Category: Uncategorized
Pneumatic Systems: 101
Chances are if you work in an industrial facility, you’ve handled tools and equipment that are powered by a pneumatic system. These simple, yet powerful systems use clean, dry compressed air to create mechanical motion that powers tools, machinery and industrial automation systems. Learning about the components involved in a pneumatic system and how they […]
Photoelectric Optical Sensors Boost Quality and Efficiency
Industrial sensors serve as the eyes and ears of industrial processes and, as manufacturers continue to add automation in an effort to increase efficiency and quality, the use of sensors is expected to grow. Photoelectric optical sensors, especially, are quickly becoming a favored device as they provide many advantages and execute multiple tasks in harsh […]
DEED Automation Loan: Does Your Small, Minnesota-Based Business Qualify?
Have you heard about the DEED Automation Loan Participation Program, but don’t know much about it or whether you qualify? If you’re a small manufacturing, distribution, warehousing or technology company in Minnesota and are in need of gap financing for an automation project, chances are you’ll be able to obtain the assistance you need! This […]
5 Benefits of an Automation Audit
In today’s highly competitive market and amidst budget cuts and staff shortages, manufacturers must ensure that their processes are running as effectively and efficiently as possible if they want to succeed. Although many of today’s industrial processes feature automated systems, which are considerably more efficient than those that are manual, automation doesn’t guarantee that the […]
Maintaining a Melt Flow Indexer for Accurate Results
Melt Flow Index testers, also known as extrusion plastometers or Melt Flow Indexers, are used by plastic processors to determine the melt mass flow rate (MFR) and melt volume flow rate (MVR) of a plastic melted mass. The test measures the melt flow properties of virgin, compounded and post-process thermoplastics at a particular shear stress. […]
Advances in Robotics Allow More Food Processing Applications
While robotic automation has been used in the food manufacturing industry for years, most applications have been in food packing and palletizing, rack unloading and secondary pick-and-place operations. Recent technological advances have led to the expansion of robotic equipment into many unexpected food processing and food preparation applications. Advances in Automation for the Food Industry […]
Four Ways Automation Helps Food Manufacturers
To be successful, food manufacturers need a flexible and efficient means of getting safe, high-quality products out the door despite current industry obstacles related to workforce shortages, fluctuating demand and tight margins. Fortunately, automation can help food processors rise above these challenges to ensure cost-effective production. This article outlines four major benefits of automation in […]
Automation Alleviates Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Challenges
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical manufacturers have felt pressure like never before. In addition to the demand for the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the pharma industry is still experiencing labor shortages and a shift from one-size-fits all medications to more personalized treatments with delivery methods, such as pre-filled syringes, that require more […]
How to Choose Between an Electric or Fluid-Powered Actuator
Actuators are used to control the motion of devices and machines, such as robots and automated equipment. High-quality actuators will move at the required speed and provide the appropriate level of force for the application, use as little power as possible and provide enough accuracy to suit the task. Actuators are available as electric or […]
What are Three Different Types of Pneumatic Valves?
Traits of Pneumatic Valve/Directional Control Valves Spool arrangement A common type of directional control valve that has a spool design. It can be shifted to two, three or more positions to route the air between inlet and outlet ports. Spool valves are used when controlling actuators. As a single valve, spool valves can control extension, retraction and neutrality […]