Pneumatic Tubing

Most Popular Pneumatic Tubing Products

We've put together a NEW quick reference guide of some of our most frequently ordered tubing. Download the new flyer here.

Happy Holidays from FPE Automation

Wishing you the happiest of holidays - from all of us at FPE Automation to our valued clients and colleagues, it has been a pleasure working with each and every one of you this year. Here's to 2017!!!

Special Promo Pricing on Cables, Industrial Network Connectors and Relays from Lutze

FPE Automation offers you savings
on essential components
for machine control systems. 

FPE Automation has teamed up with Lutze Systematic Technology to offer you special promotional pricing for 2017 on some of their most popular products.  

Download the PDF version of the 2017 Lutze
Promotional Pricing flyer from FPE Automation

RJ45 & USB 3.0 superspeed panel Pass-through industrial network connectors.

LCIS-LUTZE compact interface electromechanical and solid state relays.

LUTZE Silflex® flexible control cable with TC-ER approval, shielded and unshielded. 

In addition to these products,LUTZE specializes in flexible and high flexing industrial control and power cables and system-specific servo cable assemblies. FPE Automation offers the complete line of Lutze products. Need something different from what you see here? Contact us for a quote. 




 
 





 
 

Mini-A 7/8" Cables by Murrelektronik for Power and Control Circuit Connections

NEW! MINI 7/8" Cables by Murrelektronik

Murrelektronik's new Mini-A (7/8") cables are the perfect solution for power and control circuit connections.  Cable assemblies are c(UL)us Listed.  Available in 3, 4 or 5-pole and all configurations of head types.  The cable range includes a Tray Cable-Exposed Run TPE with FT4 flame rating, a PVC STOOW, and a Halogen Free PUR, all in 16AWG with 600V rating.

To learn more, click here to download Murrelektronik's Mini Cable Compact flyer, or contact FPE Automation. 

New Stepper Motors from JVL

Next Generation NEMA23 integrated Stepper Motors from JVL

JVL, one of the world’s leading producers in the field of integrated servo and stepper motors, just released a new generation of their popular NEMA23 integrated stepper motors. JVL's NEMA23 integrated stepper motors have been around for many years and are a standard in many industries.  

You asked, and JVL listened. The new motor family is based on the newest technology and the advancement of the previous designs. A large part of the new, state-of-the-art redesign is based upon your feedback. The new line of products offers the widest range of options in the market and will fit your application.

Key features:

• Very high motor torque +40%
• Industrial Ethernets - 6 protocols
• Closed-loop operation
• Torque control
• Absolute multiturn encoder
• Safe Torque Off (STO) input
• High resolution 409600 cnt/rev.
• Double shaft
• Speed 0-3000 in 0.01RPM steps
• Electromechanical brake
• Wide supply range 7-72VDC
• Protection class up to IP65
• Connectors: M12 industrial
• Configurable  connectors

The integrated motors in NEMA23 size flange have an RS485, an optional CANopen or an industrial Ethernet interface as well as an easy programmable motion controller. All the necessary electronics in a stepper system are integrated in the motor. JVL used the latest technology to achieve the incredibly high step resolution of 409,600 step / revolution, resulting in unsurpassed smoothness. The motor is silent when it operates.
You can choose between top, or rear-end mounted M12 connectors. The MIS23 motors come in three different sizes and two different motor types; three with standard high torque stepper motors and two versions with ultra high torque stepper motors with 40% higher motor torque.

STANDARD TORQUE

• MIS231 with 1,1 Nm, length 102 mm
• MIS232 with 1,6 Nm, length 122 mm
• MIS234 with 2,5 Nm, length 170 mm

ULTRA HIGH TORQUE WITH MAGNET IN ROTOR

• MIS231 with 1,6 Nm, length 102 mm
• MS232 with 2,5 Nm, length 122 mm

The motors can be operated as standalone units or controlled from a PLC or PC. The 8 I/Os can be individually configured as digital input, digital output or analog input. As standard, it is possible to communicate with holistic systems via for example Modbus RTU or CANopen. The MAC motor standard protocol that is also supported makes it possible to connect up to 254 other JVL integrated motors. The MIS23 series allows connectivity to all industrial Ethernet interfaces such as Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and SERCOS III.

