Fluid Power Journal January 2024 by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

JANUARY 2024

T H E

fluidpowerjournal.com

I N D U S T R I A L

INTERNET OF THINGS CHANGING THE FACE OF MANUFACTURING

4.0 EVER THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CYLINDER SELECTION

PNEUMATIC AUTOMATION SOLVES A DIFFICULT PRODUCTION ISSUE IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY COST-EFFECTIVE PNEUMATIC GRIPPERS FOR ELECTRIC ROBOTS Innovative Designs & Publishing • 3245 Freemansburg Avenue • Palmer, PA 18045-7118

NOTABLE WORDS Jeff Hodges

FIGURE IT OUT Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Bolingbrook, IL Permit #323

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IN THIS ISSUE

10 12

January 2024 VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 1

Features

» COVER STORY

06 The Industrial Internet of Things: Changing the Face of Manufacturing 4.0 Ever

The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Industrial Efficiency, Sustainability, and Profitability.

10 Pneumatic Automation Solves A Difficult Production Issue in the Poultry Industry

Departments 04

Notable Words

Figure It Out

NFPA Update

Product Spotlight

IFPS Update

Classifieds

Component Showcase

The Ace Specialties chicken breast deboner mimics hand trimming for low waste and high output.

» TEST YOUR SKILLS 14 Determining the Cause for a Cylinder Not Extending

Troubleshooting an extended cylinder

26 The Psychology of Cylinder Selection

Navigating Cognitive Biases and Influences in Fluid Power Decision-Making.

28 Unlocking Versatility: Pneumatic Grippers Revolutionize Electric Robots with Cost-Effective Precision

Exploring the synergy of electric robots and pneumatic grippers—A powerful alliance delivering flexibility, accuracy, and expanded application horizons in automation.

Publisher’s Note: The information provided in this publication is for informational purposes only. While all efforts have been taken to ensure the technical accuracy of the material enclosed, Fluid Power Journal is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, currency, or reliability of any information, statement, opinion, or advice contained in a third party’s material. Fluid Power Journal will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on information obtained in this publication.

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NOTABLE WORDS

TECHNICIAN TO PRESIDENT

Jeff Hodges Becomes the 64th of IFPS By Jeff Hodges

» I WAS AWESTRUCK and honored when

I was asked to be the 2024 President for the International Fluid Power Society. I still have the phone call and message saved on my phone from when Scott Sardina, current IFPS president asked if I would accept the nomination. My first question was, “Why are you nominating me?”

04 | January 2024

Welcoming a new era, Hodges brings 29 years of experience in the Fluid Power Industry.

For those that know me yes, I even got a little emotional. I learned about IFPS in 1995 when I earned my fluid power Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic certification. I then joined IFPS as a committee member in 2010 and have been highly involved ever since. Since then, I have served many roles on the board of directors. When I first came into the Fluid Power Industry, I met a man who would become my mentor. That man’s name was Willie Franke. I always described Willie using this phrase, “The man has forgotten more about hydraulics then most people will ever know.” It almost sounds like an insult but believe me it is the greatest compliment I can give. Unfortunately, Willie passed away several years ago. Willie was one of the first to be inducted into the Fluid Power Hall of Fame, posthumously. Willie was the driving force behind my involvement with the organization and I have persevered. I’ve gone from a technician to a trainer, to President of IFPS in a span of nearly 29 years. My goal in 2024 is to move IFPS forward in our five-year vision: “To increase our global community by 100% over the next five years, where 50% of the increase comes from outside the U.S.” Potential roadblocks I see to that vision include: a need to overcome language

barriers and a need to increase diversity in the organization. The recent translation of Fluid Power tests into Spanish will help overcome some of the language barriers. For the second barrier, we need a diverse mixture of both engineers and technicians. We need to engage those who have a college education and those that have learned through the school of hard knocks. I believe the industry in general needs younger people, people interested in getting their hands dirty and learning the basics of our industry. Ours is a growing industry which plays crucial roles in various sectors like manufacturing, construction aerospace and even agriculture. Working with hydraulics requires a broad-based knowledge of both fluid and mechanical systems. Troubleshooting and problem solving on often complex hydraulic systems can be a challenging yet rewarding part of the technician’s job skills. The future of our industry has started to focus on sustainability and efficiency which in the long run helps with environmental concerns. We need input from individuals in all fields to succeed. In closing, I’d like to say that I am honored to be chosen as the 64th President of the IFPS. Thank you for placing your trust in me.

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FIGURE IT OUT

NEW PROBLEM PUBLISHER Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc. 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118 Tel: 800-730-5904 or 610-923-0380 Fax: 610-923-0390 • Email: Art@FluidPowerJournal.com www.FluidPowerJournal.com

Simple Cylinder Circuit Starts To Overheat When the Directional Valve Was Changed By Robert Sheaf, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPE, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPMT, CFPMIP, CFPMMH, CFPMIH, CFPMM, CFC Industrial Training

Founders: Paul and Lisa Prass Associate Publisher: Bob McKinney Editor: Hannah Coursey Technical Editor: Dan Helgerson, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPSD, CFPMT, CFPCC Marketing and Social Media Consultant: Kristy Jones Graphic Designer: Nicholas Reeder Accounting: Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano Circulation Manager: Andrea Karges

3" B x 1.5" R x 36" STK

INTERNATIONAL FLUID POWER SOCIETY 1930 East Marlton Pike, Suite A-2, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003-2141 Tel: 856-424-8998 • Fax: 856-424-9248 Email: AskUs@ifps.org • Web: www.ifps.org 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Scott Sardina, PE, CFPAI, CFPHS Waterclock Engineering Immediate Past President: Denis Poirier Jr., CFPAI/AJPP, CFPHS, CFPIHM, CFPCC Danfoss Power Solutions First Vice President: Jeff Hodges, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPMHM- Altec Industries Treasurer: Lisa DeBenedetto, CFPS GS Global Resources Vice President Certification: James O’Halek, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPMIP, CMPMM - The Boeing Company Vice President Marketing: Chauntelle Baughman, CFPHS - OneHydraulics Vice President Education: Daniel Fernandes, CFPECS, CFPS Sun Hydraulics Vice President Membership: Garrett Hoisington, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS, CFPMHM - Open Loop Energy DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Stephen Blazer, CFPE, CFPS, CFPMHM, CFPIHT, CFPMHT Altec Industries Cary Boozer, PE, CFPE - Motion Industries Bruce Bowe, CFPAI/AJPP - Altec Industries Bradlee Dittmer, CFPPS - Norgren/IMI Precision Engineering Brian Kenoyer, CFPHS - Cemen Tech Wade Lowe, CFPS - Hydraquip Distribution Jon Rhodes, CFPAI, CFPS, CFPECS - CFC Industrial Training Mohaned Shahin, CFPS - Parker Hannifin Randy Smith, CFPHS - Northrop Grumman Ethan Stuart, CFPS, CFPECS - Quadrogen Bradley Wagner, CFPAI/AJPP - Manitowoc Crane Group Brian Wheeler, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPMM, CFPMIP The Boeing Company CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (EX-OFFICIO) Donna Pollander, ACA HONORARY DIRECTOR (EX-OFFICIO) Ernie Parker, CFPAI/AJPP - Hydra Tech IFPS STAFF Chief Executive Officer: Donna Pollander, ACA Communications Coordinator: Victoria Piro Technical Director: Thomas Blansett, CFPS, CFPAI Assistant Director: Jenna Mort Certification Logistics Manager: Kyle Pollander Bookkeeper: Diane McMahon Administrative Assistant: Beth Borodziuk Instructional Designer and Layout: Chalie Clair Fluid Power Journal (ISSN# 1073-7898) is the official publication of the International Fluid Power Society published monthly with four supplemental issues, including a Systems Integrator Directory, Off-Highway Suppliers Directory, Tech Directory, and Manufacturers Directory, by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc., 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is acceptable with credit. Publishers assume no liability for any information published. We reserve the right to accept or reject all advertising material and will not guarantee the return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs, or manuscripts.

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SOL. 1A

SOL. 1B

SET @ 3000 PSI 25 PSI CHECK

E.M. 1800 RPM

» THE CIRCUIT SHOWN worked well for sourced a brand they had in stock that 6 months and the directional valve started sticking and needed to be replaced. The problem was found to be a matching chip that somehow showed up in the direction valve causing the valve to stick often. The customer called in their local hydraulic distributor for help getting a new valve. The distributor sent over a new employee that had some experience in hydraulics and felt he would be fine since it was a simple task. The D-05 valve was an offshore brand the distributor did not recognize so he

had the same spool configuration and D-05 pattern. They thought all was fine cycling the machine, but the system started to overheat. The technician from the distributor showed the customer the literature on the valve that showed on the front cover that the valve was rated for 25 GPM and when the cylinder retracted, it only flowed approximately 24 GPM. He felt the valve should not be the problem. Any thoughts on what the problem might be? For the solution, see page 31.

Robert Sheaf has more than 45 years troubleshooting, training, and consulting in the fluid power field. Email rjsheaf@cfc-solar.com or visit his website at www.cfcindustrialtraining.com. Visit fluidpowerjournal.com/figure-it-out to view previous problems. January 2024

| 05

COVER STORY

T H E

I N D U S T R I A L

INTERNET OF THINGS CHANGING THE FACE OF MANUFACTURING

4.0 EVER By Marlon Schwank, Industry 4.0 Expert, Industrial Systems Division Europe

n 1712 Thomas Newcomen invented the first effective steam engine to pump water from working mines and keep them productive. This invention was possibly the first example of an industrial maintenance system and heralded the birth of the first Industrial Revolution. Three hundred and ten years later there can be no doubt that whatever you manufacture, whatever business sector you operate in, industrial manufacturing is now firmly in the midst of a fourth great industrial revolution. As history shows the three previous industrial revolutions were characterized by progressive evolutions. First came mechanical production relying on water and steam power, this evolved to mass production using electrical energy, which was followed by automated production using digitized electronics. The fourth revolution builds on this last evolution and is evolving at an exponential rather than a linear pace. It encompasses three technological trends: connectivity, intelligence, and automation, and uses breakthroughs in digital technology to create cyber-physical systems (CPSs) capable of communicating with one another and making autonomous, decentralized decisions. It is this unique ability to record and think in real-time that is increasing industrial efficiency, productivity, safety, and transparency in a whole range of manufacturing processes. Interconnectivity is enabling process optimization and previously unachievable functionality in manufacturing and is commonly known as Industry 4.0 or the Industrial Internet of Things; it is changing the face of industrial manufacturing forever.

