Air springs have been used in heavy duty vehicle suspension systems for nearly a century, where they have been able to provide usefulness by taking advantage of the compressed air required for vehicle braking systems. Air springs have provided a two-fold advantage over mechanical leaf- or coil-springs. One advantage with air suspension is the extra […]

In the simplest sense, vacuum is pressure that is lower than atmospheric. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is usually 14.7 psia. Therefore, any pressure lower than that constitutes a vacuum. In a vacuum system, the difference between atmospheric and vacuum pressure creates the ability to lift, hold, move and generally perform work. The essence of […]

Pneumatics is the technology of compressed air, but in some circles, it is more fashionable to refer to it as a type of automation control. Pressurized gas—generally air that may be either of the dry or lubricated type—is used to actuate an end effector and do work. End effectors can range from the common cylinder […]

Compressed air pneumatic systems require methods of safe and precise control of the actuators unique to their accoutrement. Although the medium is fluid, just as hydraulic or process water systems, the execution of control is different in many ways than with a liquid. What is shared in the conduction of any fluid power medium is […]

Compressors supply the air flow for all equipment in a system. Air compressors work in two phases: the compression operation and the release operation. There are two types of compressors, positive displacement and dynamic (also called centrifugal). The rate at which a compressor can deliver a volume of air is noted in cubic feet per minute […]

Miniature pneumatics, sometimes called precision pneumatics, encompasses a range of pneumatic components that have been miniaturized for intended use in light- and medium-duty applications and for low-medium pressure ranges. In these systems, size and weight constraints apply or, more commonly, the need for precision is high. System pressures of 20 psi are not unheard of […]

Air leaving a compressor is hot, dirty, and wet—which can damage and shorten the life of downstream equipment, such as valves and cylinders. Before air can be used it needs to be filtered, regulated and lubricated. An air line filter cleans compressed air. It strains the air and traps solid particles (dust, dirt, rust) and […]

Pneumatic cylinder slides or rodless cylinders, are designed to provide power and linear motion while supporting a load. Standalone pneumatic cylinders are suitable for providing power and motion, but are not designed to provide support for a load. Many cylinders have no way of holding the position of the piston rod, due to the rod’s […]

Pneumatically operated industrial grippers have been commercially available for only a few decades. Prior to this, most gripping mechanisms were designed and built by machine builders employing a combination of pneumatic cylinders and external tooling for each individual application. Their most common purpose is to grasp or enclose parts for transfer, insertion, or assembly in […]