The new Impact Blow Gun (IBG) from SMC is the most energy efficient on the market, using up to 87% less air than any other standard blowing gun. SMC is set to ‘clean up’ the blow gun market thanks to the launch of its IBG, which blows with a much shorter and stronger air pulse than existing commercial blow guns. Production in process industries with particle generation or refrigerated processes, and where noise is not an issue, such as forestry, machining and heavy industry, is optimised thanks to IBG’s performance, which is as much as 97% quicker to use than the competition. Significant energy savings are also achieved due to the small amount of air required to create a fast and stable, high pressure air blow, that will effectively clean away metal chips, dirt and water droplets. Also thanks to its built-in air tank, the IBG achieves a peak pressure that is three times greater than SMC’s previous VMG.     A spokesperson from SMC said: “We are always seeking ways to help our customers achieve greater productivity and energy efficiencies and the IBG is a fine example of our design innovation. The dirt particles generated by many industrial processes affect machinery performance and impacts productivity as stoppages are needed to clean affected components. For our customers this is a huge, time consuming and costly process. Our IBG resolves these problems by significantly reducing cleaning operation time and speeding up production.” The IBG offers flexibility as its peak pressure can be regulated with five different levels available, to meet the needs of various processes within a plant. For more information about the IBG, please visit SMC’s New Product Section at www.smc.eu

Static electricity is an invisible but costly problem for manufacturers that can cause both production issues and lower quality products. This issue can only get worse as winter sets in and temperatures plummet, warns SMC. However, the company is offering customers a cure for the winter blues with a series of ionizers to neutralise the build-up of static.   Cold air holds less water vapour, which means the atmosphere is less conductive and encourages static electrical conditions.  In response, SMC has developed a full suite of ionizers that not only offer antistatic solutions, but are also suitable for dust removal and dust collection leading to reduced production costs, improved performance, increased efficiency and improved safety.  A spokesperson from SMC said: “Poor static control is still an issue for many operators who lose out financially due to high levels of rejection rates, poor product quality and unreliable processes.  Cooler winter conditions can make this problem worse, and we’d encourage customers to take preventative action now. “Our ionizers offer simple solutions that deliver effective static control for numerous applications.  “Thanks to SMC’s global reach, our clients benefit from complete and specialist solutions, so they can concentrate on more pressing production needs.”  SMC’s antistatic products include the bar type IZS that remove electrostatic from both flat and remote surfaces.  Available in three different models, the IZS40 is very simple to use with an ON/OFF only power function.  The IZS41 has a feedback sensor that features both an energy saving and continuous neutralisation run mode.  The Dual AC type IZS42, has reduced potential amplitude of 25 V or less.  It’s easy to adjust and reduces maintenance time thanks to an auto balance sensor that is built-in as standard.  For those seeking a handheld fan type ionizer, the IZF is designed to operate without the need for compressed air supply. The IZF21/31 has an ion balance of ±5 V and an optional adjustable louver to change the static neutralisation area.  It’s highly functional, with the option for automatic cleaning and flow rate adjustment.  A filter can be added to prevent foreign matter from entering the motor that helps avoid a short-circuit occurring between emitters.  A quiet alternative is the IZF10, which includes a low noise model of just 48 dB(A) and an electrode needle contamination detector. Operators working in confined spaces or on small pieces can opt for the IZN nozzle type that removes both electrostatic and dust.  There are various nozzles to choose from for different applications, ranging from standard to high flow. Finally, SMC also offers a fully integrated solution that allows operators to box up their dust and static issues.  The ZVB Box manages static neutralisation, dust removal and dust collection in a single box by using nozzle type ionizers.  Other outstanding features include emitters that are easy to remove, replace and clean and an optional photoelectric sensor reflecting plate for automatic workpiece detection. SMC is the world leading expert in pneumatics and offers over 12,000 basic products with over 700,000 variations. The company has a diverse customer base covering all automation industries. For more information, please visit www.smc.eu

