Flow Control Valve: Pneumatics and Robots

When people think of industrial robots, or any robot in general, they think that all moving parts use electrical motors and mechanical servos. But many robots today use air-powered systems, or pneumatics, to work. A compressor generates the compressed air, and the air moves to a reservoir that stores the air. A flow control valve controls the airflow, and circuits control the pneumatic valves or air rams that move the air between the parts that need it. Finally, the actuator uses the air for the robot’s main movement or task.

Industry applications for robots

During the first decade of the 21st century, most industrial robots used were the pneumatic robotic arms standard in manufacturing plants and factories. Today, there are numerous robots of all shapes, sizes, and designs in almost all industries and even households. These robots are essential in industries where they perform repetitive tasks that can be too monotonous for humans. Robots also perform tasks deemed too hazardous for humans.

Industries and tasks where robots are commonly used today include:

• Welding
• Material handling
• Automotive manufacturing
• Material removal
• Computer manufacturing
• Manufacturing assembly lines

Aside from manufacturing and other industries, you can now find robots in:

• Hospitals (Surgical assistants)
• Farms for automatic crop harvesting 
• Prosthetics or orthotics
• Educational toys
• Entertainment and animatronics
• Warehouses 
• Household maintenance

What are the advantages of pneumatic robots?

• More fluid movements – Pneumatic robots today move more smoothly and fluidly than their motor or servo counterparts. This is an advantage for lifelike robots and manufacturing robots because of the need for smooth but precise movements and no longer requiring large, heavy motors that are heavy on maintenance.
• Low safety risk – Motor and servo robots before required electricity or gas, becoming safety hazards due to explosion or fire risks. With pneumatic robots, only air escapes into the environment, similar to what we hear from air brakes in buses and trucks.
• Low maintenance – As mentioned before, pneumatic systems, unlike machines with heavy motors, require less maintenance. This makes pneumatic robots ideal for all industries despite their many moving parts. 

Moisture build-up

The only disadvantage to pneumatic robots is the build-up of condensation. Moisture can gather around the valves, compromising their functionality. However, should the air rams, pneumatic valves, or the flow control valve become compromised, no heavy maintenance is needed as these can be easily replaced. For fast replacements of valves for pneumatic robots, you only need to get in touch with Master Mac 2000.

Master Mac 2000 

Whether it’s a flow control valve or any other pneumatic valve, you only need to call 07 3344 4711. You can also visit the Master Mac 2000 at https://mastermac2000.com.au/. You can ask for Mack Valves, exclusively made in Australia.