During this time of challenge for our nation and our manufacturing sector, the business of developing new production systems continues. To help that process move forward, Hydraulics & Pneumatics will feature three new products each day to keep innovation at the top of mind for our end users, our OEMs and integrators, and our supply community.
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Flow Sensor
The AVENTICS Series AF2 flow sensor monitors air consumption in pneumatic systems, enabling fast action to detect leaks. The monitor issues alerts when the leakage rate exceeds a predetermined value, so leaks can be diagnosed early and addressed before they become a major issue. By giving customers actionable insights on machine data such as flow, pressure and temperature, the AF2 helps to optimize energy consumption, prevent machine downtime and reduce costs. The AF2 is a highly flexible flow sensor that can be directly interpreted by many controllers. It offers multiple communications options, including an IO-Link connection, Ethernet connectivity, OPC-UA server, MQTT communication and on-board webserver.
Linear Actuators
Thomson Industries, Inc has introduced an electro-hydraulic actuator that has the strength of hydraulic cylinders but without their complex external assemblies or extensive fluid handling requirements. Thomson Warner Linear H-Track actuators move loads of up to 4,800 pounds from a compact mounting envelope. The actuators are ideal for space-constrained applications requiring high load handling and shock resistance, such as snowplow blade control, agricultural plows and sprayer booms, mower deck lifts and UTV dump boxes. The ability to configure multiple pump and cylinder sizes enables Thomson to create H-Track iterations with various levels of speed and load capacity. Its exclusive pumping and reservoir architecture minimizes components and optimizes the volume/pressure differential. A patented split-tank shuttle valve with back pressure relief adds further efficiencies.
Solenoid Valve Controller
Festo’s VAEM solenoid valve controller for multi-head micro-dispensing in pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory applications that require high speed and a low coefficient of variation (CV). The compact and energy efficient VAEM provides individualized control and calibration of to up to eight solenoid valves. The VAEM can open a valve in less than 2 milliseconds. Rapid and precise control of the valve decreased CV from 3% to less than .5% in laboratory benchmark testing. The VAEM enables users to easily and quickly calibrate flow through individual channels, which improves precision across multi-head systems. VAEM valve controllers are suitable for 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves. They feature RS232 communication. Future iterations of the valve controller will have options for Ethernet, Modbus TCP and IO-Link.
