Imagine a small gadget that has no need for connections or any wires and does not require any cylinder fluids but rather air to function. This is how pneumatic actuators work where the energy contained in the air is converted to mechanical energy which is put into effective use.

Many people have questions about how work can be done by air. This is why we are encouraging you to continue reading this article. Here, we will shine a light on the working principle, types, benefits, and operational use of the named device. So, continue exploring the mysteries of nature!

1) How does a pneumatic actuator work?

The main working concept behind a pneumatic actuator is to use compressed air energy and then transduce it back into the mechanical movement of the device. This device consists of an air cylinder, a piston, ports, an actuator shaft and valves. Let us move on to see how these pneumatic parts are put into use.

Step#1) Compressed air supply

• At first, the actuator takes in compressed air provided by an external reservoir or an air compressor.

Step#2) Air intake

• Compressed air enters the pneumatic air cylinder via a port that also has a valve fitted to control its flow.

Step#3) Piston movement

• Air pressure is then applied within a pneumatic cylinder on a piston.  Depending on the orientation of the system, this pressure either pushes the pneumatic cylinder piston straight or follows an arc of rotation around the pivot point.

Step#4) Producing Mechanical Motion

• After this, the pistons’ withdrawn motion is converted to a rotary motion, which can turn wheels in a rotary pneumatic actuator or be lifted in a linear actuator to move loads.

Step#5) Releasing of air

• After completion of work in a single-acting actuator, air which has been compressed is released through the port. In this case, the rod and the piston are returned to the home position; therefore the cylinder is rested.

• In the other scenario, after the completion of the task, it is not possible to keep air to the double-acting unit, so, the air is released from the cylinder side pushing the piston to the cylinder front. Following this, the air is again put to the piston from the opposite side so that the piston goes back to its first position.

• That’s it! One complete cycle is on and the air actuator is once more prepared for the next movement.

2) Advantages of using pneumatic actuators over other alternatives

There are advantages of air-powered actuators when compared to electric or hydraulic actuators which are worth exploring. Let us address them one by one.

+ Fast response: These pneumatic actuators have a strong point in speed owing to the materials they are designed with (Aluminium) and their compact sizes. Thus, they would be beneficial in any design that requires speedy performance such as in robotics and automation.

+ Increased Security: Actuator pneumatic are also safer since they do not involve liquids and high electric voltages which can be fire hazards. They are relying on pressurized air, which is why there can be no danger for the workers from any malfunctions of the equipment since all air in the system can be simply released.

+ Cost-Effectiveness: In general, where we are counting expendable operations, pneumatic actuators are quite cheaper than other types of actuators. This is generally a positive aspect in most industries.

+ Simplicity and Reliability: These actuators are very simple to use.  They are also completely safe because they do not contain any electrical systems which may be damaged during high temperatures or other extreme weather conditions.

3) Types of actuators by their energy source

Actuators can also be grouped according to the force which is used to cause movement. This is quite interesting so let’s talk about a few of them one by one!

i) Pneumatic Actuators

A pneumatic actuator is an air-powered device that uses a piston to create movement through the application of air pressure. They are normally used in most industrial automation control systems that require rapid sequential actions.

ii) Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic actuators are devices that use high-pressure fluid to move a piston. Such machines are often used in bulldozers and dump trucks or any other machine, which requires forcing equipment to lift or push objects.

iii) Electric Actuators

These complicated regimes take advantage of an electric motor to cause movement. These include telerobots, car power window control systems and motorized window shades in buildings.

iv) Thermal Actuators

Actuators with heat sensitivity are often fitted with materials which are designed to undergo changes of state like contracting or expanding depending on the surrounding temperature. They make use of these temperature changes to activate mechanical actions. These actuators are used in some applications, for example, thermostat valves, fire protection systems and so on.

v) Magnetic Actuators

Magnetic actuators use some magnetic forces. A typical example is a solenoid actuator whereby the plunger or core within a coil moves using electromagnetic fields. These are utilized in electromagnetic locks, relays and valves among other devices.

vi) Piezoelectric Actuators

A  motion utilizing piezoelectric actuators can be accomplished by a piezoelectric effect in which an active material changes in length and/or thickness when sufficient electric charge is applied. They are used in medical equipment, micro-manipulation devices, and precision instruments.

4) Types of actuators by their motion

Let‘s now consider the features and functions of another group of actuators- by the type of motion they generate:

i) Linear Actuators

Linear actuators produce straight-line motion. These types of actuators are applicable under operations which necessitate loading and unloading, pushing, pulling, lifting etc such as medical equipment, radar monitoring, robotics etc. Moreover, pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic actuators produce linear motion.

 

ii) Rotary Actuators

Rotating actuators allow for (circular) motion. They are used in conveyor systems, rotating machines and the steering of vehicles. Moreover, different types of actuators such as electric actuators and rotary hydraulic actuators produce circular motion.

5) What is a pneumatic actuator used for?

A wide variety of pneumatic actuators is diffusion in manifold applications and the most, especially for the cases which follow, consisted in the industries which are numbered hereunder:

? Valves: Pneumatic actuators can press or pull fibre stems to open and close valves that are internally mounted inside pipes through which fluids or gases flow. This application is mostly utilized in oil and gas, water treatment, or chemical industries where there is an associated need for flow control.

? Robotic Systems: Pneumatic actuation is used in the arms of robots and other devices where speed and control are essential such as in the food industry manufacturing automation.

? Packaging Machinery: Packaging machinery uses pneumatic pressure that is employed in moving conveyor belts, thrusting products or boxes on conveyor belts and shifting the products/boxes along the conveyor belts.

? Transportation: They are also found in applications such as brake systems, and door systems, as well as in other automotive materials that need speed and accuracy.

6) Pneumatic actuator in action

Let’s look a little more closely at the case that has been amplified by examining how the pneumatic actuator turns out in the real world. So, here we take an example of automated valves. Picture a situation where a working pipeline is large and transporting oil through it. Control of oil movement has to be proper especially when it comes to leakages and other risks that have to be eliminated.

Pneumatic actuators are devices used in the valve that carry an opening or closing motion by responding to input commands from the concerned control system. In situations where the control unit estimates that the supply is low and that it should make provisions to increase the flow.

Therefore, this action will provide a target signal to the pneumatic mechanism. Now, the purpose of the valve is centred on its ability to be positioned by positive air pressure. This is generated within combustion engine cylinders at a particular flow rate required by the system.

An observation made by the analysts is that this method is quite effective in a very short time. Therefore, it’s useful where flow alterations are substantial and are needed in real-time.

7) Final Words

Considering everything that was previously outlined, it may be stated that due to their overall simplicity and reliability, pneumatic actuators are equally important in an industrial system. Further understanding of the types, advantages and potential applications of the actuators will be useful in identifying an actuator that fits the specifications of the intended application.

In case you need pneumatic actuators, Foye pneumatic products are just right for you. The reason is that there is a wide range of its production line that includes over thirty types of pneumatic components so the chances of finding something of your choice are pretty high. Moreover, they have about 100 production machinery sourced from Japan for the effectiveness of the products.