There are various schools of thought when deciding between the use of pneumatic or electric technology for automation. Festo’s business development manager, Russell Schwulst, suggests a sensible mixture of the two technologies, focused on the application in question and the need for energy efficiency.
According to Schwulst, the right approach varies with each individual case. “Festo’s strength is that we can offer both technologies,” he explains. “We can provide expert technology-neutral advice which gives users a view of both alternatives as we have the knowledge and experience required for both electrical and pneumatic solutions.”
Schwulst says that hybrid solutions are often an efficient alternative, combining the best features of both technologies. He takes a typical application – a packaging machine. A conveyor belt accepts a product and sets it down on a second conveyor belt with an outer packaging. This requires two motions: an X axis with a maximum stroke of about 1000 mm and a Z axis with a stroke of around 100 mm. “Now consider the three drive options: pneumatic, electric or pneumatic-electric,” he continues. “A mix of technologies with an electric X axis and a pneumatic Z axis offers the optimal combination of efficiency, cost, flexibility and performance since it allows both types of drive to play to their strengths. For example, the electric axis offers highly dynamic operation and flexibility, while the pneumatic axis is distinguished by its compact size and low weight. Ultimately an optimal solution must be found by focusing not only on the initial purchasing cost but also on overall and environmental costs,” he concludes.
Robust sensors for pneumatic applications ifm - South Africa
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The pressure sensors from ifm have a G1/8 process connection, combined with a welded thin-film measuring cell. While offering an unbeatable price/performance ratio, this technology provides for high measuring accuracy in a very compact and robust housing.
Read more...Seven years of uninterrupted service
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.
Read more...Controlling pneumatics via IO-Link ifm - South Africa
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Pneumatic airboxes control cylinders or actuators using compressed air, and are found in a wide range of industrial applications.
Read more...Counterweight balancing in industrial robots
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydraulics specialist, WEBER-HYDRAULIK is equipping KUKA robots with a hydraulic cylinder with an integrated pressure accumulator, which absorbs and balances the forces generated on the arm.
Read more...How manufacturers achieve zero-leakage demands in hydraulic cylinders
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Imagine a world where your hydraulic cylinders never leaked. The answer lies in a holistic approach that focuses on the fundamental components and their interactions, particularly the cylinder rod and its surrounding environment.
Read more...The role of hydraulic systems in heavy machinery
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
In this article, we explore how hydraulic systems function, their role in powering heavy equipment, and why they are the preferred choice for industries requiring immense power and precision.
Read more...Dynamic compressor control system with energy savings
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
CompAir has launched Ecoplant, a dynamic, compressed air management solution that adjusts compressor parameters in real time, offering up to 30 per cent reductions in energy costs and CO2 emissions.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version