1. Pneumatic Actuators Thomas Shupe ECE 5320 Mechatronics Assignment #1

2. Outline References To explore further What are pneumatic actuators? Different types of actuators Major applications Working principles Major specifications Limitations Cost

3. References Pneumatic Actuators “Linear and Rotary” – WHITE PAPER by Jimmy Simpson (CFPS, CFPMM, CFPAI), Sr. Advisor for U.S. Car Projects http://www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCy linders.htm http://www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCy linders.htm http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15617/15617- h/images/pic_p161.jpghttp://www.gutenberg.org/files/15617/15617- h/images/pic_p161.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_actuator http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pneumatic

4. To Explore Further http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_artif icial_muscleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_artif icial_muscles http://www.personal.psu.edu/mjl145/lesso n_plan.htm

5. What are Pneumatic Actuators? Dictionary.Com gives the following definition of pneumatic: operated by air or by the pressure or exhaustion of air http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pneumatic http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pneumatic A pnuematic actuator is a transducer that converts energy (typically from compressed air) into motion

6. Types of Pneumatic Actuators? Tie Rod Cylinders (linear actuators) Rotary Actuators (air motors) Grippers Pneumatic Control Valve

7. Tie Rod Cylinders www.control-line.com/cylinders.asp Provides linear motion from compressed air Single or Double Action

8. Rotary Actuator (air motor) 4 Types: 1.Rotary Vane 2.Gear 3.Turbine 4.Piston www.tdi-turbotwin.com

9. Pneumatic Gripper Involves linear or angular motion Often used to “pick and place” objects Generally has fully open and fully closed settings and does not have control to go to intermediate positions www.eu-nited-robotics.net/node/152

10. Pneumatic Control Valve Uses air pressure to open and close the valve. Used in conjunction with a electronic controller :// http www.engineersedge.com/hydraulic/pneumatic_actuator.htm

11. Linear Actuator Application http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15617/15617-h/images/pic_p161.jpg Early air compressor/Jack hammer Related to the tie-rod cylinder

12. Tie Rod Cylinder Application These two cylinders give this labeling machine a quick way to apply the labels

13. Rotary Actuator Application Rotary actuator used in machine applications Also used as power tools http://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/webcat/pics/draper/79566.jpg

14. Pneumatic Gripper Applications Used in robotic applications http://www.strobotics.com/r17.htm

15. Pneumatic Control Valve Applicatoins Used to control fluid flow Can precisely control flow or can provide on/off type of control :// http www.engineersedge.com/hydraulic/pneumatic_actuator.htm

16. Working Principles (Linear Pneumatic Actuators) Convert pneumatic energy into mechanical energy to produce work There is a hollow cylinder with a piston inside. Air “pushes” the piston causing motion in the cylinder, the piston is connected to an external rod that provides a means to use the motion. The actuator can be either single or double action; either a spring etc. returns the actuator or air will return it via multiple ports. http://www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCylinders.htm

17. Working Principles (Linear Pneumatic Actuators) http://www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCylinders.htm

18. Working Principles (Rotary Pneumatic Actuators) Rotary actuators are used to convert potential pneumatic energy into mechanical energy. Rotary actuators produce torque Commonly called air motors In most cases rotary actuators are not chosen for their efficiencies, but for their power, speed and torque.

19. Working Principles (Rotary Pneumatic Actuators) http://www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCylinders.htm

20. Working Principles (Grippers) Converts potential pneumatic energy into mechanical energy Creates either linear or angular motion of gripper “fingers” Forces are proportional to pressure and area.

21. Working Principles (Control Valve) Operates by a combination of force from the air and an opposing spring force. The actuator positions the control valve by transmitting its motion through the stem

22. Major Specifications Required Air Flow Rate Max Pressure/Required Pressure Capable Force Capable Torque Max RPM Linear Velocity

23. Limitations Compressibility of air makes movement and positioning imprecise Not capable of heavy work (250psi vs. 10,000 psi) Maintenance crews rarely fix an air leak http://www.personal.psu.edu/mjl145/lesson_plan.htm

24. Cost of Pneumatic Actuators Pneumatic actuators range from as low as $15 on up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on quality, size, application etc.

25. Where to Buy http://compact4.rtrk.com http://www.bimba.com/products/ http://www.festo.com