General industrial equipment designers, manufacturers and maintainers can now benefit from the new SMC ZKJ vacuum manifold with PROFINET-enabled communication for remotely controlling and monitoring manufacturing processes. The ZKJ also offers impressive suction flow rate taking its low air consumption and low power consumption specifications into account. Other features include valve protection functionality, IP65 rating and the ability to control up to 16 ejectors with a single manifold. PROFINET communication allows remote vacuum pressure operation, including monitoring the pressure values of individual ejectors and setting suction verification and the energy-saving function. This enhanced functionality leads to better control of the application, makes set-up easy and provides access to more valuable data and on-board product diagnostics. PROFINET's fast start-up function also makes it possible for an IO device to go from power on to cyclic data exchange in 0.5 seconds or less. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is also boosted as disconnections and recovery times are minimised. Up to 90% less air consumption SMC's ZKJ series vacuum manifold with ejector system reduces air consumption by up to 90% thanks to its energy-saving function. For the adsorption of work pieces with minimal vacuum leakage, the built-in check valve maintains vacuum pressure, significantly reducing the use of compressed air. Here, the integral pressure sensor monitors vacuum pressure and automatically turns off the supply valve upon reaching the set value. If there are leaks, when vacuum pressure falls to the set value, the supply valve re-activates to increase vacuum pressure and maintain the adsorption state. For porous work pieces or other applications where leakage is significant, the valve that controls the ejector from burn-out/breakage is protected by a special valve protection function that switches off the energy-saving control after a pre-set number of activations. As a high-performance vacuum source, ZKJ is a complete product that offers all necessary functions to fulfil the requirements of virtually every customer application, including vacuum transfer systems, automatic assembly machines, packing/unpacking systems, panel conveyors and palletising equipment. Alongside fieldbus communications and energy efficiency, SMC's latest vacuum manifold is highly versatile and saves space with its ability to control up to 16 ejectors from a single device. In addition, the wiring and pipes are integrated on the same side and the use of M12 wiring connectors means that the ZKJ is rated with IP65 protection against dust and water splashes, making it suitable for applications in which environmental operating conditions are a concern. Good vacuum pressure; low noise Available in various nozzle diameters and suction flow rates for use in sectors such as automotive, machine tool, food, beverage, medical, pharmaceutical and packaging, the ZKJ offers good maximum vacuum pressure (-89 kPa) and low noise levels (down to 52 dB) thanks to its high-performance silencer. Importantly, the normally-open supply valve ensures the work piece remains in vacuum in the event of an emergency stop or power failure (assuming air pressure continues), avoiding damage to equipment or employees if it were to drop. Quick and easy maintenance is another advantage, as the position of the ZKJ's vacuum port above the exhaust port makes it easy to replace the filter element, thereby saving on labour costs.

The MACM is a new centring unit from SMC that helps to align and position heavy workpieces on the move, so manufacturers can install and operate more compact conveyor lines. Manufacturers seeking solutions to help save space and energy need look no further than SMC’s latest centring unit. The MACM helps to align and position workpieces up to 1,000 kg on conveyor lines, so smaller cylinders can be used. Further advantages of the MACM are achieved by its flexibility, as it can move in any direction and rotate transferrable workpieces 360°, while maintaining ±1 or less centring accuracy. A spokesperson from SMC, the world’s leading expert in pneumatics, said: “Space and energy usage are key challenges for manufacturers and the MACM has been designed to help our customers achieve savings in these areas and operate more compact and efficient conveyor lines.” Other features of the MACM include a built-in air locking mechanism and the option of mounting an external photo sensor to offer greater control during the process. Further usage benefits are achieved with the choice of three table materials and a table centre movable range up to Ø100 mm, which makes the MACM ideal for general automation and material handling plants.

