces from a completely clean sheet will give us the opportunity to question, review and potentially improve that system (in...

Machinery and moving equipment is a vital element in all areas of modern automated industry, but what happens when the atmosphere in the working environment is potentially explosive?    All motion...

As the range of pneumatic cylinders available on the market today becomes more extensive and sophisticated, it can be challenging to ensure you’re maximizing the ROI available from your application.   ...

Vehicles within the commercial transport sector, whether rail or construction, are consistently expected to operate reliably in some of the most challenging conditions. Indeed, it is crucial...

For applications with space limitations or size restrictions, integrating a standard linear actuator to achieve the required force / thrust can sometimes be a challenge. However, utilising specialist...

Pneumatics technology is key to manufacturing processes as compressed air is utilised in everything from cooling to controlling automated machinery on assembly and packaging lines.   Since pneumatics...

Having a steady supply of clean and dry air is a requirement for protecting pneumatic components and ensuring their proper operation. For applications such as clamping, positioning, pushing and...