Automation and Robotics - Fabco-Air
What is Automation and Robotics?
Automation and Robotics involve leveraging technology to automate tasks and processes traditionally performed by people. This integration enhances efficiency ...
Filter regulator combos combine the functions of air filtration and pressure regulation into a single unit, offering a compact and space-saving solution for compressed air systems. These combos feature integrated filters and regulators, allowing users to remove contaminants and control pressure in a streamlined manner. By combining these two functions, filter regulator combos simplify installation, reduce piping, and minimize pressure drop. They provide efficient and reliable air treatment, ensuring clean and regulated air supply to pneumatic equipment and systems. Filter regulator combos are commonly used in applications where space is limited or when a compact air preparation unit is required.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Air Preparation Miscellaneous Products | Lubricators | Air Preparation Repair Kits | Regulators
Two-jaw grippers are the workhorse of robotic and automated part handling. Two parallel or angular fingers close on the part to grip it securely, so they suit picking, placing, machine tending and assembly work.
Two-Jaw Gripper Options
- Parallel grippers – fingers move straight in and out for consistent gripping
- Angular grippers – fingers pivot open for compact, economical designs
- Long-stroke grippers – handle a wide range of part sizes
- Pneumatic and electric drives – fast air-powered or programmable electric
- Sealed and high-force models – for dirty environments and heavy parts
Sizing a Gripper
Calculate the grip force needed for the part's weight, plus a safety factor for acceleration and finger length. Choose a stroke that clears the part comfortably. Custom fingers shaped to the part improve grip and prevent slipping. Position sensors confirm that the gripper has opened or closed.
Centro carries 2-jaw grippers and the sensors, fingers and adapters to put them to work.
Related categories: Pneumatic Gripper | 4-Finger Gripper | Angular Grippers | O-Ring Gripper
Filter/regulator/lubricator (FRL) combos condition compressed air in one compact assembly. They filter contaminants, regulate pressure and add lubrication for pneumatic tools and components.
Features
- Modular assemblies – space-saving connections
- Metal and polycarbonate bowls – suit environment
- Auto drains – automatic condensate removal
- Gauges – monitor pressure
Choosing an FRL
Size for flow, select filter micron and regulator range, and decide whether lubrication is needed.
Centro supplies FRL combination units.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Air Preparation Repair Kits | Air Preparation Miscellaneous Products | Filter/Regulators Combo | Lubricators
Air regulators are devices used to control and maintain a consistent and adjustable pressure level in compressed air systems. They are essential for optimizing the performance of pneumatic tools, actuators, and other air-powered equipment. Air regulators monitor the incoming air pressure and regulate it to a desired setpoint, ensuring reliable and consistent operation. They provide precise control over the air pressure, allowing users to adjust and maintain the optimal pressure for specific applications. Air regulators are available in various configurations, including relieving and non-relieving types, with features like pressure gauges and lockout options, offering flexibility and functionality for different pneumatic systems.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Lubricators | Filters | Filter/Regulators Combo
Compressed air filters remove dirt, rust, water and oil from air lines, protecting valves, cylinders, tools and products. Clean air reduces wear and failures and is critical for painting, food and instrument applications.
Filter Types
- General purpose particulate filters – 5 to 40 micron elements
- Coalescing filters – remove oil aerosols and fine particles
- Activated carbon filters – remove oil vapor and odor
- Manual and automatic drains – discharge collected liquid
- Modular units – combine with regulators and lubricators
Choosing a Filter
Size the filter to the flow rate and select element grade based on the air quality needed. Place a particulate filter before a coalescer. Change elements when pressure drop rises or on a schedule.
Centro carries compressed air filters and replacement elements from leading pneumatic brands.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Regulators | Lubricators | Filter/Regulators Combo
Magnetic cylinder sensors mount directly on a pneumatic cylinder and detect the magnet built into its piston. They confirm when a cylinder is fully extended, retracted or at a mid-stroke position, which gives your PLC dependable feedback without adding external limit switches or brackets.