Delivering Data-Driven Decisions So, what does the Industrial Internet of Things mean for the future of manufacturing, and how does it work? Industry 4.0 requires components and equipment that work on the plant floor, including autonomous robotics, to be embedded with sensors and internet connectivity that enable manufacturers, contractors, and machine builders to continuously collect data and analyze it. This data can be utilized to improve factory operations, track equipment performance, predict maintenance, and reduce machine downtime. For example, consider the task of scheduling maintenance on a critical hydraulic component in a robotic arm or factory machine. The decisions that need to be taken about stopping the system, interrupting operations, and performing the necessary maintenance depend on several factors.

06 | January 2024

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What is the production schedule? Is there planned downtime coming up? How much will it cost to replace it? What is the loss of performance cost compared to the cost of replacement? How long will the machine be down? If a worn component doesn’t get changed, how will that affect performance or safety? Understanding the answers to these questions is central to making better decisions. But just as important is collecting and analyzing the right data in a way that delivers actionable insights about the machine itself.

Monitoring Manufacturing Machinery As machine builders and suppliers face increasing commercial pressure to be able to control and maintain many different systems and devices more effectively (particularly for maintenance schedules), smart components – products with built-in diagnostics and communications interfaces – are becoming commonplace. With the right equipment installed, diagnostic times for machinery can be reduced by as much as 70%. An example of this is, in the past, a clogged filter could cause downtime and require on-site intervention; today, the filter element can trigger an alert that it needs to be changed, allowing operations to be maintained. In some cases, using smart components removes the need for human controllers to monitor systems physically. With remote access to monitor and update machinery, controllers can safeguard uptime and help swiftly resolve any technical problems without being present. Real-time key machine data such as temperature, pressure/ torque, flow, current, and voltage can be quickly and securely transmitted and analyzed whenever defined performance parameters are not met. This customized data can give recommendations to business operations on how to maximize performance and longevity.

How Manufacturing Benefits From Industry 4.0 Machinery fitted with Industry 4.0 compatible components can benefit from: • Maintenance Data Insights – This allows maintenance recommendations - based on machine utilization or health status - to be scheduled before equipment failure. • Remote Diagnostics & Programming – This provides detailed information regarding equipment failure without having to physically inspect the equipment. It doesn’t require a technician to visit the site initially, but when they do complete the maintenance task, it ensures they have the right tools and WWW.IFPS.ORG

| WWW.FLUIDPOWERJOURNAL.COM

parts on the first trip; consequently, reducing downtime, labor, and travel costs. • Location and Tracking – This records where, when, and how long every machine is used. It allows alerts to be set if a piece of factory equipment goes past a set boundary to prevent unplanned downtime. • Automated Reports – This allows the generation of customized reports with specific intervals to understand key factory KPIs and performance. • Machine Utilization and Usage – This checks operation efficiency in real-time, and monitors key parameters including machine health, equipment efficiency, and OEE. • Frequency and Duration Use – This function records and advises how often and for how long each factory machine is used. It can help with the effective allocation of equipment resources as well as managing warranty agreements.

Knowledge: The Key To Profitable Production Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and interconnectivity are critical to the future profitability of the manufacturing industry. These technologies revolutionize the way the industry operates. Compatible motion and control products create customer value via uptime and productivity gains by fully leveraging the analytical capabilities of IoT. Investment in Industry 4.0, especially in the industrial equipment industry, provides access to unprecedented amounts of data that can provide insights into operations that give businesses a competitive advantage. Which in turn leads to increased profitability. Experience has shown that investing in an IoT solution is financially beneficial within the first two years. Understanding the current state of an asset, along with the repercussions of any possible actions needed to be taken, allows the costs and benefits of decisions to be evaluated before they are made, helping to determine the best strategy to increase productivity and, as a result, profitability.

Utilizing Industry 4.0 To Innovate and Strengthen Customer Loyalty When it comes to OEMs and factory machine builders, Industry 4.0 can provide some unique and unexpected benefits. By leveraging data from Industrial IoT solutions from a component supplier like Parker, OEMs and machine builders can not only improve their engineering and design concepts but also create different equipment which requires

less simulation and modeling in the design stage. The ability to do this helps drive innovation and create new opportunities for manufacturers. It also encourages better business relationships and forges stronger customer loyalty for the supplier. By using real-time data from existing infrastructure, the options that this provides for finding new designs or even new uses for equipment can lead to the opening of new markets and the implementation of new product lines for OEMs and equipment builders. This is a huge advantage for OEMs and equipment builders who want to stay ahead of the competition and increase profitability. OEMs and equipment builders should realize that smart and connected systems can also help their customers reduce costs, increase productivity, and reduce downtime. Industrial IoT solutions, such as asset health monitoring and automated hydraulic systems, like those provided by motion and control experts Parker, not only add value for OEM customers but also increase brand loyalty to the supplier. Particularly if competitor offerings are not integrated with an IoT solution. With a customer-centric IoT solution, specific OEM requirements can be met that result in improved cost savings through better production efficiencies and the ability to generate revenues through better throughput from lines and production quality.

Reducing Factory Floor Management Costs The use of cutting-edge Industrial IoT solutions is also changing the face of factory floor maintenance. Maintenance managers can now receive real-time data into the mechanical health and utilization of expensive assets that includes data determining machine health, equipment efficiency, downtime costs, OEE, and other contributors to factory floor management costs. This capability allows managers to take a proactive approach to maintenance and make equipment repairs before a breakdown happens, thereby avoiding lost revenue. Industrial IoT solutions are also helping maintenance managers understand their cost contributors and efficiency factors more accurately. Being able to track equipment use down to the minute and monitor related events such as efficiency and maintenance helps to better calculate costs, plan maintenance, and reduce unplanned downtime. continued on page 08 January 2024

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continued from page 07

A Safe Path To Operational Improvements There are many improvements that Industry 4.0 provides that are not always obvious at first glance. Safety is one area. Improvements here go a long way in reducing the risk of unplanned downtime for both operators and managers. It works like this. Using the data collected, coaching opportunities can be tailored for operators not following company-established rules for job-site behavior, such as equipment operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Another area where Industry 4.0 can improve operational procedures on-site is by enabling senior technicians, who are not on shift, to help debug any issues that cannot be handled by junior technicians on duty. Some other additional monitoring and alerts that Industry 4.0 can provide include: Productivity Gains Monitors operating parameters, analyses, and determines status to forecast performance and failure. Monitoring Key Operational Parameters Reduces the risk of machinery being operated inefficiently. Improve Operational Efficiency Issues alerts and alarms based on factory operations boundary conditions. Reduce Downtime By predicting failures before they happen.

08 | January 2024

Investment in Industry 4.0 technology becomes incredibly worthwhile when considering the cost of an IoT solution versus the cost per unplanned downtime. By using monitoring technology, businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and get productivity gains. Some improvements and reductions Industry 4.0 can provide include. • Up to 30% Boost in Productivity • Up to 28% Reduction in Machine Downtime • Up to 47% Improvement in Operational Efficiency • Up to 28% Reduction in Unplanned Downtime

Industry 4.0 and Sustainability Operating a sustainable business has never been as important as it is now. Protecting the environment is paramount but running an environmentally friendly business can be difficult and very expensive, especially with inefficient equipment. Industrial IoT solutions positively impact the environment by providing data that helps businesses to reduce emissions caused by overuse of factory equipment. By maximizing factory floor machine usage and improving efficiency, fuel, and resource usage along with emissions released can all be reduced. And, although machine usage is

reduced overall, thanks to the efficiencies and best practices created from the use of smart components, productivity is improved, and raw material usage is reduced. In a nutshell, Industry 4.0 solutions contribute positively to sustainability by reducing equipment, resource, and material usage which all add up to a reduced carbon footprint. The completely paperless documentation due to digital twins is also a central sustainability topic and a current goal for Parker.

Creating the Perfect Industry 4.0 System Building an IoT platform in-house can be costly for an OEM or machine builder and usually requires years of development. By far the best way of doing it is to go to a recognized leader in hydraulic motion and control like Parker and work directly with them. Not only will you benefit from the comprehensive technology integration and data analytic expertise they possess, but a comprehensive portfolio of smart and connected solutions will enable highly secure, scalable, and data-driven approaches to be developed for your business. This way you can ensure your business gets an integrated solution of smart and connected devices, controllers, and PLCs on the factory floor plus the robust software required to run it, all in one seamless digital ecosystem.

•

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NFPA UPDATE

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Industry Trends With NFPA » THE LATEST DATA published by the National Fluid

Power Association shows September 2023 total fluid power shipments dereasing -11.3% month over month and -8.8% year over year. 12/12 rates of change for hydraulic and pneumatic shipments remain positive but are trending downward. The data and charts above are from NFPA’s Confidential Shipment Statistics (CSS) program where over 70 manufacturers of fluid power products report their monthly orders and shipments. More market information is available to NFPA members, allowing them to better understand trends and anticipate change in fluid power and the many customer markets it serves. Contact NFPA at 414-778-3344 for more info.

3 Month Moving Avg

12 Month Moving Avg

TOTAL FLUID POWER SHIPMENTS INDEX DATA: 3 MONTH MOVING AVERAGE & 12 MONTH MOVING AVERAGE This graph of index data is generated by the total dollar volume reported to NFPA by CSS participants. This graph uses moving averages to smooth out the data and clearly identify trends. (Base Year 2018 = 100).