• The most variable motor on the market using the newest and best technologies
• Extreme resolution up to 409600 steps/rev.
• Speed-precision 0.01 RPM. Acceleration-precision 1 RPM / sec.
• Built-in PLC with8 DIO, 24V or 0-5V (12bit) analog input with advanced filtering RS485 up to 921 kbit and Modbus RTU
• Option: RS422 and RS485 for encoder I / O and connection to external HMI, PLC or Encoder
• Point-to-point or multi-axis operation with up to 254 JVL motors on the same RS485 bus
• CAN Option: CANopen DSP402 and DS301
• Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP or SERCOS III
• Pulse/Direction mode for electronic gear
• Prepared for High speed position capture
• Wide supply range of 7-72 VDC provides high torque at high speeds
• Motor current 0-6 Amp RMS and 8,5 Amp peak
• Dual supply maintains position values etc. in emergency situations
• ActiveX/OCX driver as well as JVL MacTalk Protocol
• Strong graphic programming with + - * / calculations and advanced features
• All connections with M12 connectors in IP67
• Option to double shaft and absolute multi-turn (or single turn) encoder
• Closed-Loop operation

The integrated stepper motors in the MIS series are also available with wireless Bluetooth, ZigBee or WLAN. The same type of stepper motor controller is also available as a separate unit with type no. SMC66.

For more information, contact FPE Automation. 
 

FPE Automation Wins PHD Unlimited Award

We're celebrating at FPE today! PHD, Inc. has announced that we are the winner of the prestigious PHD Unlimited award for custom configurations. 

What that means is that we've worked alongside our customers to develop unique solutions that worked to streamline their operations. It's smarter, often more cost-effective manufacturing, and we're very proud and honored to be at the center of it! 

Here's FPE's Scott Massie accepting the award.

Laser Marking and Collaborative Robots on Tour

Friday evening, October 14, FPE Automation was in Bartlett with our traveling Universal Robot, sporting a Robotiq gripper.



Panasonic was also generous enough to bring along their laser marking equipment. 



Hundreds of people lined up to see the latest industrial products in action during the live demos. It's great to be a part of the amazing technological advances being made in American manufacturing!





#automationrevolution

Swivellink Mounting Systems - Live Online Demo

Swivellink. 

It’s all about positioning.
Design simplicity.

Limitless options.

Quality construction.

There is nothing quite like Swivellink.

Carlo Gavazzi | Cognex | Contrinex | HTM | Leuze | Omron | Panasonic | Piab | Smart Vision Lights


REGISTER:www.fpeautomation.com/swivellink


FPE Automation welcomes guest speaker Chris Ridgway of Swivellink.

Join this online session Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 1:00 pm

What you'll see: a live, hands-on demo of Swivellink's most popular arms and mounts, and what's new. 

What you won't see: Chris Ridgeway's PC desktop!  This isn't a static, canned speech.

Chris will be in his demo shop, assembling mounts, demonstrating how the products work and answering your questions, in person.   

The Swivellink mounting system makes mounting machine vision cameras and lighting simple. The adaptability of the product allows us to mount cameras and lights in areas where a custom bracket would
take hours to manufacture and still not have the same flexibility for positioning. Once the brackets are locked down, they are very rigid and will not drift due to vibration on a machine.” – Brian

“I have used Swivellink for several different applications. It really solves problems, especially if I need to mount something at an odd angle. It is very fast to implement, just select the parts and go, no design required, no taking time to machine something! Cost savings too.” – Steve

“The first time I saw Swivellink on a machine I thought “Wow! That’s just what I’ve been looking for!” Every time I show it to one my customers I get either “Where did you get that?!” or “That’s EXACTLY what I’ve been
looking for!” - Wayne

SIGN UP HERE

Robotiq Grippers and Force Torque Sensors for Universal Robots

This just in: new Robotiq literature.

Robotiq makes innovative grippers and sensors that work with Universal Robots collaborative robots.

Get the lit! Click on the thumbnails to view/download PDF versions of each. 

