Pneumatic Pin a Breath of Fresh Air

Customer

A leading global supplier of medical, industrial and specialty compressed gas. 

Application

Gas cylinder high volume production filling.

Challenge

The customer was using a manual connector, which was time-consuming and raised safety concerns.

Project Goals

• Develop a CGA 346 quick connector that utilizes FasTest’s pneumatically actuated pin
• Minimize cycle time
• Increase safety
   

Solution

The FasTest team partnered closely with the customer, diving into the specifics of their high-volume filling operation to tackle the inefficiencies and hazards of their manual connectors head-on. We reengineered our trusted G346 bail handle platform, infusing it with our cutting-edge pneumatic pin technology to create the G346 WOB connector family. This breakthrough design harnessed air-driven precision to extend and retract the pin with a single command, delivering a crisp, secure connection that met CGA 346 standards effortlessly. The result was a revitalized solution that breathed new life into the process—simple to deploy, robust under pressure, and a perfect fit for the customer’s need for speed and safety.

Results

The G346 WOB connectors swept through the customer’s fill plant like a gust of fresh air, slashing fill cycle times by up to 5 minutes and unlocking a surge in productivity that kept gas flowing without a hitch. The ‘one-button’ pin action turned a tedious task into a breeze, boosting safety by eliminating manual strain and sending wrist aches packing—operators couldn’t stop raving about the relief. The connectors earned a loyal following on the floor, where their zippy performance and smooth handling revitalized workflows. The enhanced efficiency also cut downtime, ensuring a steady supply of cylinders and a cleaner, safer environment that left everyone breathing easier.