SHIPMENTS: PNEUMATIC, MOBILE HYDRAULIC, AND INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC INDEX DATA: 12/12 RATE OF CHANGE

Each point on this graph represents the most recent 12 months of shipments compared to the previous 12 months of shipments. For example, 7.3% (the August 2023 level of the pneumatic series) indicates that the value of pneumatic shipments from September 2022 to August 2023 were 7.3% higher than the value of pneumatic shipments from September 2021 to August 2022.

Pneumatic

Mobile Hydraulic

Industrial Hydraulic

Pneumatic

Mobile Hydraulic

Industrial Hydraulic

ORDERS: PNEUMATIC, MOBILE HYDRAULIC, AND INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC INDEX DATA: 12/12 RATE OF CHANGE

Each point on this graph represents the most recent 12 months of orders compared to the previous 12 months of orders. For example, 8.5% (the August 2023 level of the industrial hydraulic series) indicates that the value of industrial hydraulic orders received from September 2022 to August 2023 were 8.5% higher than the value of industrial hydraulic orders received from September 2021 to August 2022.

TOTAL SHIPMENTS: SEPTEMBER 2023

This table shows various rates of change for the month of August 2023. Interpretation for each rate of change calculation: M/M %: The percent change between the current month and the previous month. Y/Y %: The percent change between the current month and the same month one year ago. 3/12 %: The percent change between the three most recent months and those same three months one year ago. 12/12 %: The percent change between the twelve most recent months and those same twelve months one year ago. WWW.IFPS.ORG

| WWW.FLUIDPOWERJOURNAL.COM

M/M%

Y/Y%

3/12%

12/12%

Shipments

Fluid Power

-11.3

-8.8

-3.5

6.8

Pneumatic

-15.5

-7.7

-0.7

6.0

Hydraulic

-10.6

-5.3

0.0

10.7

*Preliminary data subject to revision.

January 2024

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PNEUMATIC A U T O M A T I O N SOLVES ULT A DIFFIC N

O I T C U ISSUE PROD IN THE

by Steve Sterling

The Ace Specialties chicken breast deboner mimics hand trimming for low waste and high output

POULTRY INDUSTRY

mong all the choices U.S. shoppers have in their supermarket’s meat department, they most often purchase chicken. Consumer retail spending on chicken tops $15 billion and the highest-selling part of the chicken is breast meat, which accounts for 57% of retail sales. Boneless breasts are in high demand for taste, recipe versatility, and ease of preparation – no bones to remove.

10 | January 2024

The CMS ACE DB-5 deboner is a 22-foot-long machine that automatically processes 50 birds per minute. Even at 22 feet, the DB-5 is a small footprint machine as compared to other solutions.

A closeup image of the final three processing stations clearly shows multiple pneumatic cylinders being applied to automate cutters and plows.

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| WWW.IFPS.ORG

The problem for the low-margin poultry industry is that deboning a chicken breast is labor and time-intensive in an era where labor is in tight supply and wages are rising. ACE Specialties, Russellville, Arkansas, developed a deboning machine that comes as close to low-waste hand deboning as any automated solution to date. The CMS Ace DB-5 Breast Deboner relies nearly 100% on pneumatic automation. Sales are strong for the DB-5. Poultry processing managers have found the cost of ownership and maintenance of the DB-5 is significantly lower than other automated breast deboning solutions. “It’s the best automated deboning machine in the business,” said Andy Harris, Vice President of Operations, at Harrison Poultry. “Yield, quality, uptime, and footprint all make it appealing, and automation is where we are heading. The quality of the product is very good, and the yield is comparable to hand deboning.”

Origins In 2016, Jeremy Estes had nearly 20 years of experience in original equipment manufacturing of poultry equipment. Estes became restless when the company he worked for sold, and he felt he had gone as far as he could under the new leadership. Jeremy’s father, Andrew, who had also been in the poultry equipment manufacturing business, found retirement in his words “boring.” Father and son cast around for a project – something they could turn into their own business and feel energized again. Both knew that a high-output/low-waste automated chicken breast deboning machine would solve a major production issue. The Estes decided to develop an automated breast meat deboner. It took them nearly five years to succeed.

The CMS ACE DB-5 Breast Deboner The CMS ACE DB-5 deboner is a 22-foot-long machine that automatically processes 50 birds per minute. Even at 22 feet, the DB-5 is a small-footprint machine as compared to the competition. The DB-5 outputs wings, boneless breasts with rib meat attached, and clipped tenders. (Tenders or chicken tenderloins are strips of meat attached to the underside of each breast. Tenders taste and look the same as chicken breast.). Except for the servo-controlled conveyor, the rest of the DB-5’s automation is based on pneumatics. “Pneumatics is the only way of having so many fast and simultaneous mechanical actions in such a compact space,” said Jeremy Estes, President, of Ace Specialties. WWW.IFPS.ORG

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“Designing this machine any other way would have required too much space and be cost-prohibitive.

Sanitary design Pneumatics not only had to carry the bulk of the automation, but the compressed air system and components also had to meet sanitary design guidelines. “It was vital that an automated solution meet the highest standards of food-safe operation,” Estes said. “We worked with Motion Industries, Russellville, Arkansas, our distributor, to identify pneumatic components that would enable us to meet Food Safety Modernization Act guidelines for reducing potential sources of biologic, allergen, and particle adulteration. We standardized on Festo pneumatic automation and our Festo Sales Engineer, Steve Jackson, provided additional technical support.” One of the first design goals had to be ensuring that compressed air, which is contaminated with solid particles, oil, and water, be filtered to the highest level. Cleaner compressed air would also prolong the life of components. Organizations such as the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), 3A Sanitary Standards, VDMA Mechanical Engineering Industry, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) have published recommendations for specific air quality requirements. SQF recommends a final filtration stage of 0.01 microns with a filtration efficiency of 99.999% to be located at the point of use for direct food contact. Motion Industries recommended a Festo MS-6 series air preparation system with MS6-SV safety valve with a button to manually shut off and vent air when needed. This air preparation unit met SQF guidelines. Festo recommends that air coming from the compressor also needed to be at a certain level, otherwise, the air preparation unit would be off. In this case, the air into the MS-6 should be 7:4:4; the outflow from the machine should be 1:4:2. The next clean design components selected were QS fittings and PUN-H tubing. The QS fittings have parallel threads that allow the fittings to sit flush with the cylinder. Sitting flush is essential for sanitary operation as no threads are exposed. Exposed threads trap contaminants. PUN-H tubing is resistant to cleaning agents, microbes, and wear from hydrolysis and is FDA-compliant. Without wear resistance, tubing can develop crevasses that trap contaminants.

continued on page 12

As the bird enters the machine, a cylinder-based press pushes the body down to its lowest anchor point on the cone.

The Wishbone & Rib Plow drives a blade at a slight angle down to the body of the bird with significant force and separates the breast meat from the wishbone.

Tenders or chicken tenderloins are strips of meat attached to the underside of each breast. At this station tenders are clipped and harvested. January 2024

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continued from page 11

Hydraulic Live Swivels Inline & 90°

Available In BSPP

® Switc h Your Swivel® Switch Your Swivel

Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Design

Simplified hose configuration, less hose and adapters combine to reduce repairs and downtime cutting the overall cost of hydraulics.

No Kinks No Hose Twisting

• Available In 304 & 440 Stainless Steel • Rated To 10,000 P.S.I.

• Custom Design & Sizes Available • Rebuildable Ball Bearing Design • Full Flow —Low Pressure Drop • Superior Quality Alloy Steel • Side Load Resistant • Heat Treated

For sanitary operation, machine parts must be resistant to corrosion and be mechanically and chemically stable. The Estes standardized on the Festo CRDSNU pneumatic cylinder, which is made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The CRDSNU’s design rigorously conforms to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) criteria. For example, there are no threads in the bearing cap and thus a reduced possibility of trapping contaminants. Its self-adjusting end-position cushioning system is designed without contaminant-susceptible adjusting screws. The cylinder was specified with NSF-H1 food-safe grease and FDA-approved seals. The CRDSNU has a long service life thanks to an optional dry-running seal. Important for the DB-5, these cylinders offer a wide range of variants because of the multiple sizes required within the machine.

Operation The DB-5 processes the front half of the chicken – the body where the legs have been removed earlier at the processing facility. With the machine operating at 50 chickens per minute, it requires two employees to load the DB-5. The employees place each chicken on a patented cone attached to the machine’s conveyor. Servo drives and motors control conveyor motion. The cone securely holds the bird as it travels stage by stage. As the bird enters the machine, a cylinder-based press pushes the body down to its lowest anchor point on the cone. The machine records the height of the bird following the downward press. This measurement is critical later in the process.

There are eight processing stages, including the downward and shoulder press in the DB-5. These include: 1. Downward and Shoulder Press 2. Neck Skin Cutter 3. Wing Cutter 4. Scapula Cutter & Skin Wiper 5. Wishbone Cutter 6. Wishbone & Rib Plow 7. Breast Roller 8. Tender Harvester At each of these stages, multiple pneumatic cylinders move cutters and plows. Typically, pneumatic cylinders operate singly for simple in and back motion. In the DB-5, multiple cylinders carry out an intricate series of interlocking motions. The cylinders drive cutters, plows, and hinged mechanical components that open and close or extend and retract as the cylinders advance and retreat. For example, at Stage 6 the Wishbone & Rib Plow drives a blade at a slight angle down to the body of the bird with significant force and separates the breast meat from the wishbone. Then a cylinder extends, pressing a hinged right and left plow to the sides of the carcass. The plows drive forward, running between the rib cage and the breast meat, effectively separating the meat from the bones. At Stage 7, the Breast Roller, a roller is adjusted to the position measured as that bird entered the DB-5 and, with force, rolls the deboned breast meat from the carcass and onto a conveyor to exit the machine. The Estes designed cutters, plows, and other components to glide along the body of the bird. Using the contour of the carcass as the cutting and plowing guide was one of the design innovations that closely mimics deboning by hand. A second design innovation involves servo control of the conveyor. The conveyor rapidly accelerates and decelerates between each stage. This speed is essential to process 50

Quality Products Made In The U.S.A. Patent No. 5547233 Fax: 1-763-784-7423 Email: sales@superswivels.com

1-763-784-5531 www.SuperSwivels.com 12 | January 2024

A chicken wing showing a clean cut.

