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

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. Air Bags

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

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

17. Rotary Air Actuators