In this episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum, we sit down with Jeff Brandt, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Tolomatic, to talk about the importance of strong manufacturer and distributor relationships. Jeff shares why Tolomatic values distribution, what local partners like H.H. Barnum bring to customers, and how local technical support and factory expertise work together.

We also discuss trust, communication, getting involved early in applications, and what makes Tolomatic’s people and culture stand out.

Topics include:

• Why Tolomatic values distribution

• Local support + factory expertise

• Building strong manufacturer/distributor partnerships

• Technical knowledge vs. simply selling products

• What makes Tolomatic different

• The future of distribution in automation

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

Learn more about Tolomatic: https://www.tolomatic.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

Applied System Technologies TruLink Aluminum Piping and the New Stainless Steel TruPress System

In this Product Spotlight episode, we sit down with the team from Applied System Technologies to discuss TruLink, their complete aluminum piping system designed for compressed air, inert gas, vacuum, and other industrial applications.

We explore how TruLink provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and modular alternative to traditional black iron, steel, and copper piping. The conversation covers its push-to-connect and clamp-to-connect fitting options, installation advantages, system flexibility, and how it can help facilities create cleaner and more reliable compressed-air distribution systems.

We also take a closer look at Applied System Technologies’ new stainless steel TruPress offering. TruPress uses press-fitting technology to create durable connections for industrial fluid and gas systems without welding, threading, or open flames. The team explains where the stainless-steel system fits, how the installation process works, and how it can help contractors and manufacturers save installation time while improving workplace safety.

Learn more about TruLink and Applied System Technologies: https://appliedsystemtech.com/trulink/

https://appliedsystemtech.com/trupress-tubing-and-fittings/

For more information about the products discussed in this episode, contact H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

Product Spotlight: SMC EQ Series with IO-Link

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Arnold, SMC Product Manager at H.H. Barnum, to talk through the SMC EQ Series electric actuator and how it helps bridge the gap between traditional pneumatic cylinders and more advanced electric motion.

We cover how the EQ Series simplifies electric actuator integration with an onboard controller, battery-less absolute encoder, IO-Link communication, and easy setup for common point-to-point motion applications. Mark breaks down where the EQ fits best, including pick and place, clamping, pressing, transfer, indexing, and other applications where customers want the benefits of electric motion without the complexity of a full servo system.

We also discuss the value of IO-Link for actuator diagnostics, remote parameter changes, recipe-based adjustments, data storage, and faster replacement during downtime. For machine builders and manufacturers looking to move from pneumatics to electric, this Product Spotlight is a great look at where the SMC EQ Series can make that transition easier.

Learn more about SMC: Electric Actuators

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: H.H. Barnum Company | Controls for Factory Automation | H.H. Barnum