Air Cylinders Convert the energy contained in the compressed air into linear force and motion

Air Cylinders 3 MAIN TYPES: Single-Acting Air Cylinder Double-Acting Air Cylinder Double-Rod Air Cylinder

Single-Acting Air Cylinder Exerts force in one direction only Extend stroke is normally used Stroke is limited by the spring length

Double Acting Cylinder Can exert force in both directions More force is generated when extending than when retracting

Cylinder Cushions The cylinder will extend or retract until the piston blocks the main outlet passage The air then flows through needle valves Prevents shock

Double-Rod Air Cylinder Used when motion is required on both ends of the cylinder Generated force is equal in both directions

Pneumatic Cylinder Failure and Troubleshooting Side Loading Ensure the load is on the cylinder’s center line Contamination Contamination can enter from the air supply or externally from the environment Use a metallic wiper seal or a protective cover or “boot” to prevent particles from entering through the rod gland

Pneumatic Cylinder Failure and Troubleshooting Lack of Lubrication Lubrication can be lost to the atmosphere due to leakage Operating Above the Cylinder Rating Excessive Pressure High Temperature Pressure Spikes

Convert the energy contained in the air into a rotary Air Motors Convert the energy contained in the air into a rotary force and motion Advantages Over Electric Motors Can be stalled without damage More horsepower Can operate in hostile environments Gearboxes are not required Torque can be easily varied Electrical controls are not required Can be instantly started, stopped or reversed Generate less heat Speed can be easily varied

Air Motors Compressed air causes the internal parts to move, and this movement is transferred to the output shaft Torque is dependent on pressure and motor size Speed is dependent on flow rate (CFM) and motor size The pressure regulator setting will also affect the speed of the motor Horsepower output is determined by torque & speed Rule of Thumb: An air motor will develop 1 HP when supplied with 30 CFM at 90 PSI Air motors are designed to operate within certain pressure and speed ranges

Rotary Vane Air Motor Vanes are held against the inside of the cam ring by springs, cam action or air pressure Operates at speeds between 100 and 25,000 RPM

Gerotor Air Motor Delivers high torque at low speed Torque and rotary motion results from air pressure acting on the rotors

Air Motor Failures and Troubleshooting Runs Fine Then Slows Down Low Torque Low Speed Won’t Run Runs Hot Reason X X X Dirt or foreign material present. Take apart and clean. Internal rust. Lack of lubrication. Take apart and clean. Inspect lubricator. X X X Low air pressure, clogged pressure Filter or flow control dirty. X X X Air line too small. Install larger line(s). X X Restricted exhaust. Inspect and repair. Motor jammed internally. Take apart and repair. X X X X X Air compressor or receiver too far from motor. X X

Air Bags

Air Bags Use one or more flexible chambers Extension length is determined the number of chambers Must use mechanical stops

Rotary Air Actuators Convert the energy in the compressed air into a rotary motion Rotate less than 360°

Rotary Air Actuators