Compressing air is a technology that’s been around a long time. It’s simply intaking air at atmospheric pressure and then mechanically compressing it to a higher pressure. Most actuator systems that use pneumatic power have compression rates of about 80 to 100 psi.
This limited pressure rate makes pneumatic systems stable and safe. However, the low pressure rating makes them less powerful than higher capacity hydraulic actuators. Selecting a pneumatic system over a hydraulic or electric actuator is also a matter of application.
Pneumatic actuator systems have five main parts — a primary motor, a compressor unit, a storage tank, a delivery hose network and the actuator device. In the right situation, such as lighter duty applications, pneumatic systems are good choices. Here are some pros and cons of pneumatic actuators.