Pneumatic modules for automatic applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore pneumatic components and the applications they address.

Design/methodology/approach

The extensive range of pneumatic grippers and actuators from various manufacturers is presented. An example of an end‐user pneumatic handling solution is given. Applications are then examined in plastics, mortise lock manufacture and food and pharmaceutical industries.

Findings

Pneumatic components are long lasting and reliable, giving tens of millions of operational cycles. Gimatic makes modular components that are particularly attractive for direct use by end‐users. Festo is already introducing a range of pneumatic products complying with the European Union safety directive to be introduced in December 2009.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the versatility and reliability of pneumatic elements in automatic assembly operations.

Citation

Connolly, C. (2009), "Pneumatic modules for automatic applications", Assembly Automation, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 321-325. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150910987727