Engineering Basics

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]