Clipped tenders. WWW.FLUIDPOWERJOURNAL.COM

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OVER

YEARS

Custom Cylinders

Rib meat, left and right, are intact. There is no cartilage remaining on the boneless breast. ACE DB-5 produces butterfly cuts, as shown here, clipped tenders, and whole wings with minimal need for rework.

birds per minute. Servo control is vital to the accuracy of the process as the conveyor stops at the precise processing point of each stage. Machine mounting of the DB-5’s control panel contributes to its small footprint. In the cabinet are a PLC, servo drives, other assorted electronics, and an ultra-compact Festo VTUG valve terminal. The VTUG can house 48 valves in the same space normally required by 24. Compactness enabled higher functionality to be packed into the control panel. The VTUG features bottom or side porting of tubing. This means there is no pneumatic tubing within the cabinet, creating a cleaner and less cluttered installation. The PLC communicates with the valve terminal via IO-Link.

Seals

Extensive Manufacturing and Repair in the USA

NASA Crawler Cylinders

Swivel - Rotary Union

Rotary Actuators

Spherical Bearings and Rod Eyes NASA Crawler

HOW BIG DO YOU WANT IT? 63 Dixie Highway • Rossford, Ohio 43460 • www.hunger-hydraulics.com • +1.800.248.9232

Sales and marketing The Estes are the first to say they are engineers and machine builders rather than sales and marketing experts. Once they verified through a pilot installation that the DB-5 performed to expectations, they looked for a sales and marketing partner. They found that partner in CMS (Cantrell Mechanical Solutions, Inc.), Gainesville, Georgia. CMS delivers food and other processing solutions to the poultry, turkey, pork, beef, vegetable, fruit, nuts/legumes, fish, and pet food industries. CMS handles all sales, marketing, and field support for the DB-5. What’s next for Ace Specialties and the DB-5? Father and son continue to refine the design of the DB-5. They attempt to make every improvement to be backward and forward-compatible for machines in the field and machines being built. And the next innovation? The poultry industry will have to wait and see.

•

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January 2024

| 13

TEST YOUR SKILLS

DETERMINING THE CAUSE FOR A CYLINDER NOT EXTENDING T

here are three basic requirements to cause a double-acting cylinder to extend, as shown in Fig. 4.17:

Flow must be supplied to the cap-end of the cylinder at a rate higher than any internal leakage. The available pressure at the cylinder has to be high enough to create the force necessary to overcome movement resistance. This resistance includes the load, any frictional resistance, and any back-pressure-related force. The rod-side fluid has to be able to escape.

14 | January 2024

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Safety Tip: Improper adjustment to load-holding valves may cause uncontrolled cylinder movement due to the release of trapped pressure caused by a suspended load. Before making any adjustments or shifting any valves, ensure a suspended load is safely supported.

Safety Tip: When diagnosing a cylinder for no movement, follow lock-out/tag-out procedures. The cylinder may suddenly move as a result of testing. Ensure that all personnel are clear of any potential movement.

4. If 9.5 gpm is lost through a leak

1. The load is 8,000 lbs

2. The area is 10 sq in

Load 8,000 lbs

1000 750 1250 1500 500 250 1750 2000 0

5. The oil must still move the piston

psi

Electric Motor

Load 8,000 lbs

1000 750 1250 1500 1750 2000 0

500 250

Electric Motor 10 gpm Pump

3. The pressure equals the force ÷ area equals 8,000 lbs ÷ 10 sq in = 800 psi

10 gpm Pump

6. There is still an 8,000 lb load on the piston, the cylinder still moves, but at a lower rate of speed. The pressure is still 800 psi.

Fig. 4.17

To cause the cylinder to extend, a source of flow, typically from the pump through a directional control valve, needs to be directed to the cap-end of the cylinder. If the cylinder seals or related valves are leaking excessively, the supply flow may pass through the leak points with only minimal resistance resulting in no cylinder movement.

Cap-side Pressure gauge

Rod-side Pressure gauge

Flow meter

Fig. 4.18 Cylinder Leakage Test

Installing a flow meter in series with the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 4.18, can assist in determining the extent of the internal leakage. If the cylinder is stalled and there is measurable flow through the flow meter, then the cylinder is leaking excessively. If the pump produces adequate flow and the cylinder is not bypassing, then a valve in the circuit may

be bypassing or blocking flow to the cylinder. The cylinder force required to move a load frequently changes as the cylinder extends due to changes in the mechanical advantage of the linkage. If there is excessive leakage, the resistance to flow may not be high enough to cause the pressure necessary to develop the required force through the full distance of the cylinder travel. Pascal’s law can be used to calculate the theoretical pressure to overcome the load on a cylinder. Refer to Outcome 2.3.1 for additional information on Pascal’s law. The actual pressure to start and keep the cylinder moving is usually higher than the theoretical pressure. The added pressure is required to overcome the internal “stiction,” the static friction of the piston and rod seals. The friction of any pivot pins and sliding surfaces will require additional pressure to overcome the friction forces. When the spool inside the directional valve is shifted, oil flow is directed to the cap-end port, and measured pressure should increase. Normally the measured pressure is the value necessary to overcome the load and is less than the maximum limit. If the pressure increases to the maximum, but the cylinder still does not move, the next step is

to determine if the problem is due to excessive friction of the mechanical structure, an excessive load, excessive back-pressure, or damage to the cylinder. Pressure gauge

Load valve Flow meter

Fig. 4.19 Flow Meter and Load Valve Plumbed in Place of Cylinder

A flow meter and load valve plumbed in place of the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 4.19, can confirm that proper flow and pressure are being supplied to the cylinder. When adequate flow and pressure are available at the cap-end port with the load and friction determined to be within tolerances, but the cylinder still does not move, the rod-end pressure should be measured. Back-pressure caused by a continued on page 16

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January 2024

| 15

CYLINDER FAILS TO EXTEND

REMEDIES a.

Install flow meter in series with cylinder and test flow when stalled. Repair or replace cylinder as needed.

Check relief valve for proper setting. Check for hot-spots on the remaining valves that could be bypassing.

Confirm directional valve is shifting when commanded. Confirm sequence valve is not set too high. Confirm pressurereducing valve is set high enough.

Refer to pump-testing algorithm.

Check for load-sense pressure signal.

Verify load is within design limits. Verify that work port relief valves installed to prevent cylinder damage are working properly.

Inspect cylinder for physical damage.

Ensure all pivot points are not worn and are properly lubricated. Inspect for bent or damaged linkage.

Measure pressure on rod-side while extending. Confirm proper counterbalance valve settings, adjust or replace as needed.

Inspect for crushed or damaged conductors.

Pressure Is Low

Pressure Is High

Cylinder is excessively

Low Flow Remedy: Follow inadequate flow procedures

is overloaded 1 Machine Remedy: f

1 leaking Remedy: a 2

Valves are excessively leaking Remedy: b Valves not actuating

3 Remedy: c 4

Pump is not producing flow Remedy: d, e

Fluid is not being supplied to the cylinder Remedy: j

continued from page 15 load-holding valve or flow control will require additional pressure at the cap-end to overcome the additional force of the back-pressure working against the annular area. Plugged or crushed conductors can also prevent the rodside fluid from escaping. Blockage of the rod exhaust may create a pressure exceeding the cylinder rating depending on the load and

Inadequate Flow

2 Remedy: c

Valves not actuating

Mechanical binding or

Pump load-sense signal not present Remedy: e

the cylinder ratio. Refer to Outcome 4.2.3 for additional information on cylinder ratio and potential intensification in cylinders. A closed-loop control system with a faulty sensor can prevent the cylinder from extending either by sending a signal that the cylinder is already extended or, if an out-of-limit signal is present (too low or too high), a fail-safe condition

is damaged 2 Cylinder Remedy: g

3 rubbing

Remedy: h

flow is blocked 4 Rod Remedy: i, j Fig. 4.20 Cylinder Fails to Extend Troubleshooting Algorithm

may be triggered in the controller program. The fail-safe condition may either block flow to or from the cylinder or reduce the pressure setting of a pump compensator or relief valve. The troubleshooting algorithm shown in Fig. 4.20 provides basic diagnostic information on the common reasons a cylinder will not extend.

•

TEST YOUR SKILLS 1.

A retracted 2:1 area ratio cylinder in the circuit with pressure gauges and a flow meter connected, as shown in Fig. 4.18, does not move when the directional valve is shifted to extend the cylinder. The cap side pressure gauge indicates the full system pressure of 21 MPa (3,000 psi), the rod-side pressure gauge indicates 42 MPa (6,000 psi), and the flow meter reads 0 lpm (0 gpm). What could be the most likely cause?

A. The directional valve is not shifting to direct flow to the cylinder. B. The piston seals are leaking excessively. C. The cylinder pins are most likely dry and need to be lubricated. D. The cap-side counterbalance valve is set too high and is blocking flow. E.

The rod-side flow is not being exhausted.

A partially extended cylinder in the circuit with pressure gauges and a flow meter connected, as shown in Fig. 4.18, does not move when the directional valve is shifted to extend the cylinder. The cap-side pressure gauge indicates 10 MPa (1,500 psi), the rod-side pressure gauge indicates 1.5 MPa (220 psi), and the flow meter reads the rated pump flow of 30 lpm (8 gpm). While extending, the system pressure is normally 21 MPa (3,000 psi). What could be the most likely cause?

