Pneumatic and hydraulic solutions
First Quarter 2020
Editor's Choice
Pneumatic systems & components
Berntel is expanding its footprint by offering its extensive range of pneumatic products through the Bearings International (BI) branch network. Acquired in 2014 as a complementary company to pneumatic and hydraulic automation solutions provider Ernest Lowe, Berntel expands the Hudaco Group’s industrial offering in pneumatic, hydraulic, vacuum, process and automation solutions. It also manufactures its own pneumatic cylinders, as well as designing, building, and commissioning control systems, including PLC programming.
In addition, Berntel represents a range of well-known brands, such as JELPC, JORC Industrial (condensate drain management), VMECA (water-free units), Belef (actuation), Ober (air tools, air motors, and automation), Piab (vacuum technology), and BOGE (compressors and dryers). Target markets are food and beverage, automotive, general industry, sugar, pulp and paper, OEMs, machine builders, and agriculture.
Looking to 2020 GM, Neil Champion reveals that Berntel will introduce its latest Ober agency, an Italian designer and manufacturer of portable pneumatic tools, motors, automated machinery, and systems for drilling, tapping, threading and screwing, including power screwdrivers with electronic torque control. Another new agency is BOGE, a German producer of compressors for over 110 years. The Piab agency has also extended Berntel’s offering into smart vacuum solutions. BI’s smart solutions range from the efficient generation of clean, dry compressed air to condensate drain management, pneumatic, vacuum, process, and industrial components, and designing and programming control systems with PLC integration. Being part of the broader Hudaco Group allows BI to leverage synergies across a broad range of companies, meaning it can offer a complete product basket through its extensive branch network countrywide.
Further reading:
Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts
Artic Driers International
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
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Process control system for the entire plant lifecycle
Siemens South Africa
Editor's Choice
The automation of process plants has been characterised by IT silos for a long time. The high level of IT security required was achieved through strict isolation from the outside world. However, this made unlocking the opportunities for digitalisation very difficult. This is a compelling reason to opt for Simatic PCS neo – Siemens’s completely web-based process control system with state-of-the-art IT security concepts.
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Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy
Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice News & events
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.
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Monitoring the health of systems
SA Gauge
Editor's Choice Shaft power components
Pressure and temperature gauges are vital instruments in various industries. However, they are susceptible to failures that can compromise their accuracy and reliability. When these gauges fail, the consequences can be severe.
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PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
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Axiom reaches new heights
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Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
When Rula Bulk Handling could not source a cable tensioner large enough for a new cableway, the engineers knew they had to come up with an inventive solution. After discovering that no such tensioner was immediately available, Rula approached Axiom Hydraulics and ifm to assist with building their own.
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At least 60 million strokes
Horne Technologies
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Designing and constructing compact automation systems is one of the core activities of the Austrian machine manufacturer, STIWA. Its modular LTM-CI system has been optimised for small parts assembly. Linear and rotating micromotors from Faulhaber perform key tasks in these systems.
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Pushing technological boundaries with Festo Electric Automation solutions
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Editor's Choice
In the ever-evolving landscape of Industrial Automation, Festo Electric Automation solutions are at the forefront of a revolution, fundamentally reshaping production paradigms. As a global leader in automation, Festo focuses on intelligent connectivity to reduce costs, save time, and increase efficiency and convenience for customers.
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Perfect balance for every race
Horne Technologies
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
It goes without saying that success in Formula 1 requires a top driver. However, their chance of achieving a place on the podium depends on the car, which in turn depends on three essential factors: engine, tyres and aerodynamics. To find the optimum balance, the racing teams test models of their bolides in the wind tunnel. At Sauber, the adjustable components are moved on the model and in the test chamber using FAULHABER motors.
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MeerKAT radio telescope array
Editor's Choice News & events
Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice, Zutari is continuing its involvement with the world-leading MeerKAT radio telescope array, where it has played a leading role since the project first broke ground.
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