Posted by SMC Pneumatics USA- Orange Coast Pneumatics on 7/3/2014 to
Pneumatics Utilizing Air Pressure
When you think of a pneumatic pressure regulator, do you think of homemade air cannons? Would you use pneumatics utilizing air pressure to build an air cannon to shoot out pumpkins to almost a mile away?
If you do, you’re not alone. Pneumatics are more than just manufacturing components for ensuring products are fit for market – they are tools for fun!
How does it all come together? Pneumatics utilizing air pressure, that’s how! Sometimes called air cylinders, these mechanical devices use compressed gas to produce force in reciprocating motion. Engineers prefer pneumatics, since they’re quieter, cleaner and need less space for fluid storage.
Jets and a Pneumatic Catapult
Ever wonder how a Navy aircraft carrier launches jets off its deck? With a pneumatic catapult! When someone pushes the big “launch” button, rods and pistons move with compressed gas to push that massive jet like a big rubber band! This launches a 45,000 lb jet plane from 0 to 165 mph in just a few seconds!
Cool, huh? But what about moisture? Out on the sea, there’s a lot of moisture. Unfortunately, pneumatics hate moisture - they can put a serious kink in the works. Luckily, companies like SMC Pneumatics USA provide membrane dryers, desiccant dryers and refrigerated dryers to keep components dry to keep those jets flying high!
Pneumatics Air Cannon, Anyone?
Air cannons are not uncommon in manufacturing. In fact, there are many functions for pneumatics utilizing air pressure. These tools help workers blow out debris or clean out products going through the processing line. According to Manufacturing.com, because chip fly back can happen, airguns must stay compliant under OSHA with chip guarding included in the workplace.
This brings us to another point. Although it’s cool to build these types of cannons, we don’t want to put out an eye or land someone in the hospital, right? So, be sure to take safety precautions at the workplace and at home.
Now, air cannons are not just for manufacturing or professional use. On the Internet, you can see how people use a pneumatic air cannon to shoot out all kinds of different things. Some even go punkin chunkin with a pumpkin launcher! Depending on the cannon, some use 100 lbs per square inch of pressure to launch pumpkins close to a mile away! One also improved it’s launch radius by employing the Magnus effect, by adding something more to the top of their cannon. The Magnus effect causes high pressure under the pumpkin and low pressure on top of the pumpkin.
With such a wide-range of uses, both professional and personal, it only makes sense to make air cannons with the right components, such as air filters, pressure regulators, and Air Filter-Regulator-Lubricator Combined Units from SMC Pneumatics USA.
Do you now see how pneumatics utilizing air pressure not only help manufacturing, but also are a crucial component in some fun and entertaining projects? Think about it, how cool would it be to build a pumpkin launcher?
SMC Pneumatics USA, is powered by Orange Coast Pneumatics. Orange Coast Pneumatics (OcAire) is an official, national provider of SMC Pneumatics USA products. SMC offers 11,300 general pneumatics products, with over 560,000 variations, engineered to meet applications in every sector of the market. If you would like more information on our products and services, please visit us at our Website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.