SMC "more than pneumatics" at APPEX

SMC will be showcasing its latest technologies at APPEX under the banner of “more than pneumatics” and has hand-picked six product categories for the show.

EXW1 (compact wireless products) was designed in response to the ever-growing need for reliable, wireless communication technologies on the factory floor. The system allows factories to achieve consistent, noise-free communication. Data is encrypted and is quick to connect and modify. This innovative flexibility offers a host of benefits including fewer cables, less maintenance, less breakage and fewer disconnection issues on the factory floor.

The Air Management System (AMS) new-generation AMS20/30/40/60 series was launched in April 2023 and is being rolled out across both Australia and New Zealand. The AMS series is designed to reduce CO₂ emissions and cut energy consumption by as much as 62%. Three key benefits include visualisation, CO₂ emission reductions and scalability.

SMC has noted an uptick in demand for pneumatic cylinders from the red meat processing sector. SMC’s hygienic design cylinder range is water-resistant and compliant with HACCP, PRP and other rigorous standards of the industry, while its stainless steel compact guide cylinder provides a reduced risk of line contamination.

Air preparation is vitally important and remains one of the key pillars to an efficiently run factory. SMC will showcase its range of air-dryers and main line filters. Its range of air preparation products offers air quality meeting class ISO 8573 standard. Supporting a host of benefits to the food and beverage industries, including reduced power consumption, an energy saving design, reduced exhaust heat and tolerance in high-temperature environments.

SMC’s new VBA air saving booster regulator series is designed to increase factory air pressure by four times. The energy-saving design promotes a reduction in air consumption by 30% while increasing airflow by 30%. The range is designed to require no power supply, is easily installed and requires less maintenance.

Filling the technology gap between complex, conventional electric actuators and standard air-operated cylinders is SMC’s range of motorless-type electric actuators. SMC has a range of electric actuator variations for use in transferring, lifting, pushing, gripping and rotating applications, with motor controllers compatible for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet, IO-Link and CC-Link, and with STO sub-function (JXC-F). The new e-Actuator with integrated controller is easy to use and delivers the benefits of being space-saving, wiring-saving and labour-saving.