2-FINGER 85 & 140 ADAPTIVE GRIPPERS	3-FINGER ADAPTIVE GRIPPERS	FORCE TORQUE SENSOR FT300

   

Murr Introduces Emparro: New Single Phase, Switch Mode Power Supplies

Emparro from Murrelektronik 

Murrelektronik presents Emparro, their newest generation of single phase, switch mode power supplies. Murr says, "these units will win you over with their impressive efficiency rating (up to 95%) which keeps power loss to a minimum and lowers energy consumption". 

 

 

To learn more about the Emparro family of power supplies, download the Emparro COMPACT flyer or contact us.

 

FPE Automation: Proud Sponsor of the Sean B 3on3 Tournament

The SeanB 3on3 Basketball Tournament is a community-wide event designed to raise awareness about drug prevention and intervention services within our community. As a result of our event, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Live4Lali organization who work to prevent and raise awareness of substance use among individuals, families and communities, The Stand Strong Coalition, a community-based group dedicated to preventing underage drinking and drug use in our community, and the Stevenson High School Catalyst Club, a "no-use" group dedicated to the prevention of underage drinking and drug use at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. 

The SeanB 3on3 Basketball Tournament was founded in 2015 after the passing of Sean Bardos due to prescription drug overdose on October 31st, 2015. He was 25 years old. Sean’s family and friends wanted to honor him and his passion and commitment to basketball, while also having a meaningful impact on his community and other individuals struggling with addiction. 

Not available on October 9th to come out and shoot hoops? You can still donate to this very worthy cause.






UPDATE 10/10/16:

We are thrilled to hear that the Sean B 3on3 was a huge success!

#fpegivesback

Piab's New Configurable piINLINEplus Ultra-lightweight Vacuum Ejectors

piINLINE®plus for perfect press-shop vacuum

piINLINE®plus is a new configurable platform for decentralized vacuum generation from Piab. These ultra-lightweight vacuum ejectors feature a unique and integrated automatic release mechanism, and come in compact, minimized packages. Tailor-made for automotive press-shop automation, piINLINE®plus offers new technology that will also benefit various other markets and applications. Designed with ports for compressed air and vacuum in-line, supported by quick-fit push-in connectors of varying diameter, they are mounted directly onto the hose, close to the point of suction.

Tailor-made for automotive press-shop automation, piINLINE®plus offers new technology that will also benefit various other markets and applications.  Made in lightweight and extra durable PA66 material, the piINLINE®plus generators utilize Piab's COAX® technology, ensuring low air consumption (typically 25 percent lower than competing technology), excellent suction capacity, and fast evacuation. Generators are supplied with either one or two MICRO COAX® cartridges; two cartridges for larger suction cups in high speed applications, or one cartridge for smaller suction cups or for reduced air consumption when high speed is not essential. ”The generators in the piINLINE®plus family feature a significantly lower weight per unit compared with our competitors' products. The lower weight per unit corresponds to a total weight saving of over 1.1 lbs. in a typical press shop gripper with eight cups. This enables faster press line rates, and will result in less wear on robot arms,” says Josef Karbassi, Vice President of Piab's Automation Division.

The integrated release function is available in two optional designs – the easily controllable Atmospheric Quick Release (AQR), which require no extra compressed air hose, and the very fast performing Exhaust Block Release (EBR).

”Both designs are based on a durable polyurethane membrane which is not sensitive to dust. This ensures highly reliable production systems with improved uptime,” adds Karbassi.

 Contact FPE Automation to get more info.
 

Universal Robots Now Certified for Cleanroom Environments

September 23, 2016, from Universal Robots: Collaborative robots now certified for applications in cleanroom environments.
 

Cleanroom Classification of Universal Robots Collaborative Robots

 

Universal Robots’ lightweight collaborative robot arms can now be implemented in controlled environments: After successful tests in accordance with VDI 2083 Part 9.1, the international industrial guideline concerning the various functions and measures of cleanroom technologies, the robot arms and the accompanying controller boxes made by the Danish pioneer in human-robot collaboration have been awarded the certification for cleanroom applications by the international certification organization TÜV SÜD In compliance with the industrial norm ISO 14644-1, the robots UR3, UR5 and UR10 are now authorized for the global use in cleanroom environments of the cleanroom class ISO 5. The controller box, in turn, has received authorization for cleanroom class ISO 6. The controller box may be upgraded for deployment in cleanrooms requiring the class ISO 5 with a few technical modifications. In the Federal Standard 209E, often referenced in the USA, ISO 5 and ISO 6 are the equivalent of class 100 and class 1000, respectively.

