Pneumatics is when air or gas pressure is being used as the driving force to move or power something. Essentially, pneumatics places compressed air to practical use by moving applications such as tools and machinery used in various industries like engineering, manufacturing, and construction, and others.
How Do Pneumatics Work?
By using clean and dry air, pneumatics is a simple and reliable way to make things move. Pneumatic systems use this compressed air to create mechanical motion and power applications to do work.
Pneumatics makes use of an air compressor to reduce the volume of the air in order to increase its pressure. This then will move through a filter into a pneumatic tubing, where it is controlled by valves before reaching an actuator which does the work at the end of the process. That could be a cylinder, or a device that performs a function, for example, lifting, moving, or gipping.
How Do I Choose a Pneumatic System?
Pneumatic Systems can be used as an alternative to electric actuators and motors by driving linear and rotary motion applications. Pneumatic Systems differ from Hydraulic Systems as they use smaller loads and produce less force. Also, since air is easy to compress, pneumatics can absorb excessive shock.
As the manufacturing industry continues to make advances, and with developments in seals like corrosion resistance, the conditions in which pneumatics systems can be used has continued to increase. Pneumatics are such a versatile way to power tools and machinery, which keep them an important technology in a number of industries.
When selecting a pneumatic system, consider what you require in terms of your operating sequence. They work in a linear and rotary motion and is a simple way to activate an output motion or apply a force. You also should consider the pressure and flow requirements for the best possible performance.
Flow and pressure are different and should be controlled separately. The regulation of pressure in compressed air systems does not accurately control the flow, which could lead to an increase in energy costs. Whereas pressure is a force applied across a given area, the flow is the actual volume of compressed air being moved in a given time. Greater pressure over a small area can be the same as lower pressure over a larger area. Flow control works by restricting the orifice through which air can flow- as it closes, less air can flow, at a given pressure, in a given time.
Maintaining pneumatics and pneumatic systems is generally a low cost, but care should be taken to monitor leaks and corrosion. Also, by applying a filtration system and monitoring the air supply will also ensure your equipment to perform how it should.
Pneumatic Applications
Pneumatics are prevalent in commercial vehicles, the energy sector, including oil and gas and power generation industries, and food and beverage, from blow molding bottles through to process automation and packaging. They are also used across the manufacturing industry to power factory automation systems and is typically seen in sectors like materials handling and packaging. Some other examples are:
Transportations: Air brakes for trains or busses, air engines, and compressed air-powered vehicles
Healthcare: Dental drills, vacuum pumps, and pressure regulators
Construction: Pneumatic jackhammers and nail guns
Home Systems: Heating and air conditioning control
Music: pipe organs, player pianos.
Understanding Pneumatics and Pneumatic Systems is an important part of pertaining businesses and sectors. If you are looking for pneumatics or hydraulics, All Phase is here to help you out! Our dedicated and well-trained staff will learn about your needs and application desires to help pick out the right equipment for you!