Pneumatic Facts

• Pneumatics uses air pressure to do work.


• Pneumatic systems use a combination of compressed air and pneumatic valves to move cylinders or operate tools.


• The amount of force an air cylinder can push is based on the strength of the road, the size of the cylinder bore and the amount of air pressure.


• Air pressure in a pneumatic systems acts like a spring, storing energy until it is released.


• Pneumatic systems are more powerful than mechanical motors with the same weight.


• Air cylinders are designed for millions of movements before they wear out.


• The history of pneumatic systems dates back to the 18th century. Many valves and parts of present-day pneumatic systems were invented during the days of the steam engine. James Watt's beam engine used air valves to control the steam within his engine in the 1770s. Air compressors were developed in the 1800s. Samuel Ingersoll invented the first pneumatic drill in 1871. Walt Disney made the first Audio animatronic figures (the Enchanted Tiki Birds) move with pneumatics in 1963 in Disneyland.

Pneumatic Valves

• There are many different types of pneumatic valve. Each type of valve has a different function.


• A check valve is a one-way valve. The air can go through one way, but cannot return the other direction.


• A poppet valve is a valve that is used to control the timing and quantity of air that passes through.


• Electronic control valves use an electrical charge to actuate opening or closing a valve.


• Needle valves have a small adjustment knob that is used to change the restriction on air flow in both directions.


• Exhaust valves are used to speed up air cylinder movement.


• Shuttle valves are three-way valves that allows flow through two of the connections, but restrict flow in the third port.