Pneumatic cylinders are an efficient, reliable and clean solution for moving loads in a linear direction (back and forth or up and down), with good levels of force and speed. Japh Humphries, UK sales and commercial manager at Matara UK, looks at the specification considerations in harsh environment applications.

Using its unique experience of compressed air systems as a supplier, manufacturer, auditor and trainer, industrial automation specialist Festo offers five practical measures for reducing compressed air energy consumption in the food production environment.

Getting the most out of your machinery often depends on close integration between all components, with the correct specification of couplings between them to ensure proper shaft alignment, optimise performance and minimise wear. The experts at jbj Techniques guide us through the design considerations for hydraulic adapters to couple hydraulic pumps to prime movers.

Systems accessories for cabling are key to many enclosure installations, but it is important that that these accessories meet the same requirements as those that apply to building the panel, as Emma Ryde, Rittal product manager for industrial and outdoor enclosures, explains.

With the global rise in electricity prices, the energy costs of compressed air have increased to as much as 91% of the total cost of ownership, and operators need to urgently review the efficiency of their system says Graham Read, product manager for industrial compressors at Compair.

Greg Hookings, director of business development for the EMEA region at Stratus Technologies, examines the push of Edge Computing into the mainstream.

The precise linear actuators from Norelem represent a standard solution available from stock to automate linear movements with ease. A toothed belt drive ensures smooth and synchronous transmission even of heavy and constant loads.

Martina Höller, electrical technology product manager at SMC, outlines four simple ways in which you can reduce the energy consumption of your vacuum system, focusing in particular on vacuum ejectors.

Japh Humphries, UK sales and commercial manager at Matara UK, looks at the considerations for specifying a linear rail, and highlights five common mistakes to avoid.

Integrating a controller that manages a machine and robots can mean faster development and greater reliability compared to connecting a separate robot controller to the machine’s PLC, says Tom Alexander, president of Trio.