“This certification will pave the way for a great number of new application opportunities for our robots”

“This certification will pave the way for a great number of new application opportunities for our robots”, says Esben H. Østergaard, CTO and co-founder of Universal Robots. “We have taken another important step towards making our affordable and user-friendly collaborative robots accessible for companies of all industries and sizes.” TÜV SÜD’s test seals for Universal Robots’ robotic arms and controller boxes now allow the deployment of UR robots in areas where aspects regarding purity and hygiene – such as particle emission, easy-to-clean surfaces and extreme reliability – are decisive criteria for precise automation processes. “UR robots can now increasingly be deployed in laboratory automation as well as throughout the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. There is also a significant variety of cleanroom applications in the food industry, the production of microchips and semiconductors as well as in the electrical and opto-electronical industries that can now implement our robots”, says Østergaard. Get more info about Universal Robots from FPE Automation.  #automationrevolution

Piab Introduces New Vacuum Generators for Automotive Press Shops

piINLINE®plus and piSTAMP vacuum generators New lightweight decentralized vacuum generators with integrated release functions  Piab is proud to introduce piINLINE®plus and piSTAMP vacuum generators with brand new technology for the market. Presenting ultra-lightweight decentralized vacuum generators with integrated release mechanisms in minimized packages. The decentralized vacuum ejectors are developed for automotive press-shop automation but other industries and applications, where decentralized vacuum is preferred, will also see amazing benefits. The piINLINE®plus is a configurable product family. Among other nice features, it contains a patented feature, it is the first true inline (compressed air – vacuum) ejector with integrated automatic release function. piSTAMP has a generic design to facilitate retrofits of other units in automotive press shops.

piINLINE®plus piSTAMP

piINLINE®plus – a configurable platform

• Inline design with compressed air port(s) and vacuum port in-line, suitable to put directly on the hose close to point of suctions.
• Made of lightweight and extra durable PA66 material (stronger than used in standard piINLINE®).
• Quick fit push-in connectors for compressed air and vacuum. Different diameters available in both metric and imperial dimensions.
• Select from 1 or 2 MICRO Ti05-2 COAX® cartridges with low air consumption, good suction capacity and fast evacuation. Two cartridges are recommended for suction cups ≥Ø35mm[1.38"] in high speed applications. Select 1 cartridge for smaller suction cups or to reduce air consumption by 50% if cycle speed is not critical.
• Integrated release functions. Two options:
  o AQR (Atmospheric Quick-Release) – a membrane opens when compressed air to ejector nozzles is not present allowing a massive amount of air to enter the cup for a quick release, without adding compressed air. It is simple to control and a second compressed air hose is not needed.
  o EBR (Exhaust Block-Release) - a function based on blocking the exhaust air with a membrane controlled by pilot compressed air. Main supply air is forced down to suction cup, giving a very fast release function. For pilot air it is possible to select from different diameters of quick-connectors, push-in style.
• Optional port for sensing the vacuum level, metric or imperial. Will be plugged if not selected.
• Optional suction cup holder with a design suitable for automotive press shop automation tooling systems. Industry standard lock-pin connector or ball-joint connector available to select with left-hand or right-hand orientation of mount. When a suction cup holder is selected, a short piece of vacuum hose will be supplied that will suit the vacuum port of the selected vacuum generator. Different thread style option on holder for cup interface. Male and female G3/8” or imperial 3/8 (NPT).