Pneumatic cylinders: drive energy efficiency by switching to 4 bar operating pressure. Climate change, sustainability and energy efficiency have never been so high on the political agenda. The UN’s recent Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK brought the world’s political leaders, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), businesses and scientists together with the aim of accelerating action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The question for those of us at the industrial machinery level, is how can we contribute? Today, I see a new generation of engineers keen on influencing the industrial world in a positive way, creating machines that attain new levels of energy efficiency to help protect the Earth for future generations.   By Séamus Dunne, Actuator Section Technical Manager, SMC European Technical Centre JANUARY 2022 By designing industrial machinery and systems for an operating pressure of 4 bar, rather than 7 bar, end users can cut their energy consumption by up to 29%. With such an enormous environmental benefit on offer, the question is how to turn this idea into reality? SMC’s Industry Projects Manager for Europe, Andy Still, has extensive experience in this area. Check out his article on energy efficiency: ‘Release the pressure’. Here at SMC, thinking about our energy-saving products, we offer both ISO and non-ISO cylinders; each has its own attributes and advantages. ISO cylinders prove beneficial in a variety of different applications which, in addition to their consistency in dimensions (regardless of pneumatic supplier), is why they remain popular for industrial machinery projects around the world. However, if you really want to push energy efficiency to new levels, I’d suggest that non-ISO solutions are the product of choice. Our engineers in Japan are always looking to design more efficient alternatives in order to drive down energy consumption and help OEMs create more sustainable solutions. We believe that more compact and lighter is the way forward for those seeking ultra-efficient solutions. Less material means lighter machines and lower shipping costs. Smaller products ultimately lead to smaller machine footprints. More machine lines can be installed into factories increasing productivity. And, although I can’t state that lighter and smaller always translates into less air consumption, fitting such components to moving parts of the machine can translate into less energy consumption. To give you an idea of the difference between ISO and non-ISO, here’s one example: compared with the SMC C96-C ISO cylinder (50 mm bore, 100 mm stroke), the length of our new JMB series demonstrates an 18% length reduction, while width is 9% less and weight is 39% lighter. Notably, it is possible to deliver air consumption savings through the use of intermediate bore sizes. For instance, to move a workpiece with a weight of 37 kg, a cylinder with a bore diameter of 43 mm or more is required (if operating at 5 bar pressure). Previously, a conventional 50 mm diameter bore would have been the closest option since the next smallest size, 40 mm, has insufficient output. However, with the newly released JMB cylinder in 45 mm diameter bore, sufficient output is available while also saving air due to a 0.4 L (ANR) reduction in air consumption compared with the 50 mm variant. SMC´s JMB Series – Offers intermediate bores Customers frequently tell me they want more compact cylinders that still offer optimal performance while also reducing energy requirements. Unfortunately, achieving these optimisations and the high levels of energy consumption savings that the climate crisis demands, is extremely difficult within the constraints of ISO 15552. Although we of course continue supporting customers with an extensive range of ISO cylinders and options, we’re advancing the development of other cylinder ranges - such as our JMB series - to satisfy market demand for more compact and energy-efficient products. We are at a time of critical decision-making for the entire planet. Let’s make the right choices. Additional graphical data Air consumption can be reduced by optimal size selection EXAMPLE In order to move a workpiece with a weight of 37 kg, a bore size of Ø 43 or more is required. Previously, a Ø 50 bore size would have been the closest option since the next smallest size, the Ø 40, has insufficient output. However, with the newly released bore size of Ø 45, sufficient output can be obtained while also saving air due to a 0.4 L (ANR) reduction in air consumption compared with the Ø 50.   ∗ Conditions/Supply pressure: 0.5 MPa, Load factor: 50 % Current bore size output NOTE 1 - Supply pressure: 0.5 MPa, Load factor: 50 % When the intermediary bore size of Ø 45 is used NOTE 1 - Supply pressure: 0.5 MPa, Load factor: 50 % AIR CONSUMPTION - Ø 50: 2.2 L (ANR) − Ø 45: 1.8 L (ANR) = 0.4 L (ANR) 18 % reduction Air cylinder and ISO 15552 Cylinder dimension & weight comparison Compared at ø63-200 mm stroke  For CO2 emissions reductions of our ISO cylinders versus their Non ISO alternatives, please check the Sustainable Management of CO2 catalogue here.

VXB Series, angle seat valve for air, steam and heated water that delivers an extended operating life, low leakage levels and a compact design, now providing an easy visual check too. SMC, the worldwide leading expert in pneumatics, has enhanced the design of its VXB Series angle seat valve, with a status indicator that provides visual confirmation of the valve open / closed status. A spokesperson from SMC said: “We detected the market was demanding this upgrade to reduce troublesome and costly production downtimes due to valve failure. The integration of the indicator facilitates fault diagnosis, giving our customers the opportunity to react in time.” VXB Series can deliver up to 5 million air and 3 million steam cycles. It also has a special FKM rubber seal that minimises internal air leakages to just 10 cm³/min or less. With a compact design of just 100 mm height in the 3/8 valve, the VXB is the ideal solution for applications including temperature control, hot water systems, industrial washing machines, sterilising and cleaning equipment. Further design features help users keep costs to a minimum by extending the lifespan and efficiency of the valve through a double protective construction. Foreign particles are prevented from interfering with the VXB’s performance thanks to a protective seal and a resin scraper. Available in three port sizes, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4, the VXB can be ordered in bronze or stainless steel (316L equivalent) with a pilot port location that can be placed in three of its four sides.

SMC has extended its multi-axes control step motor controller range, with the launch of the JXC92. This new unit can control up to three electric actuators simultaneously, creating a range of savings and simplifying the process in terms of equipment, wiring, space and programming. SMC has stepped up interpolation performance and speed tuning control credentials for its leading range of LE electric actuators with the launch of its JXC92. This multi-axes control delivers programming and equipment savings as it can manage three actuators from the one device, instead of having to use a trio of controllers to perform the same task. It complements SMC’s JXC*3, which controls four axes at once, and shares its EtherNet/IP™ compatibility, making them both valid solutions for industrial environments. A spokesperson from SMC, the world’s leading expert in pneumatics, said: “Our customers are looking for solutions that make processes simpler and save time, space and overall costs. The JXC92 is a direct response to this need and is an excellent addition to our multi-axes control range.” Not only is the JXC92 highly flexible, but it also saves valuable space as less wiring is required and the controller is smaller in size when compared to using three individual units. Valuable time is also saved when it comes to programming the motor controller and it’s also quicker for operators to connect and disconnect the PC cables, as they can set up to three axes at any one time, with just one step connection. Overall the JXC92 provides a complete solution in one, with the ability to make linear (3 axes) and circular (2 axes) interpolation, and is capable of positioning and pushing operations, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