A cylinder begins to extend, but stalls almost immediately before it reaches full extension. A pressure gauge installed in a cap-end test port reads 31 MPa (4,500 psi), and a pressure gauge in a rod-end test port reads 0.2 MPa (30 psi). When the plumbing is changed, as shown in Fig. 4.19, the flow and pressure developed are at the rated values of 15 gpm and 4,500 psi. Which of the following is a likely cause?

The load is too high.

The pump compensator is set too low.

B. The system relief is bypassing all the pump flow.

The cylinder's piston seals are leaking excessively.

The pivot pins are over-lubricated.

C. The cylinder is leaking excessively.

The directional valve is not shifting to supply fluid to the cylinder.

A. The rod-side counterbalance valve is set too low, allowing the fluid to bypass the cylinder.

D. The cylinder rod is bent and causing the cylinder to bind. E.

16 | January 2024

The cylinder rod pins are dry and need lubrication.

See page 31 for the solution.

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January 2024

| 17

SPECIAL AD SECTION

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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18 | January 2024

Available in reed or electronic sensing elements, the 7000 series features normally open, normally closed or SPDT switch types all in one enclosure. Engineered for successful applications, these sensors are easily mounted with a self-adjusting clamp for 2 to 8 inch bore tie rod cylinders or a band clamp for ¾ to 4 inch round cylinders reducing stocking requirements.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Suppressor

Accumulators

Hydraulic Noise and Shock Suppressor

Don’t Compromise – That hydraulic flange you want may be at MAIN

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PMC A&E, INC.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT WEB MARKETPLACE LITERA TURE REVIEW COMPONENT SHOWCASE

ASK THE EXPERT

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WE DO THE HARD PART.

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CLASSIFIED BULLETIN

January 2024

| 19

IFPS UPDATE

The IFPS Welcomes New Board of Directors JEFF CURLEE, CFPS Jeff Curlee, CFPS, has been Engineering Manager at Cross Company - Mobile Systems Integration Group since 2015, bringing over 10 years of Industrial Automation experience. Certified in fluid power, he obtained CFPPS in 1999, CFPHS/CFPS in 2018, and CFPECS in 2023. Currently pursuing

CFPE, Jeff leads a team of 12 engineers focused on Mobile OEM solutions. He played a role in the NFPA Electrification in Fluid Power Task Force. Based in High Point, NC, Jeff lives with his wife Alison and three kids: Jackson, Dawson, and Madelyn.

STEVEN DOWNEY, CFMIP, CFPMT, CFPMM, CFPMMH, CFPMIH, CFPAI/JPPCC/AJPP “My background in Fluid Power is that I started as a parts cleaner and general laborer back in 1989. I rose up within my organization as a junior technician, then a technician, then to a department lead, then to several departments as a lead technician, and finally to a product specialist. Along the way, Certification and Fluid Power Training has helped me with my promotions and career advancement. About 7 years ago, I began teaching Fluid Power at Henry Ford Community College in their MAT2 program.

This was a great experience for me, and I moved over to Macomb Community College as an Adjunct Instructor and now teach in the Mechatronics Program. I also lead our Company's IFPS Certification Program here at Hydraulex and have helped many of our employees with Certification success. I received my first Certification in 1999 and now hold 16 certifications. I highly value my certification success, and I am held up as an example within my company.”

DEEPAK B KADAMANAHALLI, CFPHS “I am honored to be elected as a Board of Director of IFPS. For the past several years, IFPS has been an inordinate source and partner for my learning and passion towards Fluid Power. Now,

I look forward to giving back, and contribute to the growth of the organization while building my professional network of esteemed Fluid Power professionals”

JOHN JUHASZ, CFPS, CFPECS John Juhasz, CFPS, CFPECS, is the Regional Sales Manager for the IN, MI, WI and IL territory, at Kraft Fluid Systems. His resume includes time at John Deere, Bobcat, Cummins, and Buckeye Hydraulics before joining Kraft Fluid Systems in

20 | January 2024

2005. He covers lower Michigan, northwest Ohio, and northern Indiana working with OEM customers. He currently resides in Montpelier, Ohio, with his wife and four daughters.

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IFPS UPDATE

Newly Certified Professionals January 2024

CONNECTOR & CONDUCTOR (CC) Joe Hawkins, Triad Technologies Scott Metzler, Triad Technologies Zach Price, Triad Technologies Mark Suber, Triad Technologies Phillip Wilson, Triad Technologies Nathan Bennett Logan Furnish Richard Haas Jon McKinley Keegan Romero

ELECTRONIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (ECS) Jake DeRooy, MFP Automation Engineering Tyler Helmus, MFP Automation Engineering Matt Hillman, MFP Automation Engineering

HYDRAULIC SPECIALIST (HS) Tammy Vuylsteke, Applied Fluid Power - ESI Steven Nelson, Beckwood Press Scott Mock, Danfoss Power Solutions Samuel Toenies, DeZURIK Matthew Huff, Nachi America Darrin Galinat, ZF Keith Kubat, ZF David Kutschke, ZF

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Tom Marzinske, ZF Nicholas Schweisthal, ZF Bryce Tillman, ZF Josh Vallee, ZF Will Pass, ZF Group Wallace Crabb

INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC MECHANIC (IHM) Christopher Lane, Hydradyne LLC. Hector Hernandez, John Henry Foster

MOBILE HYDRAULIC MECHANIC (MHM) Gustavo Torres, AEP Eric Bairos, Altec Industries Caleb Burkhart, Altec Industries, Inc. William Collins, Altec Industries, Inc. Grayson Marriner, Altec Industries, Inc. Jay Matthews, Altec Industries, Inc. Dylan McAllister, Altec Industries, Inc. Chris McHone, Altec Industries, Inc. Nicholas Pendergraph, Altec Industries, Inc. Jeff Renfro, Altec Industries, Inc. Levi Shumway, Altec Industries, Inc. Cole Fleming, JH Fletcher Ezekiel Smith, JH Fletcher Shaun Smith, JH Fletcher

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Michael Volkmann, JH Fletcher Ryan Williamson, JH Fletcher Clayton Young, JH Fletcher Thomas Dowdy, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Bradley Heitman, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Brandon Janssen, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Corey Kruger, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Robert McLaws, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Tanner Miner, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Adam Nelson, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Casey Burton, Par Electric Ben Clevenger, Par Electric Chad Rogers, Par Electric Kristofer Luman, Seco Mike Daniels, Serco Mark Jordan, Serco Adam Blaine, Southern California Edison Joel Molina, Southern California Edison Trevor Cypret, Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. Matthew Boyd, VDOT Nathan Clisso, VDOT Adam Guthrie, VDOT Richard Parks, VDOT Joshua Staton, VDOT David Wilson, VDOT Wesley Higgins, Verizon

Gregory Jones, Verizon Eric Rizzi, Verizon James Stroup, Verizon Doug Caton

MOBILE HYDRAULIC TECHNICIAN (MHT) Jared Dahlheimer, Great River Energy

MASTER OF MOBILE HYDRAULICS (MMH) Logan Furnish

PNEUMATIC SPECIALIST (PS) Peter Betten, MFP Automation Engineering Jonah Schultz, MFP Automation Engineering Tyler Summers, MFP Automation Engineering Monthusi Segau

SPECIALIST (S) Peter Betten, MFP Automation Engineering Jonah Schultz, MFP Automation Engineering Tyler Summers, MFP Automation Engineering Monthusi Segau

SYSTEM DESIGNER (SD) Jake Doyle

January 2024

| 21

IFPS UPDATE

The IFPS is looking for Web Presenters to Conduct a 45-minute (+15 minute Q&A) Online Presentation(s) WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER CONDUCTING A PRESENTATION? • You’ll receive recertification points. • You’ll receive a free thank you golf shirt. • It's great promotion for you and for your company. • We'll email you a template to use. • We’ll rehearse before going live. Simply email Victoria Piro at vpiro@ifps.org with your topic and a short description and she will contact you to set up the presentation. It’s that easy!

Mark Your Calendar

UPCOMING WEB SEMINARS Digital Displacement Pump Technology WHEN: Feb 22

ITW Accredited Instructor Workshop WHEN: Mar 19-20 WHERE: Cherry Hill, New Jersey | IFPS Headquarters

For more information, visit ifps.org/web-seminars.

22 | January 2024

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IFPS UPDATE

IS YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING UP-TO-DATE? Have there been changes to your business’s name, address, phone or fax number, email address or web address? Let us know as soon as possible to ensure a correct listing in the next directory.

WHAT’S THAT?!

YOU’RE NOT LISTED? NOT TO WORRY. IT’S FREE!

» INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS in this

extensive directory of businesses from the fluid power industry. Four categories give you the best chance to be seen by the decision-makers relevant to your business.

