Engineering Basics

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 […]

Many industrial applications require linear motion during their operating sequence. One of the simplest and most cost effective ways to accomplish this is with a pneumatic actuator, often referred to as an air cylinder. An actuator is a device that translates a source of static power into useful output motion. It can also be used […]

Compact cylinders have been shortened relative to standard pneumatic cylinders. They may take up to 50% less space than the normal, while still maintaining the capacity to exert the same force as their larger counterparts. Important parameters for the proper selection of a compact cylinder can be broken up into general, dimensional, performance, material, features. […]