Ken Korane

The AirFlowSaver supplies energy- and cost-optimized compressed air based on unique SmartValve technology. Contributed by Wolfgang Teichmann, CEO and Markus Koenig, CSO, KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany nad Andy Pott, Vice President, PHIR Technologies, Hartland, Wisconsin For well over a century, compressed air has been commonly used across many industries because it is a simple, flexible and […]

Far-reaching hydraulics powers a show-stopping display. Contributed by Paolo Leutenegger, General Manager  •  Duplomatic Motion Solutions, Parabiago, Italy  Expo 2020, delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, opens October 1 in Dubai. The world’s fair, set to welcome 190 participating countries with an estimated 25 million visitors from across the globe, aspires to increase awareness about the…

Many companies talk a good game when it comes to climate change but for most, it’s not a top priority. Pneumatics manufacturer SMC, in contrast, is incorporating sustainability across its entire business, from the products it makes and how they are manufactured to reorganizing production facilities to minimize waste and CO2 emissions. According to Global…

The AirFlowSaver from KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany, is an integrated system that reduces compressed air consumption while improving productivity in many industrial applications, including blow-off, drying, degreasing, cleaning, material handling and certain pneumatic control tasks. It works by converting continuous air flows into sharp and powerful pulses that increase output force. Thus, it cuts air […]

The recent U.S.-China mini summit in Alaska brought to mind Wyatt Earp and the Clanton brothers. But instead of lead flying, it was insults. The U.S. delegation lambasted China’s oppressive actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, saber-rattling against Taiwan, cyberattacks on the U.S. and economic coercion toward allies — all which threaten global stability. China…

Here are some tips to reduce losses, right-size components and streamline circuits, all of which can lead to sizable cost savings. Phil McElroy, Product Sales Manager and IFPS-Certified Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist, Norgren Most industrial facilities depend on compressed air for a range of operations, performed by everything from simple air tools to far-more-complicated pneumatic […]

In hydraulic systems, proportional flow control valves ensure that flow rates remain virtually constant. In doing so, they have to meet a large number of performance criteria that extend beyond their core function. According to engineers at Bucher Hydraulics, manufacturers and operators of mobile machines are increasingly placing a special emphasis on energy efficiency. Flow […]

The 2020 financial year proved to be a challenging one for Festo, but it also offered a year full of opportunities. According to Dr. Oliver Jung, chairman of the management board, the company proved to be economically stable and has weathered the pandemic well. The Festo Group had to cope with a 7.5% decline in […]

Modern mobile machinery requires compact and robust hydraulic components. And according to engineers at ARGO-HYTOS, this also applies to hydraulic tanks, as lack of space and cost pressure often lead to a reduction in tank volume. With a simultaneous increase in performance in the form of higher volume flows, the requirements for return filters are […]

FDX Fluid Dynamix, located in Berlin, Germany, has developed the OsciLeak compressed air leak-detection system. It’s based on the company’s proprietary next-generation nozzle technology. Compressed air is commonly used as an energy source, especially in industrial plants. According to FDX officials, it is estimated that 30% of the electricity generated in the U.S. is used […]

Atlas Copco has developed what they call the world’s first completely solid desiccant for air dryers. The material, termed Cerades, will be initially used in its CD 20⁺-335⁺ series of dryers. Company officials said the new product will revolutionize compressed air drying. Adsorption dryers have previously used containers filled with thousands of tiny desiccant beads […]

Bosch Rexroth’s new CytroForce, introduced at this week’s Hannover Fair, takes hydraulic linear drives to a whole new level, said company officials. The evolutionary concept manages to squeeze previously bulky structures into a smart compact axis for power, movement and positioning tasks. The out-of-the-box system consisting of flow-optimized standard modules reportedly sets new benchmarks in…

