Vacuum gripper technologies provide many advantages for machine and OEM payload handling. Designers find that modular gripper system kits are a versatile and rapid way to create handling solutions, with other benefits such as internal vacuum routing. By Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect Manufacturing equipment, pick-and-place systems, robotics, and other machinery typically need to reliably grip products, […]

AutomationDirect proudly enters the hydraulic components market with the addition of quality Peninsular hydraulic cylinders to their comprehensive line of automation products. These double-acting cylinders are interchangeable with other popular brands of NFPA hydraulic cylinders, are offered with bore sizes from 1-1/2 to 4 in., stroke lengths up to 24 in., and tapped end caps…

AutomationDirect has added new pressure sensing accessories from Winters. These accessories will protect delicate pressure measurement equipment from damage caused by pressure surges, superheated media, and more. Included in the new product release are siphons that protect pressure gauges, transmitters, and switches from the effects of high-temperature media such as steam. New pressure snubbers protect…

AutomationDirect has added new stainless steel linear variable inductance transducers (LVITs) from Alliance Sensors Group to its growing line of linear position sensors. These sensors convert the linear displacement of an object into a proportional analog output of 0 to 10 VDC or 4 to 20mA (depending on model). The compact LZ13 series has a…

AutomationDirect now offers a selection of pneumatic vacuum grippers and related parts from Schmalz, widely used in pick-and-place applications. Vacuum products are an efficient means of moving products large, small, and of varying sizes. This lineup includes suction cups in a flat style up to 60 mm in diameter made of Elastodur; bellowed style cups […]

Distributed automation options have been improving for many years. Networked electro-pneumatic solenoid banks give machine builders smart and convenient choices. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect Most automated machines and systems incorporate some number of enclosures and panels for housing controls components. However, these centralized devices typically must interconnect with many more field sensors and […]

The NITRA Pneumatic Automation Link (PAL) series of components from AutomationDirect is a versatile field I/O system that can include electrical I/O or pneumatic valves, or a combination of both. The system can be controlled either by an Ethernet/IP master or direct wiring (for exclusively pneumatic valves). All components are rated IP65, intended to be […]

The NITRA pneumatic product line now includes the D2-Series double-acting, NFPA heavy-duty tie rod air cylinders ideal for use where abusive conditions exist. These pneumatic air cylinders have a 250 psi operating pressure and are interchangeable with other popular brands. New models are available with and without adjustable cushions to provide end-of-stroke deceleration at both […]

Designers requiring linear motion should consider rodless cylinders to realize compact packaging and other benefits for pneumatic actuation, without the cost of electrically-driven options. Contributed by Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect Machine and equipment automation projects — whether performed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), a systems integrator (SI), or the capital projects group at […]

Linear Variable Inductance Transducers (LVITs) from Alliance Sensors Group convert the linear displacement of an object into a proportional electrical signal output of 0-10 V or 4-20 mA (depending on model). LVITs are contactless devices designed for dimension or position measuring applications where the sensing element cannot be attached to the object being measured. LVITs […]

Here are some tips to properly identify pneumatic fitting and component sizes when working on or retrofitting existing older machines. Contributed by Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect It’s just another typical day in your operations office, located right off the manufacturing floor. Demand for the company’s product is very high and the entire production […]

NITRA L-series rodless air cylinders from AutomationDirect offer a robust design in a compact package. Rodless cylinders can offer the same stroke as rodded cylinders in a smaller space. Rodless cylinders have the piston connected to a carriage that rides outside the extruded cylinder wall, reducing overall length, making them ideal for small or tight […]

ProSense FG1 series mechanical variable area flow meters from AutomationDirect provide visual indication of flow rate for water or petroleum-based fluids. These meters provide ±5% full-scale accuracy and a repeatability of ±1%, important for cyclical applications requiring consistent readings. Two adjustable flow limit pointers are available to provide preset indication of high, low, or normal […]

Pneumatic grippers are a common and useful way for machines to handle product and other items, but they must be properly selected to match the payload. Pat Phillips, PE, Product Manager for AutomationDirect, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Div. Prior to the industrial revolution, grippers used in manufacturing were human hands and simple implements. Automation […]

The NITRA pneumatic AC series of coalescing air filters from AutomationDirect allows finer removal of moisture, vapor and oil mist from compressed air applications to provide optimal performance for pneumatic systems and components. NITRA coalescing filters are available in a range of port sizes from 1/8 to 1/2 in. FNPT; replaceable 0.3-micron filter elements are […]

AutomationDirect has released a new guide in eBook format entitled “Pneumatics: A Practical Guide” which discusses a wide range of pneumatics topics including circuit symbols, component capability, integrating pneumatics with controls and improving pneumatic efficiency. This updated eBook is intended for users who want to broaden their knowledge of pneumatic components, circuits and systems. Specific […]

Pneumatic actuators are essential workhorses for machine and equipment motion. Here are some pointers about different styles for control and monitoring. Contributed by Pat Phillips, Product Manager, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Division, AutomationDirect Pneumatic actuators are commonly used in countless types of equipment and machinery because they provide a simple, cost-effective and durable way […]

For use with air and compatible non-combustible gases, ProSense® DGA differential pressure gauges are used to measure and display difference in air pressure between two reference points in inches of water. Applications include air/gas flow indication, filter monitoring, cabinet purging, room positive or negative pressure status and more. These high-quality gauges feature an industrial grade…

NITRA GVP series pneumatic miniature solenoid valves from AutomationDirect are an excellent choice for many automation applications with low flow requirements. These two- and three-port valves are typically used for on/off flow control or with single-acting cylinders. Starting at $26.00, GVP series 12 or 24 Vdc solenoid valves are available in 10 and 15mm valve […]

A new hybrid PVC/rubber hose introduced by AutomationDirect is suitable for air and water use. The NITRA Hybrid PVC hose is a blend of PVC and rubber with a polyester braided reinforcement. The PVC gives light weight, color stability and hardness for higher working pressures while the rubber gives improved flexibility and operating temperature range. […]

Here are some best practices to supply safe, clean and dry air to a machine or piece of equipment. Contributed by Pat Phillips, Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect Plant-supplied compressed air often travels a long and varying path from the air compressor to where it is connected to a machine or piece […]

AutomationDirect’s NITRA brand of pneumatic products now includes new 22-mm pushbutton and switch pilot devices intended for use with pneumatic valve bodies. These pneumatic pushbuttons can also combine valve bodies and electrical contact blocks. ECP series 22 mm pneumatic pushbuttons and switches are used with EVP series valve bodies to create manual valve assemblies, or […]

Innovation in pneumatics is often found in the way components are put together to create subsystems, instead of within the components. Contributed by Pat Phillips, PE, Product Manager for AutomationDirect, Fluid Power and Mechanical Product Div.   Pneumatics have been used in industrial machines and manufacturing plants and facilities for decades, so most of the […]

The wires of the pneumatic world are tubing and hoses. Here’s how to choose between the two, and how to apply each in industrial plants and facilities. By Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect The world of fluid power may not be full of new and amazing products, but it’s used daily and requires connections via tubing and […]

AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics includes rotary actuators and pneumatic object grippers. NITRA rotary actuators are available in four body sizes with or without shock absorbers. All are double acting and have an adjustable travel range from zero to 190°. Anodized aluminum bodies include integral mounting slots for position switches and a durable ball-bearing hub, […]