Sandwich Fair 2018 brought together engineers, buyers, and industry leaders to showcase the latest in fabrication, automation, and material handling solutions. The event highlighted how modular systems and improved tooling helped teams boost productivity and maintain tighter tolerances.
Organized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, this annual exhibition emphasized practical innovation for mechanical power transmission and fluid power professionals. Attendees explored integrated components designed for efficient motion and precise control in demanding applications.
| Event Name | Dates | Location | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Fair 2018 | October 23–24 | Doubletree by Hilton Hadley, Amherst, MA | Pneumatic and hydraulic components, motion control, automation integration |
| Exhibitor Count | 110+ | Attendees | 1,800+ |
| Key Product Categories | Actuators, valves, filters, regulators | Industry Sectors | Packaging, material handling, medical devices, test stands |
| Education Hours | Technical seminars | cont. | 20+ sessions on design and troubleshooting |
| New for 2018 | Integrated controller demos | Live Testing Area | On-site performance validation |
Integrated Actuation Solutions
Integrated actuation solutions were a central theme at Sandwich Fair 2018, highlighting compact assemblies that combine cylinders, valves, and manifolds. These designs reduce footprint while simplifying installation and maintenance routines for automated cells.
Manufacturers showcased rodless cylinders and cable-guided systems that enable longer strokes without increasing installation length. Participants noted improved load stability and reduced mechanical complexity in applications requiring multi-axis motion.
Fluid Power and Control Innovation
Valves and Directional Control
Advanced directional valves with improved sealing reduced internal leakage and energy loss across packaging lines. Vendors highlighted electronics integration that enables precise timing and soft starting to protect delicate products.
Regulators and Filtration
High-efficiency regulators and filtration units helped facilities maintain consistent pressure downstream despite upstream fluctuations. Clean, dry air was emphasized as critical for extending actuator life and minimizing unplanned downtime.
Design and Specification Best Practices
Engineers attending Sandwich Fair 2018 left with clearer guidance on matching actuator force, speed, and mounting options to process requirements. Specification templates and selection software were distributed to streamline component sourcing and avoid common sizing errors.
Presenters underscored the importance of documenting environmental conditions, cycle rates, and safety margins when defining system parameters. Proper specification practices translate directly into lower maintenance costs and higher mean time between failures.
Industry Applications and Case Studies
Real-world case studies presented at the fair demonstrated how optimized fluid power circuits improved throughput in forming, trimming, and sorting operations. Teams reported shorter changeover times and more consistent output after retrofitting legacy equipment with modern control valves.
In medical device assembly, precise pressure regulation and clean air delivery met stringent contamination control standards. Food and beverage segments benefited from modular designs that simplified cleaning and met regulatory documentation requirements.
Planning and Implementation Roadmap
- Audit existing motion and power transmission equipment for wear and efficiency gaps.
- Define performance targets such as cycle time, repeatability, and energy consumption.
- Select components based on application specs, environmental conditions, and maintenance resources.
- Validate integration with control platforms and verify compliance with industry standards.
- Schedule training for maintenance staff on proper installation and troubleshooting procedures.
- Monitor key indicators after deployment and adjust settings to optimize reliability and throughput.
FAQ
Reader questions
What maintenance practices were recommended for pneumatic actuators at Sandwich Fair 2018?
Regular lubrication per manufacturer intervals, inspecting seals for wear, and maintaining filtered, dry compressed air were highlighted as essential practices to extend service life.
How did integrated controller demos change the approach to system design?
Integrated controllers allowed designers to consolidate wiring, reduce panel space, and configure motion profiles digitally, enabling faster commissioning and easier updates.
Which industry sectors benefited most from the new motion control components showcased?
Packaging, material handling, medical devices, and test and measurement applications saw the strongest benefits from improved component integration and control precision.
What criteria were used to evaluate new products at the technical seminars?
Seminars emphasized performance metrics, energy efficiency, compatibility with existing platforms, and documentation quality to help engineers make informed purchasing decisions.