A rodless cylinder technology that allows linear pneumatic systems to travel around corners should increase the flexibility and application of automation systems.

The Series MF32 3D pneumatic transfer system from SMC has previously been seen in the UK in prototype form and will make its commercial debut at Ifpex. Its ability to travel 'round the bend' makes much better use of space, allows the installer more installation options due to the different geometries available and as acts as a single solution to three dimensional motion.

The rail on which everything travels exhibits numerous types of mounting options to enable retrofitting into existing facilities. A variety of forms are available, allowing the rail structures to take on multiple shapes. Rail sections available include straights, 45°, 90° and 180° turns. Three types of curve directions are available, including: an inside curve, where the carriage follows the inner radius of the bend; an outside curve, where the carriage follows the outer radius; and curves in the lateral direction, taking the rail to either side of its current direction.

Connected to the rail by a specially designed floating mechanism is the cylinder tube. The floating design enables the tube to take up any extraneous motion exhibited by going around a bend – which prevents the carriage from snagging. Enveloping both tube and the top half of the rail is the carriage itself. It contains magnets that wrap around the outer circumference of the tube, allowing the motion power transfer. The carriage is also connected to the rail by means of a special roller guide.

The roller guide comprises a V roller bearing within the carriage, which rides on orbit wire rails (made from hardened steel wire) incorporated into the main aluminium rail body. These rails stop short of the end of the main rail and the gap, which spans the joints in the main rails. They are filled by smaller sections of orbit wire, allowing smooth transitions over the major joints.

The carriages can carry a variety of different pieces of equipment which have to be activated by springs, as well as an air supply, due the travelling nature of the carriage (they cannot take their air supply with them). SMC has addressed this situation by incorporating air 'spears' into the end units of the rails. As a carriage mates with the end unit the air spears line up with a supply hole and feed a compressed supply to whatever is situated on the carriage.

Because there are two end units (one at each end) this supply needs to have the ability be fed into each side of the carriage. In a normal valve arrangement, any air supplied at one side would simply vent to atmosphere through the hole on the other. In this system, a spool/OR logic valve seals the opposing entry point and only pipes the supply to the equipment.