Pneumatic tool

A pneumatic tool, air tool, air-powered tool or pneumatic-powered tool is a type of power tool, driven by compressed air, supplied by an air compressor. Pneumatic tools can also be driven by compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) stored in small cylinders allowing for portability. Most pneumatic tools convert the compressed air to work using a pneumatic motor. Compared to their electric power tool equivalents, they are safer to run and maintain, without risk of sparks, short-circuiting or electrocution, and have a higher power to weight ratio, allowing a smaller, lighter tool to accomplish the same task. Furthermore, they are less likely to self-destruct in case the tool is jammed or overloaded.[1] General grade pneumatic tools with short life span are commonly cheaper and are also called disposable tools in tooling industries while industrial grade pneumatic tools with long life span are more expensive. In general, pneumatic tools are cheaper than the equivalent electric-powered tools. Regular lubrication of the tools is still needed however.[1]

Disadvantages are the need for an air compressor, pneumatic tubing and pneumatic couplings.[2] Air tools were formerly unpopular in the DIY (Do it yourself) market, but are becoming increasingly popular due to costs decreasing, and have always been ubiquitous in industrial and manufacturing

Most pneumatic tools are to be supplied with compressed air at 4 to 6 bar.[3]

Technical terms

It is important to know some general specification technical terms used in pneumatic tools while it is also related to how to choose a good air compressor and if the tool can meet your job requirement so that an air tool can be used properly, respectively, Free Speed (rpm), Air Pressure(psi/bar), Air Consumption(cfm/scfm or m3/min), Horse Power(hp), spindle size...etc. Depending on different type of pneumatic tools, there are different specification values that you need to pay attention to.

Flow or airflow, related to air consumption in pneumatic tools, represents the quantity of compressed air that passes through a section over a unit of time. It is represented in l/min, m3, at the equivalent value in free air in conditions of standard reference atmosphere (SRA), i.e. +20 c, 65% of relative humidity, 1013 mbar, in accordance with norms NFE.

Types of pneumatic tools

Common Brands

Common European brands

  • Mannesmann Demag


References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 S. R. Majumdar (1996). Pneumatic Systems: Principles and Maintenance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. pp. 107–. ISBN 978-0-07-460231-7.
  2. ↑ Tom Benford (2006). Garage and Workshop Gear Guide. MotorBooks International. pp. 114–. ISBN 978-1-61060-939-5.
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ "History - Insight Performance Group". Retrieved 30 April 2018.
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