Thursday, October 31, 2013

New hygienic designed electric cylinders are IP69K, stainless steel and USDA approved.

Tolomatic has just released two new sizes of ERD electric cylinders that are hygienically designed, IP69K rated with a USDA Accepted Equipment Certification for meat (livestock), poultry, and dairy food processing applications.

The new hygienic stainless steel design of ERD electric cylinders offer:
  • Thrust capacities to 4500 lbf [20,017 N]
  • Increased strokes to 39.4 inches [1000 mm]
  • Increased speed capacities to 57.5 inches [1460.5 mm]
  • Choice of ball, or roller screws 
  • Lowest cost stainless steel actuator– with IP69K as standard equipment available out of the catalog with fast delivery 

With the expanded force range the ERD can handle the most demanding jobs such as pressing, cutting, chopping and can replace most pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders with excellent efficiency and operating flexibility.

Get all the details.  Download the ERD brochure, and contact us for an onsite demonstration.

If you are attending the Process Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL you can see the ERD in action at Booth #1316

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Pluto Safety PLCs Now with Analog Inputs

ABB Jokab Safety has expanded the range of Safety PLC modules with the Pluto D20, which features 4 safe analog inputs. The I/O configuration is the same as for the Pluto B20 with the added benefit that 4 of the inputs can be used as either ordinary safe inputs or as safe analog inputs 0-10V or 4-20mA.

This allows Pluto to be used in applications where proximity sensors, temperature sensors, pressure and flow sensor monitoring is required for the Category 4/SIL3 PLe protection of personal around hazardous machinery.  The key advantage of Pluto Safety PLCs over conventional Safety PLCs is that the Pluto modules can see each other’s inputs and outputs, enabling simple communication, programming and changes to the safety system.  More Information

Download Pluto Safety PLCs product Overview (PDF)
Download Pluto D20 fact sheet (PDF)
Watch video:  "Machine safety systems"
Request Catalog
Request a quote

Friday, June 21, 2013

SMC's VEX3 Valve - True 3-Position 3-Way Poppet Valves

SMC's VEX3 valve can simplify, improve, and increase the performance of many pneumatic and vacuum applications.  The VEX3 valve is a true 3-way, 3-position closed center valve.  Available in internally-piloted solenoid, externally-piloted solenoid, and an air-pilot version the valve can be applied in applications from low vacuum to 145 psi.

What makes this valve unique and versatile is the valve's pressure balancing poppet design.  What are the benefits of a poppet design?

  • Fast Response - When actuated the valve port is immediately open to full air flow.
  • High flow rates - up to 37 Cv with a VEX3
  • Closed Crossover - When shifting the valve closes one flow path before opening another.  Unlike spool valves this means you have no transitional state where leakage can occur.  This provides you more precise control between positions.
  • Longer Life - Poppet valves have a longer life than spool valves.  The poppet valve design results in less wear on the seals.

Where can you apply a VEX3?

  • Vacuum Suction, Release (or blow off), and all ports blocked - The VEX3 is ideal for vacuum applications where people traditionally applied multiple 3-way valves or plugged ports on a 4-way.  Using 4-way valves in this application can result in blow by when switching positions and sluggish response.  The VEX3 allows full vacuum and pressure flow immediately with no blow-by when switching from vacuum to pressure.  You can select between pressure, vacuum, or all ports blocked.


  • Operation of Double Acting Cylinders - In this application you use two VEX3 valves, one to each port of the cylinder.  In this application you can put the cylinder in one of 9 different states (3 valve positions x 3 valve positions) including slow stopping, acceleration and deceleration.

  • Selector or Divider Valve - The pressure balancing poppet permits flow in any direction and allows you to use the valve as a pressure selector or direction divider valve.




For additional information see the specifications at the link below:

SMC VEX3 Specifications


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Why use Mencom M23 instead of MIN Style Connectors?

From Stefanie Schumacher / Mencom:
"Why would I use the M23 12 pole or 19 pole instead of the MIN style?"  That's a great question and I asked it myself.  There are two predominant reasons:
  1. The encoder industry uses M23's almost exclusively.
  2. In every other country outside of the USA, M23's are used instead of MIN's, so you will be seeing these more and more.
These connectors are manufactured in Oakwood, GA by Mencom.  See the flyer link for more information.

Flyer Link:   M23 Cables & Receptacles