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.
Oil-free beer and wine processing
Pneumatic systems & components Hydraulic systems & components
The food and beverage industry depends on superior quality, 100% oil-free compressed air to eliminate the presence of unwanted oil vapour throughout the production line.
Read more...Ten considerations for optimum use of vacuum technology
Pneumatic systems & components
Vacuum technology plays a huge role in the packaging of foodstuffs and other products. Here are ten considerations to help you use vacuum technology as effectively and efficiently as possible, so that you can optimise processes and cut operating costs.
Read more...Case History 191: The weakest link
Pneumatic systems & components
Which is the weakest link in a control loop? The answer, without any doubt is that, in most cases, the final control element is the weakest link.
Read more...Thor’s hammer of pneumatic knockers neaMetrics
Pneumatic systems & components
Neu Matics acts as sole distributor for a range of internationally recognised brands, and one of these is the pneumatic knocker from singold.
Read more...New IO-Link master future-proofs pneumatic valve systems Emerson Automation Solutions
Pneumatic systems & components
Emerson has introduced a new Class A IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for smart and analogue sensor connectivity on the AVENTICS Series G3 Fieldbus platform.
Read more...Versatile cylinder monitoring ifm - South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
This IO-Link cylinder sensor from ifm, with two configurable hardware outputs, will upgrade your machine in no time.
Read more...Tyre-actuated globe valve Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
Parker Hannifin has launched a tyre-actuated pneumatic valve in its Bestobell cryogenic globe valve range. The valve can be operated remotely with a single switch command, providing much greater speed and convenience than a manually operated type.
Read more...A new electric actuator SMC Corporation South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
SMC’s new EQ electric actuator controls an electric drive in the same way as a pneumatic solenoid valve and the setup is simple and easy to control.
Read more...merSETA and Festo to establish 4IR centre Festo
News & events
merSETA partnered with Festo, a leading supplier of industrial automation solutions and a global leader in technical education, to establish a 4IR skills centre at Maluti TVET College.
Read more...Latest trends in pneumatics systems
Pneumatic systems & components
There is a misconception that there is not much innovation in the pneumatics field, but a closer look reveals otherwise.
printer friendly version