As of June 30, Christian Kienzle will hand over the operational responsibility of the ARGO-HYTOS Group, based in Baar, Switzerland. Mr. Kienzle has led the company as CEO since 1989. As of July 1, he will focus on the organizational and strategic orientation of the Group as Chairman of the Board of Directors, the highest…

Energy efficiency has become a hot topic. There are worldwide initiatives to rein in CO2 emissions and limit climate change. Consumers are becoming critical and demand products that are produced in a sustainable way. Furthermore, many production plants are more aware of the huge cost reductions involved with energy savings. As a result, firms are […]

The SmartValve from KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany, is a new type of flow-control valve that relies on a magnetized ball as the fluid-control element. This ultrafast switching valve is designed for high-speed pulsing of airflow, making it well suited for compressed-air blow-off, cooling, cleaning and drying applications where it reportedly brings higher efficiency and performance. […]

Timmer GmbH, a manufacturer of pneumatic, vacuum and fluid-handling products based in Neuenkirchen, Germany, has revamped and expanded its vacuum-lifting product portfolio and rebranded it as the timLIFT family. According to company officials, the new timLIFT designs are significantly more ergonomic and quieter than previous versions. Three model ranges include: • quickLIFT — for one-hand […]

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers represents more than a thousand companies involved in the construction and ag industries, including many suppliers of fluid power components and systems. These firms contribute over $288 billion a year to the U.S. economy and support 2.8 million high-paying jobs. So it goes without saying that AEM carries a bit […]

In a recent 2021 Fluid Power Technology Conference — Virtual Series presentation, MSOE University’s Tom Wanke took an in-depth look at Pump and Motor Troubleshooting, Failure Modes and Analysis. One problem that drives engineers and maintenance technicians crazy is when a hydraulic pump underperforms or runs erratically, but doesn’t completely fail. Sorting out the root […]

Open and flexible IIoT systems can pinpoint leaks and faults, reduce downtime, increase throughput and, ultimately, improve the bottom line. Contributed by Nils Beckmann, Product Marketing Manager IIoT Integration • Emerson From food and beverage processing to packaged goods and factory automation, manufacturing facilities are turning to smart pneumatics for improved energy efficiency. In compressed air […]

Last year when it became clear that in-person trade shows were not possible, Festo built its own stand for organizing virtual exhibitions and virtual customer meetings. “One of the most valuable exhibits is the Productivity Master, which helps customers deal with the global challenges of today,” said company spokesman Christopher Haug. It will be at […]

In a preview of their offerings at this year’s digital Hannover Fair, scheduled for April 12 to 16, Emerson takes a pragmatic look at today’s IoT landscape and discusses a number of new edge computing and analytics products that help manufacturers turn data into actionable insights. “We are 30 years into the concept of ‘big […]

Volvo Construction Equipment’s ECR25 Electric compact excavator and Volvo L25 Electric compact wheel loader were first unveiled at the Bauma 2019 expo in Munich. Two Norwegian companies, K Baugerød Anlegg and Veidekke, were among the first to take delivery of the new machines, which took place at a socially-distanced handover event to comply with local […]

Komatsu D51i-24 (131 hp) and D61i-24 (168 hp) dozers are now available with Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology. According to the company, the iMC 2.0 system can help quickly transform construction job sites into highly efficient, highly productive operations. iMC incorporates a host of advanced machine controls, software and components. For example, 3D design […]

High Pressure Equipment Co. (HiP) of Erie, Pa., a subsidiary of Graco Inc., has introduced new triple pump models for its PT2020 Automated Pressure Testing Controller System for air-driven high pressure hydraulic pumps. Said to be the first of its kind, the triple pump PT2020 controller is designed to provide automated pressure control for a…

In a recent Fluid Power Technology Conference – Virtual Series session, Brandon Richards, CEO of PANOLIN America Inc. presented “Where and when should you use environmentally acceptable fluids?” He provided an overview of EALs, including their biodegradability and low toxicity, as well as benefits in terms of performance, durability and affordability versus mineral-based lubricants. With […]