Anyone who wants to find information on Pneumatic Technolgy, I hope what I post is helpful, especially for students who are often to do last minute assignment :)
1.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF PNEUMATICS
1.1.1 Definitions of pneumatics
Pneumatics is the science of mechanical properties of elastic fluids. In industry, “Pneumatics” generally refers to the use of compressed air to transmit power and/or motion.
1.1.2 In the majority of applications compressed air is used for one or more of the following functions :
1.1.2.1 To determine the status of processors (sensors)
1.1.2.2 Information processing (processors)
1.1.2.3 Switching of actuators by means of final control elements
1.1.2.4 Carrying out work (actuators)
1.1.3 Pneumatic components can perform the following types of motion:
1.1.3.1 Linear
1.1.3.2 Swivel
1.1.3.3 Rotary
1.1.4 Some application employing pneumatics are listed below:
1.1.4.1 General methods of material handling:
· Clamping
· Shifting
· Positioning
· Orienting
· Branching of material flow
1.1.4.2 General application:
· Packaging
· Filling
· Metering
· Locking
· Driving of axes
· Door or chute control
· Transfer of materials
· Turning and inverting of parts
· Sorting of components
· Stacking of components
· Stamping and embossing of components
1.1.5 Pneumatics is used in carrying out machining and working operations. For example:
1.1.5.1 Drilling
1.1.5.2 Turning
1.1.5.3 Milling
1.1.5.4 Sawing
1.1.5.5 Finishing
1.1.5.6 Forming
1.1.5.7 Quality Control
1.1.6 Advantages and distinguishing characteristics of compressed air :
| Availability | Air is available practically everywhere in unlimited quantities |
| Transport | Air can be easily transported in pipelines, even over large distances |
| Storage | Compressed air can be stored in a reservoir and removed as required. In addition, the reservoir can be transportable. |
| Temperature | Compressed air is relatively insensitive to temperature fluctuations. This ensures reliable operation, even under extreme conditions. |
| Explosion proof | Compressed air offers no risk of explosion or fire. |
| Cleanliness | Unlubricated exhaust air is clean. Any unlubricated air which escapes through leaking pipes or components does not cause contamination. |
| Components | The operating components are simple construction and therefore relatively inexpensive. |
| Speed | Compressed air is a very fast working medium. This enables high working speeds to be attained. |
| Overload safe | Pneumatic tools and operating components can be loaded to the point of stopping and are therefore overload safe. |
1.1.7 Disadvantages of pneumatics :
| Preparation | Compressed air requires good preparation. Dirt and condensate should not be present. |
| Compression | It is not always possible to achieve uniform and constant piston speeds with compressed air. |
| Force requirement | Compressed air is economical only up to a certain force requirement. Under the normal working pressure of 600 to 700 kPa (6 to 7 bar) and dependent on the travel and speed, the output limit is between 40,000 and 50,000 Newtons. |
| Noise level | The exhaust air is loud. This problem has now, however been largely solved due to the development of sound absorption material and silencers. |
