Consisting of a piston, cylinder, and valves or ports, a pneumatic actuator can convert energy into linear or rotary mechanical motions. This is dependent on whether the application is using a pneumatic rotary actuator or a linear actuator.
Linear actuators are well suited for fitting to angle seat control valves built for high temperature and steam applications, whereas the pneumatic rotary actuators are better suited for fitting to quarter-turn valves depending on the specification of the application.
Pneumatic actuators are reliant on the presence of some form of pressurised gas or compressed air entering a chamber where pressure is built up. Once this exceeds the required pressure levels in contrast to the atmospheric pressure outside of the chamber, it creates a controlled kinetic movement of a piston or gear which can be directed in either a straight or circular mechanical motion.
Pneumatic actuators are well suited to a wide variety of application types, serving across many different industry areas. Some of the most common applications include :
Combustible automobile engines
Air compressors
Packaging & production machinery
Railway application
Aviation.
