New developments in pneumatic guided drives

Pneumatic guided drives and slides are work horses of industrial automation. They provide greater stability and precision where a standard drive might not, which is critical in many pick-and-place functions. A well-proven concept, these devices are adaptable to a growing range of applications where the particular benefits of adding guidance result in superior performance. It is therefore not surprising that the market for guided drives and slides is growing as more engineers become aware that it is easier and more convenient to buy a single product which combines the benefits of linear movement and guiding than buying both functions separately.

In an increasingly automated world, the ability to deliver greater functionality in the same, or smaller, space is a continuing challenge. For example, in electronics assembly, medical and laboratory automation, testing and analytical applications, compactness is key. The market for handheld electronic devices and growing demand for desktop laboratory automation are just two examples which are driving customers’ demands for smaller and lighter pneumatic solutions in their assembly and testing processes. 

Read the full article in the December issue of DPA.