The Versatility of Pneumatics
The physics of pneumatics are well-accepted. The application of pneumatics, as a Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles notes, is limited not by the force that can be generated, but by the imagination of a designer.
The article is a great reminder that motion is a law of nature but using that motion to accomplish such things as baking bread, moving melons or raising the curtains is really as much art as science.
Advances in Control Technology
As ideas have become more sophisticated, so have the controls that manage pneumatics. As another Hydraulics & Pneumatics article notes, the integration of advanced control systems has improved the way pneumatics systems can be measured and managed—and designed.
As the article states, “The integration of these communications components, along with the introduction of lighter-weight materials for construction, mean valve manifolds can be placed closer to the actuators they control.
“Machine builders can install valves on end effectors, robot arms, and other working components,” it continues. “Besides decreasing the amount of tubing needed to connect the valves and cylinders driving the equipment, this can reduce potential leakage in the system, as well as leading to quicker response times and increased throughput for motion sequences.”
Evaluating Pneumatics and Electronic Actuators
The decision on whether to replace pneumatic cylinders with electric actuators isn’t as simple as compressor costs or basic budget consideration. There are many factors to consider, and the wrong decision can be costly. A new Hydraulics & Pneumatics white paper, presented by Bimba, will cut through to issue with analysis and a cost calculation to help you make the best decision for your business. Click here to access the white paper.