Sensor Styles
- T-slot sensors – drop into the profile groove of most modern ISO cylinders
- C-slot sensors – for compact and short-stroke cylinders
- Tie-rod and band-mount sensors – with adapters for NFPA and round-body cylinders
- Analog position sensors – continuous piston position over a measuring range
- Weld-field immune sensors – resist false triggering near resistance welders
Choosing a Sensor
Confirm the cylinder's slot type, then choose an electronic (PNP or NPN) or reed switch output that suits your controller. Electronic sensors last longer and switch faster, while reed switches work well for simple, low-current circuits. Pick a cable or quick-disconnect connector based on how often you'll need to replace or move the sensor.
Centro carries magnetic cylinder sensors and mounting adapters to fit most major cylinder brands. Ask us if you're not sure which one fits.
Related categories: Automation & Robotics Sensors | Photoelectric Sensors | Inclination Sensors | Sensor Adapters | Sensor Cables
Lubricators are vital components in industrial settings, playing a crucial role in maintaining and performing machinery and equipment. These devices are designed to supply a controlled and consistent flow of lubricating oil or grease to various mechanical parts, reducing friction, minimizing wear and tear, and ultimately prolonging the lifespan of critical components. Whether in manufacturing, automotive, or heavy machinery applications, lubricators ensure that moving parts operate smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. By providing the right amount of lubrication precisely where it's needed, lubricators contribute to increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs, making them an indispensable asset in industrial maintenance and machinery.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Filter/Regulators Combo | Regulators | Air Preparation Miscellaneous Products | Filters
Angular grippers open their jaws in an arc rather than straight in and out. They're compact, lightweight and economical, and the wide opening clears parts easily for fast pick-and-place.
Angular Gripper Features
- Wide jaw opening – clears parts without extra robot motion
- Compact design – low weight on robot arms
- High grip force – strong hold for size
- Pneumatic operation – fast, simple control
- Sensor-ready – magnetic position sensing
When to Use Angular Grippers
Angular grippers suit applications where the jaw arc won't interfere with nearby parts or fixtures. For parts that need precise centering, consider parallel grippers. Calculate grip force with finger length in mind.
Centro supplies angular grippers and accessories for automation.
Related categories: Pneumatic Gripper | 4-Finger Gripper | O-Ring Gripper | 2 Jaw Gripper
In the realm of automation and robotics, the significance of air preparation misc. products cannot be overstated. These often-overlooked components are the backbone of efficient and reliable pneumatic systems, ensuring that the air supplied to robotic and automated equipment is of the highest quality. Whether removing moisture and contaminants to protect sensitive components or fine-tuning air pressure for precise control, these products are the unsung heroes of automation. They contribute to seamless operation, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan. In the dynamic world of automation and robotics, where precision and reliability are paramount, air preparation misc. products quietly play a critical role in upholding performance standards and ensuring that pneumatic systems remain the backbone of efficient, automated processes.
Related categories: Air Preparation | Air Preparation Repair Kits | Filter/Regulators Combo | Filter/Regulator/Lubricator Combo | Lubricators
$978.04
Subject to factory lead times
$736.77
Subject to factory lead times
$956.88
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$905.73
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$1,014.40
Subject to factory lead times
$877.42
Subject to factory lead times
$808.87
Subject to factory lead times
$891.10
Subject to factory lead times
$827.40
Subject to factory lead times
$743.25
Subject to factory lead times
$776.68
Subject to factory lead times
$877.62
Subject to factory lead times
$736.77
Subject to factory lead times
$1,270.35
Subject to factory lead times
$1,064.30
Subject to factory lead times
$1,230.44
Subject to factory lead times
$871.69
Subject to factory lead times
$781.57
Subject to factory lead times
$895.38
Subject to factory lead times
$1,115.59
Subject to factory lead times
$868.14
Subject to factory lead times
$997.19
Subject to factory lead times
$947.70
Subject to factory lead times
$1,131.93
Subject to factory lead times
$978.04
Subject to factory lead times
$736.77
Subject to factory lead times
$956.88
Subject to factory lead times
$905.73
Subject to factory lead times
$1,014.40
Subject to factory lead times
$877.42
Subject to factory lead times
$808.87
Subject to factory lead times
$891.10
Subject to factory lead times
$827.40
Subject to factory lead times
$743.25
Subject to factory lead times
$776.68
Subject to factory lead times
$877.62
Subject to factory lead times
$736.77
Subject to factory lead times
$1,270.35
Subject to factory lead times
$1,064.30
Subject to factory lead times
$1,230.44
Subject to factory lead times
$871.69
Subject to factory lead times
$781.57
Subject to factory lead times
$895.38
Subject to factory lead times
$1,115.59
Subject to factory lead times
$868.14
Subject to factory lead times
$997.19
Subject to factory lead times
$947.70
Subject to factory lead times
$1,131.93
Subject to factory lead times
- Getting started with industrial automation begins with identifying the tasks that are repetitive, hazardous, labor-intensive, or quality-critical — these are the best candidates for automation. Common first steps include adding sensors for detection and feedback, installing pneumatic or electric actuators to replace manual movements, and using PLCs or smart relays to coordinate the sequence. For more advanced automation, industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) can handle pick-and-place, assembly, welding, palletizing, and packaging tasks with grippers and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). Machine vision systems add inspection and quality control capabilities. Safety equipment — light curtains, safety switches, emergency stops, and guarding — is required to protect operators working near automated equipment. Centro's Automation and Robotics division offers products across all of these areas and can help you evaluate which tasks to automate first for the best return on investment.