The monitoring of multiple lines within a plant has become easier thanks to SMC’s new PSE200A 3-screen display, multi-channel digital sensor monitor. SMC’s latest addition to its Sensor and Switches range centralises the monitoring of various sensors using an IO-Link compatible 3-screen monitor.   Any sensor that consumes less than 50 mA and an output of 1-5 VDC can be connected to the PSE200A, offering an all in one solution for monitoring every aspect of line production from pressure to flow and electrostatics to temperature. It has four channels, so up to four sensors can be connected at the same time, significantly downsizing the space required for installation.   A spokesperson from SMC said: “The PSE200A series meets the needs of our customers as it saves costs, improves overall process efficiencies and machine availability due to being IO-Link compatible.  It can be used as a hub between the IO-Link master and sensors, converting analogue data to a digital format which increases data availability that can be accessed remotely any time, any place. “It can also detect the pressure differential between two points, so the ‘clogging’ status of filters on two different lines can be monitored remotely at the same time, allowing for smart FRL and preventative maintenance, which is an important requirement for our customers.” Additional design benefits of the PSE200A include being able to change the field settings while checking the measured values, where up to three sensors can be shown simultaneously thanks to a 3-screen display.  Furthermore, it features a user friendly, quick 3-step setting with snapshot function. For more information about the PSE200A, please visit SMC’s New Product Section at www.smc.eu

SMC is building on the success of its ZSE20(F)/ISE20 pressure switch range that features 3-screen display, 3-step setting mode and selectable delay time function, with the ZSE20(F)#/ISE20# (A, B and C). The extended series will help operators deliver efficiencies in terms of control and time saving. Now including IO-Link connection. SMC is kickstarting 2018 by extending its ZSE20(F)/ISE20 digital switch range. The A, B and C variations share the original ZSE20(F)/ISE20's display, setting, selectable delay time, as well as the lightweight and compact design. All models simplify the visualisation process for operators, while saving time as there are fewer push button operations to perform. The added variations also match the terms of enclosure, output type and media of the current series: A Model-> Current ZSE30(F)/ISE30A-> IP40, NPN/PNP and Analogue output B Model-> Current ZSE40(F)/ISE40A-> IP65, NPN/PNP, IO-Link and Analogue output C Model-> Current ZSE80(F)/ISE80-> IP65, NPN/PNP and Analogue output, for fluids.   A spokesperson from SMC, said: "Following the success of our ZSE20(F)/ISE20 pressure switch last year, we have taken the step to extend the range with these latest models. Customers have been particularly impressed with the functionality of design, its ease of use and accuracy of information that is readily available with minimal delay. They have found it both energy efficient and cost effective to operate." Further flexibility and advantages of the ZSE20(F)#/ISE20# include the peak and bottom values are maintained, even if the power supply is cut, offering greater control in the process. Also, being compact and lightweight, the models not only deliver space savings, but due to the weight reduction there are less inert moments when the sensor is mounted in mobile applications such as robotic arms. For more information about the Z/ISE20 range, please visit SMC's New Product Section at www.smc.eu

SMC is building on the success of its ZSE20(F)/ISE20 pressure switch range that features 3-screen display, 3-step setting mode and selectable delay time function, with the ZSE20(F)#/ISE20# (A, B and C). The extended series will help operators deliver efficiencies in terms of control and time saving. SMC is kickstarting 2018 by extending its ZSE20(F)/ISE20 digital switch range. The A, B and C variations share the original ZSE20(F)/ISE20’s display, setting, selectable delay time, as well as the lightweight and compact design. All models simplify the visualisation process for operators, while saving time as there are fewer push button operations to perform. The added variations also match the terms of enclosure, output type and media of the current series:  · A Model-> Current ZSE30(F)/ISE30A-> IP40, NPN/PNP and Analogue output  · B Model-> Current ZSE40(F)/ISE40A-> IP65, NPN/PNP and Analogue output  · C Model-> Current ZSE80(F)/ISE80-> IP65, NPN/PNP and Analogue output, for fluids. A spokesperson from SMC, the world’s leading expert in pneumatics, said: “Following the success of our ZSE20(F)/ISE20 pressure switch last year, we have taken the step to extend the range with these latest models. Customers have been particularly impressed with the functionality of design, its ease of use and accuracy of information that is readily available with minimal delay. They have found it both energy efficient and cost effective to operate.” Further flexibility and advantages of the ZSE20(F)#/ISE20# include the peak and bottom values are maintained, even if the power supply is cut, offering greater control in the process. Also, being compact and lightweight, the models not only deliver space savings, but due to the weight reduction there are less inert moments when the sensor is mounted in mobile applications such as robotic arms.