Visit fluidpowerjournal.com/contact

OFF-HIGHWAY SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURERS

3245 Freemansburg Ave, Palmer PA 18045

Whether you are preparing for a Certification test or want to boost your skills, our 1-year access Training Modules have you covered. Purchasing 5 or more courses? Contact sales@ifps.org for bulk pricing! WWW.IFPS.ORG

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Phone: 800.730.5904 | 610.923.0380 Fax: 610.923.0390 www.fluidpowerjournal.com

January 2024

| 23

IFPS UPDATE

Individuals wishing to take any IFPS written certification tests can select from convenient locations across the United States and Canada. IFPS is able to offer these locations through its affiliation with the Consortium of College Testing Centers provided by National College Testing Association. Contact Kyle Pollander at Kpollander@ifps.org if you do not see a location near you. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

Written Certification Test Locations Alabama

Auburn, AL Birmingham, AL Calera, AL Decatur, AL Huntsville, AL Jacksonville, AL Mobile, AL Montgomery, AL Normal, AL Tuscaloosa, AL

Alaska

Anchorage, AK Fairbanks, AK

Arizona

Flagstaff, AZ Glendale, AZ Mesa, AZ Phoenix, AZ Prescott, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Sierra Vista, AZ Tempe, AZ Thatcher, AZ Tucson, AZ Yuma, AZ

Arkansas

TENTATIVE TESTING DATES FOR ALL LOCATIONS JANUARY 2024 Tuesday 1/9 • Thursday 1/25

FEBRUARY 2024 Tuesday 2/5 • Thursday 2/22

MARCH 2024 Tuesday 3/5 • Thursday 3/26

APRIL 2024 Tuesday 4/9 • Thursday 4/25

Bentonville, AR Hot Springs, AR Little Rock, AR

California

Aptos, CA Arcata, CA Bakersfield, CA Dixon, CA Encinitas, CA Fresno, CA Irvine, CA Marysville, CA Riverside, CA Salinas, CA San Diego, CA San Jose, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Ana, CA Santa Maria, CA Santa Rosa, CA Tustin, CA Yucaipa, CA

Colorado

Aurora, CO Boulder, CO Springs, CO Denver, CO Durango, CO Ft. Collins, CO Greeley, CO Lakewood, CO Littleton, CO Pueblo, CO

Delaware

JOB PERFORMANCE TEST LOCATIONS Arizona California Colorado Florida Georgia Maine Michigan Minnesota Montana New Jersey

24 | January 2024

Nova Scotia Pennsylvania Texas Washington Wyoming Western Australia

Dover, DE Georgetown, DE Newark, DE

Florida

Avon Park, FL Boca Raton, FL Cocoa, FL Davie, FL Daytona Beach, FL Fort Pierce, FL Ft. Myers, FL Gainesville, FL Jacksonville, FL Miami Gardens, FL Milton, FL New Port Richey, FL Ocala, FL Orlando, FL Panama City, FL Pembroke Pines, FL Pensacola, FL Plant City, FL Riviera Beach, FL Sanford, FL Tallahassee, FL Tampa, FL West Palm Beach, FL Wildwood, FL Winter Haven, FL

Georgia

Albany, GA Athens, GA Atlanta, GA Carrollton, GA Columbus, GA Dahlonega, GA Dublin, GA Dunwoody, GA Forest Park, GA Lawrenceville, GA Morrow, GA Oakwood, GA Savannah, GA Statesboro, GA Tifton, GA Valdosta, GA

Hawaii Laie, HI

Idaho

Boise, ID Coeur d ‘Alene, ID Idaho Falls, ID Lewiston, ID Moscow, ID Nampa, ID Rexburg, ID Twin Falls, ID

Illinois

Carbondale, IL Carterville, IL Champaign, IL Decatur, IL Edwardsville, IL Glen Ellyn, IL Joliet, IL Malta, IL Normal, IL Peoria, IL Schaumburg, IL Springfield, IL University Park, IL

Indiana

Bloomington, IN Columbus, IN Evansville, IN Fort Wayne, IN Gary, IN Indianapolis, IN Kokomo, IN Lafayette, IN Lawrenceburg, IN Madison, IN Muncie, IN New Albany, IN Richmond, IN Sellersburg, IN South Bend, IN Terre Haute, IN

Iowa

Ames, IA Cedar Rapids, IA Iowa City, IA Ottumwa, IA Sioux City, IA Waterloo, IA

Kansas

Maryland

Arnold, MD Bel Air, MD College Park, MD Frederick, MD Hagerstown, MD La Plata, MD Westminster, MD Woodlawn, MD Wye Mills, MD

Massachusetts Boston, MA Bridgewater, MA Danvers, MA Haverhill, MA Holyoke, MA Shrewsbury, MA

Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI Big Rapids, MI Chesterfield, MI Dearborn, MI Dowagiac, MI East Lansing, MI Flint, MI Grand Rapids, MI Kalamazoo, MI Lansing, MI Livonia, MI Mount Pleasant, MI Sault Ste. Marie, M Troy, MI University Center, MI Warren, MI

Alfred, NY Brooklyn, NY Buffalo, NY Garden City, NY New York, NY Rochester, NY Syracuse, NY

North Carolina Apex, NC Asheville, NC Boone, NC Charlotte, NC China Grove, NC Durham, NC Fayetteville, NC Greenville, NC Jamestown, NC Misenheimer, NC Mount Airy, NC Pembroke, NC Raleigh, NC Wilmington, NC

North Dakota Bismarck, ND

Ohio

Missouri

Oklahoma

Mississippi

Berkley, MO Cape Girardeau, MO Columbia, MO Cottleville, MO Joplin, MO Kansas City, MO Kirksville, MO Park Hills, MO Poplar Bluff, MO Rolla, MO Sedalia, MO Springfield, MO St. Joseph, MO St. Louis, MO Warrensburg, MO

Montana

Bozeman, MT Missoula, MT

Kentucky

Nevada

Bossier City, LA Lafayette, LA Monroe, LA Natchitoches, LA New Orleans, LA Shreveport, LA Thibodaux, LA

New York

Goodman, MS Jackson, MS Mississippi State, MS Raymond, MS University, MS

Alexandria, MN Brooklyn Park, MN Duluth, MN Eden Prairie, MN Granite Falls, MN Mankato, MN

Kansas City, KS Lawrence, KS Manhattan, KS Wichita, KS

Louisiana

Albuquerque, NM Clovis, NM Farmington, NM Portales, NM Santa Fe, NM

Akron, OH Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Columbus, OH Fairfield, OH Findlay, OH Kirtland, OH Lima, OH Maumee, OH Newark, OH North Royalton, OH Rio Grande, OH Toledo, OH Warren, OH Youngstown, OH

Minnesota

Nebraska

Ashland, KY Bowling Green, KY Erlanger, KY Highland Heights, KY Louisville, KY Morehead, KY

New Mexico

Altus, OK Bethany, OK Edmond, OK Norman, OK Oklahoma City, OK Tonkawa, OK Tulsa, OK

Oregon

Bend, OR Coos Bay, OR Eugene, OR Gresham, OR Klamath Falls, OR Medford, OR Oregon City, OR Portland, OR White City, OR

Pennsylvania

Henderson, NV Las Vegas, NV North Las Vegas, NV Winnemucca, NV

Bloomsburg, PA Blue Bell, PA Gettysburg, PA Harrisburg, PA Lancaster, PA Newtown, PA Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA York, PA

New Jersey

South Carolina

Lincoln, NE North Platte, NE Omaha, NE

Branchburg, NJ Cherry Hill, NJ Lincroft, NJ Sewell, NJ Toms River, NJ West Windsor, NJ

Beaufort, SC Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Conway, SC Graniteville, SC Greenville, SC Greenwood, SC Orangeburg, SC Rock Hill, SC Spartanburg, SC

Tennessee

Blountville, TN Clarksville, TN Collegedale, TN Gallatin, TN Johnson City, TN Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Morristown, TN Murfreesboro, TN Nashville, TN

Texas

Abilene, TX Arlington, TX Austin, TX Beaumont, TX Brownsville, TX Commerce, TX Corpus Christi, TX Dallas, TX Denison, TX El Paso, TX Houston, TX Huntsville, TX Laredo, TX Lubbock, TX Lufkin, TX Mesquite, TX San Antonio, TX Victoria, TX Waxahachie, TX Weatherford, TX Wichita Falls, TX

Utah

Cedar City, UT Kaysville, UT Logan, UT Ogden, UT Orem, UT Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia

Daleville, VA Fredericksburg, VA Lynchburg, VA Manassas, VA Norfolk, VA Roanoke, VA Salem, VA Staunton, VA Suffolk, VA Virginia Beach, VA Wytheville, VA

Washington

Auburn, WA Bellingham, WA Bremerton, WA Ellensburg, WA Ephrata, WA Olympia, WA Pasco, WA Rockingham, WA Seattle, WA Shoreline, WA Spokane, WA

British Columbia Abbotsford, BC Burnaby, BC Castlegar, BC Delta, BC Kamloops, BC Nanaimo, BC Prince George, BC Richmond, BC Surrey, BC Vancouver, BC Victoria, BC

Manitoba

Brandon, MB Winnipeg, MB

New Brunswick Bathurst, NB Moncton, NB

Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s, NL

Nova Scotia Halifax, NS

Ontario

Brockville, ON Hamilton, ON London, ON Milton, ON Mississauga, ON Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON North Bay, ON North York, ON Ottawa, ON Toronto, ON Welland, ON Windsor, ON

Quebec

Côte Saint-Luc, QB Montreal, QB

Saskatchewan Melfort, SK Moose Jaw, SK Nipawin, SK Prince Albert, SK Saskatoon, SK

Yukon Territory Whitehorse, YU

UNITED KINGDOM

Elgin, UK

GHAZNI

Kingdom of Bahrain, GHA Thomasville, GHA

EGYPT

Cairo, EG

JORDAN

West Virginia

Amman, JOR

Wisconsin

Taradale, NZ

Ona, WV

NEW ZEALAND

La Crosse, WI Milwaukee, WI Mukwonago, WI

Wyoming

Casper, WY Laramie, WY Torrington, WY

CANADA Alberta

Calgary, AB Edmonton, AB Fort McMurray, AB Lethbridge, AB Lloydminster, AB Olds, AB Red Deer, AB

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IFPS UPDATE

» AVAILABLE IFPS CERTIFICATIONS CFPAI

Certified Fluid Power Accredited Instructor

Tentative Certification Review Training IFPS offers onsite review training for small groups of at least 10 persons. An IFPS accredited instructor visits your company to conduct the review. Contact kpollander@ifps.org for details of the scheduled onsite reviews listed below.

CFPAJPP

Certified Fluid Power Authorized Job Performance Proctor

HYDRAULIC SPECIALIST

CFPAJPPCC

2024 certification review training dates will be announced soon. For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org)

CFPE

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS SPECIALIST

CFPS

For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org). For dates, call CFC Industrial Training at (513) 874-3225 or visit www.cfcindustrialtraining.com.

