More and more manufacturers are forming their own ideas and interpretations of what a ‘smart factory’ is and what they want it to do for them. But a common theme is often the need for almost all...

IO-Link is a point-to-point communication technology that can be implemented into most PLC configurations or integrated into most existing industrial Ethernet and fieldbus networks via a device called...

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...

Pneumatic systems have become critical to automation motion and control applications in almost every sector. Clean, versatile and powerful, compressed air is piped around a ring main in a factory much...

Pneumatic air bellows are most commonly used for raising and lowering functions. They are particularly suitable for applications that require short stroke (up to 410mm) and high load capability (up to...

Did you know that pneumatic rotary actuators are a durable and simple way to convert compressed air pressure in rotary movement? Capable of operating in hazardous environments and when utilized...

Once you have selected the type of pneumatic rotary actuator best suited for an application, the next step is to select an appropriate size. Here’s a breakdown of the three main design criteria to...

When selecting which type of rotary actuator is best for your application, the main design considerations are mechanical efficiency, package size, shaft options, max rotation and cost. Beyond that,...

Pneumatic rotary actuators are commonly used to convert compressed air pressure (in the form of a cylinder stroke)  into an oscillating rotary motion. Like other pneumatic components, they are...

In today's modern, fully automated manufacturing applications, assessing the potential risks to personnel is an essential part of overall system design. It’s vital to take appropriate measures in...

Air blowing activities consume almost half of all compressed air used in plants and can often become an unrecognized burden on a business’s resources. One of the largest soft drinks...

Wherever manufacturers require linear actuators in industrial automation, they look for a highly reliable system capable of accurate and fast positioning. However, these are not the only factors...

Pneumatic valves have come a long way since the development of the compressor more than a century ago and it can be a real challenge to ensure you’re taking full advantage of the latest...

When selecting a pneumatic cylinder, it’s important to consider all aspects of the operating environment to ensure you make the correct choice. Environmental factors can sometimes be overlooked...

In a world where trains must function on time, every time, pressure is on railway operators to ensure regular upgrades and repairs of their infrastructure, all driven by the needs and expectations...

When it comes to the global rail industry, there can be no doubt that rolling stock, such as engines, carriages and freight wagons, must operate in some very challenging environments while...

Rail engineers can face significant challenges in defining components for space-restricted applications and managing the overall weight of a solution. Where conventional manufacturing machines such as...

Today’s cars are rolling computers. With the electronic interconnectivity and functionality designed into the small space of a driver’s console, automobile OEMs must ensure that one bad component...

When companies finally decide to make their manufacturing plants more energy efficient, the first targets for cost cutting tend to be their electric motors. Compressed air systems are rarely on their...

Pneumatics technology is the gentle giant of power transmission in factory automation.  Compressed air is often applied for its cushioning capabilities, providing a more subtle touch than hydraulics...