Pneumatic machines are incorporated extensively across a wide variety of industries because they play pivotal roles in improving efficiency, quality, and overall customer satisfaction.
In the manufacturing industry, for instance, pneumatic systems help to increase the performance of various mechanical processes, amongst several other benefits.
Over the last few decades, pneumatic systems have gained popularity and demand in the manufacturing industry and across several other industries. Manufacturers are shifting towards pneumatic automation because of the several benefits linked with pneumatic automated technologies.
The increase in this trend has also birthed notable names like Festo USA and several other globally recognized players in the automation distribution industry.
As pneumatic systems continue to evolve, the scope of their application is also broadening to cater to more intricate industrial processes, making them a force to be reckoned with in modern-day automated manufacturing.
What are Pneumatic Systems?
Pneumatic systems are process control devices that utilize pressurized gas (usually compressed air) to transmit energy in order to optimize or control the performance of various mechanical processes during manufacturing.
Pneumatics perform similar functions as hydraulic systems, only that, instead of hydraulic fluids, they utilize compressed air or gasses to control industrial processes through machines like Airtac cylinders, Festo actuators, pneumatic cylinders, and other pneumatic machines.
N/B: Compressed air is naturally extracted from the atmosphere and then reduced or compressed in volume, according to the need of the mechanical processes to which it is catering.
The compressed air is stored and pressurized by the help of built-in compressors. Afterwards, the pressurized air is automatically redistributed across the pneumatic system unto other interlinked machines and used to facilitate various processes.
How Pneumatic Systems Work
Pneumatic systems generally rely on a steady supply of compressed air from built-in compressors in order to function. The compressor draws in air from the atmosphere and stores it within a built-in high-pressure storage tank (commonly referred to as the receiver) and compresses the air. Once the air has been compressed, the system acts on pistons and automatically redistributes the pressurized air through a series of valves and pipes.
The compressed air is usually set to around a working pressure of 6kg per square meter — 8kg per square meter and used as a working medium. This way, the system can develop a maximum force of up to 50kn or 55kn.
Why Manufacturers Should Leverage Pneumatic Technologies
There are several advantages for using pneumatic systems, rather than hydraulic-powered or full-on electrically powered systems in manufacturing. Topmost among these benefits are safety and cost. By leveraging compressed air to drive factory automation, manufacturers spend less on upfront expenses and ongoing maintenance costs.
The process of acquiring and installing pneumatic systems is also easy. You only need to hire the services of a professional pneumatic equipment distributor agency to handle the logistics and installation processes.
These experts are specialists at finding the most appropriate fittings for your workspace and making quality and durable installations. Most companies even offer pneumatic machine maintenance services and other post installation overhauls.
The popularity of pneumatic machines within these industries is mostly attributed to the fact that they leverage advanced IIoT technologies and security protocols. Also, they are highly cost-effective when compared to their hydraulic and electrically powered counterparts. Additionally, pneumatic systems typically have a much more simplistic build compared to hydraulic and electrically powered actuator systems.
Furthermore, pneumatic systems offer a safer, efficient, and more organized power transmission model for managing and controlling the movement of fragile industrial machines. Because they use air as their primary working medium, there are lesser chances of fire outbreaks and other such hazards in the workplace.
Pneumatics have the ability to perform a multitude of automated tasks, from stacking to clamping, gripping, positioning, etc. these machines are well equipped to deliver effortlessly.
In addition, pneumatic machines also function seamlessly when incorporated for adaptive uses, such as tensioning, pressing, etc. And, in each use case, they can function flexibly regardless of whether it's a closed-loop control or a setup that requires extra precision.
Manufacturers can integrate pneumatic technologies for all kinds of fabrication and assembly processes. For instance, they can be installed to transport items in maintenance facilities, or to convey items on assembly lines during production.
Also, pneumatics are an excellent fit for pairing with heavy duty machinery like drills. They can handle the back-and-forth pressure accompanied by the repetitive actions of the driller without posing any fire threats. Pneumatics are particularly built for intense iterative tasks because they can handle the stress effortlessly.
Benefits of Pneumatic Systems for Industrial Use
Pneumatic systems provide a plethora of benefits when they are incorporated for manufacturing processes. Some notable benefits include:
Reliability
Pneumatics are safer and highly effective. Since the compressed air derived from the atmosphere is not restricted by distance, it can be transported through pipes and controlled by valves and pistons effortlessly.
In
addition, because of the unlimited supply of air in the atmosphere, pneumatic machines can
work round the clock, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week without fail
or lack of power.
Sustainability
Pneumatic systems leverage sustainable energy. By incorporating them for manufacturing processes, manufacturers don’t only reap the benefits, but also actively support a more sustainable ecosystem. The compressed air is derived naturally from the atmosphere without need for processing, and recycled back afterwards.
Furthermore, by using pneumatic systems, manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprints since the technology is void of producing pollutants. As such, pneumatic machines are an extremely environmentally friendly solution.
Durability
Pneumatic systems are highly durable because of the nature of their components and the mechanism by which they function. Since they do not require any combustion or rapid wearing and tearing during production processes, they can last for several years after installation.
The components used to build pneumatic systems are usually extremely hard-wearing compared to their electromotive counterparts. Also, they typically leverage a simplistic design which allows for rapid gular or linear movements at variable operational speeds. Their working speed limits are flexible and can be easily optimized of faster or slower operations.
Cost Effectiveness
By incorporating pneumatic systems for industrial operations, manufacturers can save more on costs of installation and maintenance expenses. Their longevity also assures that unlike their hydraulic and electrically-powered counterparts, costs of upkeep, maintenance, and repairs won't amount to much even after several years of installation.
Lower Downtime and Labor
By incorporating the power of automated pneumatic machines, manufacturers can increase productivity by leveraging higher uptime. Since pneumatic machines can run for longer periods without the need of electricity, they can produce multiple times more.
Also, pneumatic machines require very little or no human effort at all. Because of this, manufacturers can save more on costs of human labor and other associated expenses during production.
Conclusion
With today’s technological demands in manufacturing, pneumatic machines play essential roles in various manufacturing processes. A shift toward pneumatic automated technologies guarantees safety and also helps to enhance environmental sustainability, amongst several other benefits.
By
integrating them, manufacturers can save more on costs of production while
optimizing overall performance and customer satisfaction. By leveraging
renowned pneumatic
equipment distributors like Festo USA, manufacturers can get quality equipment and
installations while maintaining high-quality productions and optimal user
satisfaction.
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