Certified Fluid Power Authorized Job Performance Proctor Connector & Conductor Certified Fluid Power Engineer Certified Fluid Power Specialist (Must Obtain CFPHS & CFPPS)

CFPHS

Certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist

CFPPS

Certified Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist

PNEUMATIC SPECIALIST

CFPECS

2024 certification review training dates will be announced soon. For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org)

CFPMT

CONNECTOR & CONDUCTOR

CFPIHT

2024 certification review training dates will be announced soon. For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org).

CFPMHT

MOBILE HYDRAULIC MECHANIC

Certified Fluid Power Electronic Controls Specialist Certified Fluid Power Master Technician (Must Obtain CFPIHT, CFPMHT, & CFPPT) Certified Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Technician Certified Fluid Power Mobile Hydraulic Technician

CFPPT

Certified Fluid Power Pneumatic Technician

CFPMM

Certified Fluid Power Master Mechanic (Must Obtain CFPIHM, CFPMHM, & CFPPM)

CFPIHM

2024 certification review training dates will be announced soon. For custom training IFPS inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org) Online Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic certification review for written test is offered through CFC Industrial Training. This course surveys the MHM Study Manual (6.5 hours) and every outcome to prepare you for the written test. Members may e-mail for a 20% coupon code off the list price. Test fees are not included.

Certified Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic

INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC MECHANIC

CFPMHM

For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org). For dates, call CFC Industrial Training at (513) 874-3225 or visit www.cfcindustrialtraining.com.

Certified Fluid Power Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic

CFPPM

Certified Fluid Power Pneumatic Mechanic

INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULIC TECHNICIAN

CFPMIH

For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org). For dates, call CFC Industrial Training at (513) 874-3225 or visit www.cfcindustrialtraining.com.

CFPMMH

MOBILE HYDRAULIC TECHNICIAN

Certified Fluid Power Master of Industrial Hydraulics (Must Obtain CFPIHM, CFPIHT, & CFPCC) Certified Fluid Power Master of Mobile Hydraulics (Must Obtain CFPMHM, CFPMHT, & CFPCC)

CFPMIP

Certified Fluid Power Master of Industrial Pneumatics (Must Obtain CFPPM, CFPPT, & CFPCC)

CFPCC

Certified Fluid Power Connector & Conductor

2024 certification review training dates will be announced soon. For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org).

PNEUMATIC TECHNICIAN & PNEUMATIC MECHANIC For custom IFPS training inquiries, please contact Bj Wagner (bwagner@ifps.org). For dates, call CFC Industrial Training at (513) 874-3225 or visit www.cfcindustrialtraining.com.

CFPSD

Fluid Power System Designer

WWW.IFPS.ORG

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January 2024

| 25

The

Psychology of

Cylinder Selection

By Bill Tyler, National Sales & Marketing Manager, and Chadwick Conte, Product Lifecycle Manager, Peninsular Cylinders

electing the right cylinder for a specific application is not just a matter of technical specifications; it's a complex decision-making process influenced by a myriad of factors. Understanding the psychology behind these choices is not a trivial matter—it's crucial for anyone in the fluid power industry.

Key Psychological Factors Affecting Cylinder Selection: • Confirmation Bias: The tendency to favor options that confirm pre-existing beliefs. • Anchoring: The human inclination to rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions. • Fear of Making Mistakes: This can lead to overly conservative choices, like opting for over-specified cylinders. • Peer and Industry Influence: The impact of popular brands or types of cylinders within the industry. • Brand Reputation: The sway of companies known for reliability and quality. • Digital Tools and the Paradox of Choice: The overwhelming number of options can lead to decision paralysis.

26 | January 2024

Confirmation Bias

Peer and Industry Influence

Engineers are not immune to the human tendency to gravitate towards options that validate their pre-existing beliefs. This can result in the selection of cylinders that may not be the most efficient or cost-effective but align with their initial assumptions.

The choices of colleagues and industry leaders can significantly sway an engineer's decision. If a specific brand or type of cylinder has gained traction within the industry, it often becomes the de facto choice, regardless of its technical merits.

Anchoring Effect

Brand Reputation

The first piece of information we encounter often becomes the benchmark against which we evaluate all other options. In the context of cylinder selection, this could mean over-relying on a single datasheet or a recommendation from a colleague, thereby limiting the scope of potential choices.

Companies known for their reliability and quality have a psychological edge. The trust in a brand can sometimes overshadow the actual specifications of the cylinder, leading to choices based more on reputation than empirical data.

Fear of Making Mistakes

Digital Tools and the Paradox of Choice

The apprehension about making an incorrect decision can lead engineers to make overly conservative choices. This manifests in the selection of over-specified cylinders, which, while safe, are often more expensive and less efficient.

In an era where digital catalogs can present hundreds of options at a click, the abundance of choices can be overwhelming. This paradox of choice often leads to decision paralysis, making it difficult for engineers to make any selection at all.

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Air Compressors Peninsular Cylinder Co. goes beyond merely delivering high-quality products; they are a driving force in shaping the Fluid Power industry. Their engagement with the NFPA is not just nominal but active and multi-layered, contributing to various committees and initiatives. This involvement underscores their commitment to not just meeting, but elevating industry standards. Alongside this, their series of articles on Fluid Power Safety serves as an educational resource, spotlighting often-overlooked aspects that can lead to significant risks such as system failures, injuries, and costly downtimes. In an industry traditionally guided by technical specifications and empirical data, the significance of acknowledging the psychological dimensions of decision-making is paramount. Understanding the role of cognitive biases, emotional considerations, and social influences is not just an intellectual exercise—it's a business necessity.

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January 2024

| 27

Unlocking Versatility

PNEUMATIC GRIPPERS

REVOLUTIONIZE ELECTRIC ROBOTS WITH COST-EFFECTIVE PRECISION

By John Proegler, PHD, Inc.

ombining a pneumatic power source for grippers on the end of electric robots provides the best of both technologies. In many cases, using the pneumatic end effector is the most cost-effective solution for grasping the parts the robot is handling.

GRIPPER DEFINED

A gripper is a device that grasps a part or object to be moved by the robot or other automation device. The gripper is like a human hand but, in most cases, less intricate and complex, although recently, more technologically sophisticated grippers have been designed that more closely mimic the human hand and fingers. Like your hand, a gripper provides the ability to grasp an object, hold it while it is being moved or manipulated, and then release it once the operation is completed. The gripper is just one type of end effector on a robot or automation device. Grippers come in a wide range of styles and sizes to handle an almost infinite range of objects. Grippers can be powered pneumatically or

28 | January 2024

electrically, and they can include vacuum cups and bellows that expand to grasp an object.

PNEUMATIC GRIPPER BASICS

A pneumatic gripper operates by providing compressed air to the cylinder contained in the body of the gripper. A directional control valve controls the compressed air, which forces the cylinder’s piston up and down. The movement of the piston drives various types of mechanical linkage, causing the gripper’s jaws to open and close. The kinds of linkage and the jaw configuration allow for different types of jaw movement. These are typically either angular with pivoting jaws or parallel with linear jaw movement. Standard pneumatic grippers come in a vast range of sizes and styles. These grippers can be very small and precise for grasping miniature parts such as electronic components and intricate medical devices. Pneumatic grippers are also available in very large configurations for gripping objects such as engine blocks and automotive wheels.

Jaw configurations vary widely, allowing the grippers to adapt easily to the grasped objects. Two-jaw and three-jaw units are common, and the grippers can be designed with multiple jaws for specific applications. Various types of sensors on the pneumatic grippers provide inputs to the robot’s controller, indicating the position of the jaws. Some sensors are digital and provide an input at a specific point in the jaw’s travel. These indicate when the jaw is open or closed and can be adjusted to show the jaw position when a part is grasped. Analog sensors are also available on some grippers, providing constant jaw position feedback to the controller.

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through the use of internal springs that provide retention of the part even if power is lost. This feature can be important for safety and to protect highly valuable parts that would be costly to drop.

PNEUMATIC GRIPPER DISADVANTAGES CUSTOMIZATION

The mechanical characteristics of a pneumatic gripper allow for easy customization of the units for specific applications and environments. Units can be designed with multiple jaws for installing o-rings, for example. The grippers can be modified to function in harsh environments such as high temperatures or areas where a high degree of dirt or contamination exists. The material that makes up the pneumatic gripper can also be customized. For example, grippers can be constructed from plastic composites or food-grade materials for specific applications.

There are a few drawbacks to pneumatic grippers as compared to electric grippers. First, the pneumatic version requires a pneumatic power source and a control valve for opening and closing the gripper. However, most automation systems already use other pneumatic actuators, in which case the power source would be readily available. Another possible disadvantage is that the jaw travels and the jaw forces of a pneumatic gripper cannot easily be changed once the gripper is installed. A third drawback is that jaw positions are typically open or closed with no positions in between.

PNEUMATIC GRIPPER ADVANTAGES

There are many unique advantages of using a pneumatic gripper as an end effector on an electric robot. First, pneumatic actuators are known for having high force-to-weight ratios. This factor especially applies to a pneumatic gripper. Because of this efficiency, the gripper size and weight can be minimized, allowing for higher overall payloads carried by the robot. Second, pneumatic grippers have a rapid response time for opening and closing the jaws, thereby reducing dwell times for pick up and release, providing fast cycle times. Another advantage is that the cost of a pneumatic gripper is typically much less than that of an electric gripper. Finally, there is a wide variety of standard pneumatic gripper configurations in the marketplace. The varied selection makes it easy to select a gripper that best fits an application, saving design time and providing shorter lead times. One particular feature of some pneumatic grippers is the ability to make the gripper ‘single acting,’ typically

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IDEAL APPLICATIONS

Despite the few disadvantages, many applications are ideal for pneumatic grippers as end effectors on electric robots. Pneumatic grippers are ideal for applications where the robot is handling parts that are a consistent size. When more flexibility is required, two or more pneumatic grippers may be employed on a single robot, made possible because of the lighter weight characteristics of these grippers. The lighter weight is also advantageous when the robot’s payload is critical. The lightweight gripper may allow for higher total payloads without increasing the robot’s size. Pneumatic grippers are also ideal for applications requiring high grip forces for handling larger loads due to their high force-to-weight ratio.

APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS

There are some application considerations for using a pneumatic gripper on an electric robot. As stated earlier, a compressed air supply is required to operate the pneumatic gripper. The available consistent air pressure is an important application consideration. Typically, a minimum of 60 PSI should be used. It is important to ensure that the minimum air pressure used to select the gripper for the application can always be maintained. The grip force created by the gripper is in direct relationship to the input air pressure to the unit. Using the correct directional control valve is part of the air supply equation. The valve must have enough flow capacity to properly open and close the pneumatic gripper. The valve should also be capable of maintaining air pressure to the gripper throughout the grip cycle. Proper sizing of the pneumatic gripper includes several factors in addition to the input air pressure. Jaw motion (angular or parallel), length of the tooling attached to the jaw, and the moment loads the jaws will encounter are all factors to consider. Calculations can be made using the published technical data provided by the gripper manufacturer. Often, software is available to help in the gripper selection process. The design of the finger tooling that contacts the part is an important consideration. The tooling must be as light as possible yet able to handle the grip force and moment loads. Whenever possible, the finger tooling should be designed to conform to the part shape and encapsulate the part being gripped. The tooling also should allow the gripped part to be as close as possible to the gripper body, minimizing moment loads and helping with the grip force provided. A pneumatic gripper with internal springs maintains grip force even if air pressure is lost. These grippers can be used as a single-acting unit with the internal springs providing the grip force or a double-acting gripper using both the springs and the air pressure to grip the part. In either case, the gripper should be sized so that the internal springs alone can maintain a hold on the part. continued on page 30

January 2024

| 29

continued from page 29

PNEUMATIC GRIPPERS ON ‘COBOTS’

In recent years, there has been a trend toward the increased use of ‘collaborative’ robots, also known as ‘cobots.’ Cobots are typically power- and force-limiting. The robot can feel abnormal forces in its path and may be programmed to stop when it reads an overload in terms of force. The cobots are designed to dissipate forces in case of impact on a wide surface. As a result, the cobot may be used for direct collaboration with humans for various tasks without additional safety devices. Cobots are typically highly adaptable and virtually plug-and-play, so a user does not need a great deal of experience to effectively program and apply the device. Some companies use cobots because they can be placed alongside humans. Others utilize them because of their extreme ease of programming, quick uptime, and great flexibility.

3-Port Diverter Ball Valve, Flange Type Compact Design INSERTA® PRODUCTS Blue Bell, PA • 215.643.0192 www.inserta.com

Since cobots used in human collaborative environments need to operate at lower air pressures to reduce the chance of injury, the tooling on the pneumatic grippers in this environment should be designed to encapsulate the part. If the cobot is being used for its ease of use rather than in a human collaborative environment, the pneumatic gripper can be run at high pressures, producing higher grip force and allowing for a smaller, lighter gripper, resulting in a positive effect on the total payload of the cobot. Adapters are available that make it easy to attach pneumatic grippers to cobots manufactured by Universal Robots. These adaptors have embedded directional control valves to control an end-effector through the robot’s tool port. The system easily attaches to the cobot arm and is intuitively operated from the Universal Robot interface.

SUMMARY

Pneumatic grippers on electric robots are a good combination of varying technologies. The electric robots provide a great deal of flexibility and accuracy. Pneumatic grippers offer a cost-effective, high force-to-weight ratio end effector on these robots. The wide variety of standard grippers, along with the ability to easily customize the units, makes them adaptable to a vast range of applications. The pneumatic gripper’s use on the popular robots provides even more application capabilities for these grippers.

•

30 | January 2024

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SPECIAL AD SECTION

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This is a stimulating position that allows the successful candidate to participate in interesting projects involving a global customer base, across a variety of industries and applications. There is also an opportunity to participate in the design, development, and application of the company’s own proprietary components, in addition to application of third party components. Positional requirements include a four year engineering degree (mechanical engineering preferred), at least 2 years of hydraulic experience, knowledge of fluid power schematics and components, fundamental mechanical engineering knowledge including design theory and practice, superior analytical and problem solving capacity, business acumen, and strong organizational skills. Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact hr@fluidpowerinc.com, or to call 215.643.0350.

HYDRAULIC FLANGES + COMPONENTS

HERE IS THE SOLUTION TO FIGURE IT OUT ON PAGE 05

When reviewing directional control valve literature, the manufacturer will show the normal maximum flow rate of the spool that flows the most GPM. Typically, when using a blocked centered spool, the maximum flow can be considerably less than the literature cover proclaims. You must consult the info from the spool chart being used for the maximum flow. They examined the unknown valves spool and found it had the “A” port open as well as “P” to “T” open to tank. Changing the valves spool configuration solved the problem.

The “special” you want is probably on our shelves. The correct answers to Test Your Skills on page 16 are 1-e, 2-c, and 3-a. Call 800.521.7918 | Fax 810.953.1385 | Visit MAINMFG.com

ADVERTISER INDEX

Company................................................................................ Page..........................................................................Phone..........................................................................................................Web Almo Manifold...................................................................................31.............................................................................. 989-984-0800......................................................................................almomanifold.com Assured Automation......................................................................19, 27......................................................................... 1-800-899-0553................................................................... assuredautomation.com/fpj Canfield Connector.......................................................................18, IBC........................................................................ 1-800-554-5071.............................................................................canfieldconnector.com Clippard Instruments Lab Inc.......................................................31, 32........................................................................... 877-245-6247................................................................................................ clippard.com Diamond Hydraulics.......................................................................3, 17............................................................................ 409-986-3957............................................................................ diamondhydraulics.com Fluid Power Inc..................................................................................31.............................................................................. 215-643-0350...................................................................................... fluidpowerinc.com FluiDyne Fluid Power................................................................17, 31, OBC...................................................................... 586-296-7200.............................................................................................fluidynefp.com Hunger Hydraulics............................................................................13............................................................................ 1-800-248-9232.............................................................................hunger-hydraulics.com Inserta Products.............................................................................18, 30......................................................................... 1-215-643-0192................................................................................................ inserta.com J/T Hydraulics & Service Co............................................................17............................................................................ 1-800-591-8280........................................................................................ jthydraulics.com La-Man Corp......................................................................................27............................................................................ 1-800-348-2463................................................................................................. laman.com Main Mfg Products....................................................................19, 31, IBC..................................................................... 1-800-521-7918............................................................................................ mainmfg.com MOCAP Inc......................................................................................3, 17.......................................................................... 1-800-633-6885................................................................................................mocap.com PMC America & Europe................................................................13, 19......................................................................... 1-213-221-4556..............................................................................................pmcane.com Super Swivels....................................................................................12.............................................................................. 763-784-5531....................................................................................... superswivels.com Ultra Clean Technologies.............................................................IFC, 18........................................................................ 1-800-791-9111................................................................................... ultracleantech.com Wilkes & McLean Ltd......................................................................3, 19............................................................................ 877-534-6445............................................................................... wilkesandmclean.com Yates Cylinders, Inc.........................................................................1, 18............................................................................ 586-778-7680............................................................................................... yatesind.com WWW.IFPS.ORG

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January 2024

| 31

SPECIAL AD SECTION

COMPONENT SHOWCASE

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» Hyper-target your audience where they are engaging the most. » Connect with an audience that has expressed brand interest. » See improved ROI.

» Higher guaranteed click-through » Additional traffic to your website » Increased conversion rates » Improved analytics

3245 Freemansburg Ave, Palmer PA 18045 | Phone: 800.730.5904, 610.923.0380 | Fax: 610.923.0390 | www.fluidpowerjournal.com

32 | January 2024

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TARGETED DISPLAY ADVERTISING AKA “PROGRAMMATICS”

THESE DIGITAL ADS help you reach your customers and while increasing your audience reach across all devices. If they’ve been to your website, searched for your products and services, or they’re reading content relevant to what you offer, we’ll help get your message in front of them today!

REACH THE RIGHT CUSTOMERS WITH GEO-TARGETING

» ALL CAMPAIGNS ARE geo-tar-

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PROUDLY SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 65 YEARS

HYDRAULIC FLANGES AND COMPONENTS HYDRAULIC FLANGES ANDAND COMPONENTS COMPONENTS "Serving Industry for 57 years"

* SAE 4-BOLT

* ISO, JIS, DIN

* ISO, JIS, DIN * METRIC * SAE J518 Code 61& 62* FLANGE ADAPTERS PORTS * Metric Ports * Flange Adapters * STAINLESS * SPECIALS * Specials Quick * Stainless MAIN’s ADVANTAGES

Request MAIN’s NEW Catalog

* Dependable — 57 years of hydraulic experience MAIN’S ADVANTAGES * Informed — MAIN’s engineers are active on the experience DEPENDABLE - 65 years of hydraulic

SAE, NFPA, and ISO tech committees INFORMED - Main’s engineers are active on the SAE, NFPA, * Quick — Thousand of Styles and Types STOCKED and ISO tech committees 3245 Freemansburg Ave, Palmer PA 18045 Phone: 800.730.5904 | 610.923.0380 Fax: 610.923.0390 www.fluidpowerjournal.com

QUICK - Thousands of Styles and Flange Types STOCKED Request MAIN's catalog

A US Manufacturer

MAIN

manufacturing products, inc

www.MAINmfg.com/fpj Grand Blanc, MI 48439 A U.S. PH: 800-521-7918 800.521.7918 info@MAINmfg.com MANUFACTURER info@MAINmfg.com www.MAINmfg.com/fpj Grand Blanc, MI 48439