How Pneumatic Linear Actuators Work

Pneumatic actuators are the simplest actuator systems. They rely on the pressurized gas (most often it’s compressed air) as the source of the moving pressure. These mechanisms use the gas pressure energy to force a linear motion.

Pneumatic Linear Actuators: Mechanism and Operation Principle

These appliances are simple devices consisting of a hollow cylinder and the piston inside it. This is how they work:

1. An external compressor creates gas pressure in a special chamber;
2. This pressure affects the piston and moves it along the cylinder corps;
3. As the gas pressure increases, it forces kinetic movement of the cylinder along the piston axis;
4. When the system produced the needed force, it returns the piston to its initial position by the fluid pressure or a spring-back motion.

Advantages of Pneumatic Linear Actuators

Pneumatic linear actuators use a simple mechanism, which explains the better part of their strengths. They provide reliability and overall safety. These devices generate a motion without electricity or ignition, preventing the fire risk by excluding the chance of a spark and subsequent combustion. They effectively meet the demands for explosion protection, as they don’t consist of hazardous materials. Pneumatic linear actuators are highly durable and lightweight. They are affordable and manageable in maintenance due to their simple system mechanism.

Pneumatic Linear Actuators Flaws

However, experts find pneumatic appliances slightly less efficient compared to other alternatives of linear-motion devices. Gas compressibility and pressure losses are the most vital drawbacks. Compressor pressure limitations lead to slower speeds along with lower forces produced. What is more crucial, a pump has to operate continuously to provide the pressure, even if the system isn’t moving anything. And, of course, pneumatic appliances are the noisiest ones.

Pneumatic Linear Actuators Application Area

These mechanisms are a good solution for mail tubes, air compressors, machinery for packaging and production, transportation equipment. They are also suitable for gasoline-powered cars, where this type of actuators uses the gasoline and air ignition to produce the force for piston movement.

All in all, pneumatic linear actuators are characterized by the following features:

• simple system composition;
• excellent reliability;
• safety for the ignitable environment;
• low efficiency;
• moderate amounts of inexpensive maintenance.

Don’t forget that the durability and efficiency level of these devices highly depends on the manufacturer. Make sure to buy the best pneumatic linear actuators 12v that will satisfy your demands.