Pneumatic Systems

Design systems using compressed air

Designing Pneumatic Systems

Pneumatic systems use compressed air to create movement and force. Air is compressible (can be squeezed) which makes pneumatics 'springy' and fast. Components include: compressor (pressurises air), reservoir (stores air), valves (control flow) and cylinders (create linear motion).

Example

Pneumatic Circuit

Basic pneumatic system: Compressor → Reservoir → Control valve → Cylinder → Motion Valve types: • 3/2 valve: controls single-acting cylinder (spring return) • 5/2 valve: controls double-acting cylinder (air pushes both ways) Applications: factory automation, packaging machines, dental drills, paint sprayers, truck brakes

Note

Remember

Pneumatics advantages: fast, clean (just air), safe in explosive environments, light. Disadvantages: noisy, less precise than hydraulics, lower force. Design challenge: Create a pneumatic system using syringes and tubing to perform a specific task (e.g., open a gate, lift an object).

Key Vocabulary

CompressorA machine that pressurises air for a pneumatic system

ValveA device that controls the flow of air or fluid

CylinderA tube with a piston that converts air pressure to motion

Compressed airAir that has been pressurised into a smaller space

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Compressor

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