PneumaticsA useful alternative to motors

Tim Siepmann (Alumni Team 2175)

Topics

• Advantages and Disadvantages

• Applications

• How-to

• Helpful Tips

• Questions

Advantages

• Easy linear motion

• No increased load when stalling

• Easy to use

Rotary Actuator

Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive

• Heavy

• Potentially more dangerous

• Typically not variable position

Compressor

Applications

• Linear Motion

• Shifters

• Latches

• Lifting

• Rotary motion

Cylinder

How-To• FOLLOW THE RULES

• Plan

• What do you want to use it for?

• What components will you need?

• Layout and test

• Connect

• Leak test

• Place on robot

• Retest

Complete System

Helpful Tips

• Use pneumatic air units

• Cut tubes straight

• Barbed versus quick connect

• Use soapy water to find leaks

• Wrap two or three threads up from start

• Be gentle with components

• Bring backups

Safety

• Realize how much energy is stored in your system

• Always vent

• Keep people away while charging

• Inspect for cracks or defects

Questions?