 

piSTAMP

• Fully decentralized design with compressed air ports (feed and pilot) from the side and vacuum port under (similar to VGS™), Will fit generic suction cup holders found in automotive press shop tooling (ex. Springer, Bilsing etc.).
• Design and mounting interface that has a perfect match to Schmalz SEAC10 unit for press shops.
• Made of lightweight and extra durable PA66 material (stronger than used in standard piINLINE®).
• Quick fit push-in connectors for compressed air. Different diameters available.
• 2 MICRO Ti05-2 COAX® cartridges with low air consumption, good suction capacity and fast evacuation.
• Integrated release function EBR (Exhaust block release) – a function based on blocking the exhaust air with a membrane controlled by pilot compressed air. Main supply air is forced down to suction cup, giving a very fast release function. For pilot air, select from different diameters of quick-connectors, push-in style.
• O-ring sealed vacuum port (non-threaded).
• Mounting screws included.

FPE Automation's Andy Button - Winner MAC Valves Most Dynamic Networker 2016

We're celebrating today!!!

FPE Automation’s St. Louis sales team leader, Andy Button​ was named MAC Valves Most Dynamic Networker at the 2016 MDN international sales meeting.

Every fall, MAC Valves​, a premier American manufacturer of valves in the field of industrial automation, hosts a global distributor meeting at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort Hotel outside Chicago. At the event, recognition is given to top performers. The MAC Valves Most Dynamic Networker is the one of the prestigious of those awards. For his efforts assisting other salespeople and distributors around the world to be successful, Andy Button was given a Rolex watch.

FPE Automation​ would like to join MAC Valves in congratulating Andy. It is the fourth time an individual from FPE has received this honor since MAC Valves began the tradition in 2002. Previous winners from FPE include Dan McCullough, Scott Nielsen and David Bardos.

CONGRATULATIONS, ANDY!

How do you scale from 1 to 10 robots in an efficient way?

Getting Started with Collaborative Robots
Part III: Scaling Your Robotic Capabilities

Once you've set up your first robot, got used to it and realized the benefits of a robotic cell in your shop, what's next? 

An excellent, well-thought-out e-book by Robotiq. Not lengthy, just a good read for anyone who is thinking about using collaborative robots, and a must-read for anyone who has already purchased one.

‘‘We are seeing benefits on our margin. We are running machines now that we weren’t able to run before.’’

The e-book covers several important angles, like ROI and also safety and production bottlenecks.

‘‘When we were told that we were going
to use robots, we were afraid that it
would cost jobs. But it’s been quite the
opposite. At the same time as we get
more and more machines and robots;
we also get even more orders. The
increase in business means that 50 new
employees were hired.’’

This eBook will take you step-by-step to show you how you can use your first robot experience to scale your robotic capabilities. You will learn how to gather the right information and how to implement properly the right robotic application. 

GET THE E-BOOK HERE 

[Later robotic implementations] “took
30%-30% less time than our first
integration.’’

This eBook will take you step-by-step to show you how you can use your first robot experience to scale your robotic capabilities. You will learn how to gather the right information and how to implement properly the right robotic application.

‘‘We’ll definitely install more [robots] in
the future. We want to get rid of all of our
carton machines and only use robots at
each line in order to achieve a much more reliable and flexible production.’’

Protect Your UR Teach Pendant with Pendant Armor®

PENDANT ARMOR® ENERGY-ABSORBING FRAME FOR UNIVERSAL ROBOTS TEACH PENDANT:

Pendant Armor® Bumper for Universal Robot
Teach Pendant. Teach Pendant not included.

Manufactured from Santoprene™ rubber, this one-piece bumper provides excellent protection for the UR teach pendant if accidentally dropped from heights of up to 1.5m.  Santoprene™ is immune to water, most water-based cleaning agents, and features excellent resistance to most industrial lubricants, coolants and cutting fluids.  

The bumper is custom-molded to the teach pendant’s exterior shell, and features a “stretch-to-fit” installation (akin to a cell phone bumper).  No glues or adhesives are required to hold the bumper in place.  Easily installed/removed.  The bumpered pendant hangs from the UR controller with ample clearance to the rear.

Protective ridges are molded around rotary switches and e-stop buttons but do not interfere with their operation.  Access to the USB connection (on the right side of the pendant) is also preserved.  Each bumper is textured to maintain positive grip/feel in wet conditions or in the presence of lubricants/coolants.  The energy-absorbing frame is perforated throughout the grip areas for weight-savings and to reduce surface tension/accumulation of fluids.