- End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) refers to the device mounted on the end of a robotic arm that directly interacts with the workpiece — it is what allows the robot to grip, move, orient, and place parts. The most common EOAT type is the gripper, and selecting the right one depends on the workpiece material, shape, weight, and process requirements. Pneumatic grippers use compressed air and are the workhorse for general-purpose pick-and-place — they are fast, reliable, and available in parallel, angular, and three-finger configurations. Electric grippers use servo motors for programmable grip force and position, making them ideal for delicate or variable parts requiring precise control. Vacuum grippers use suction cups to handle flat, smooth, or irregularly shaped items like boxes, sheets, and glass without mechanical clamping. Magnetic grippers handle ferrous metal parts without contact mechanisms, offering quick cycle times for steel stamping and machining operations. Quick-change systems allow a single robot to swap between different EOAT types for multi-task flexibility.
- A collaborative robot — or cobot — is designed to work safely alongside human operators in a shared workspace without requiring safety fencing or caged enclosures. Cobots use built-in force and torque sensors, speed monitoring, and rounded, pinch-free designs to detect contact with a person and immediately stop or reverse motion, meeting ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 safety standards. Traditional industrial robots operate at high speeds and forces behind safety guarding because they are not designed to detect or respond to human contact. Cobots are the right choice for applications that require human-robot interaction — tasks like machine tending, light assembly, quality inspection, and palletizing where an operator works nearby or hands off parts to the robot. They are also easier to program (often through hand-guiding or intuitive software), making them practical for small-batch and high-mix production where tasks change frequently. Traditional robots remain the better choice for high-speed, high-payload, or hazardous applications where human proximity is not needed.
- Industrial sensors detect physical conditions — presence, position, distance, temperature, pressure, level, and more — and convert them into electrical signals that PLCs and controllers use to make decisions. Selecting the right sensor starts with what you need to detect. Inductive proximity sensors detect metal objects at close range without contact and are the standard for detecting machine parts, cylinders at end-of-stroke, and metal targets on conveyors. Photoelectric sensors use light beams to detect objects at longer ranges and work on any material — through-beam, retroreflective, and diffuse types cover different range and mounting scenarios. Capacitive sensors detect both metallic and non-metallic materials including liquids, powders, and plastics, making them useful for level sensing through container walls. Ultrasonic sensors measure distance using sound waves, ideal for level measurement and position sensing of irregular surfaces. Beyond sensing type, consider the mounting environment — temperature, washdown exposure, vibration — and select the appropriate IP rating and housing material.
- Every automated or robotic work cell must include safety equipment to protect personnel from hazardous motion, in compliance with OSHA regulations and machine safety standards such as ANSI/RIA 15.06 and ISO 13849. The specific equipment depends on the risk assessment, but common components include safety light curtains that create an invisible detection field and stop the machine if a person enters the hazardous zone, safety laser scanners that monitor floor-level areas and can define warning and stop zones, safety interlock switches on access doors and gates that cut power when opened, emergency stop buttons placed within reach of operators, and safety-rated PLCs or safety relays that monitor all safety inputs and ensure the machine reaches a safe state before restarting. For collaborative robot applications, the cobot's built-in safety system may reduce the need for external guarding, but a thorough risk assessment is still required to determine whether additional measures — such as area scanners or reduced speed zones — are needed.