How Pneumatic Valves Make Jackhammers Work
Concrete and asphalt, made to last decades, sometimes need to be removed to make way for a new project. In mining, rocks need to be removed to make digging faster. Before the invention of jackhammers (sometimes called pneumatic drills), heavy metal-headed sledgehammers were used. Today, with the number of concrete and asphalt projects, there won’t be enough chiropractors to keep the back of construction workers aligned. Jackhammers work well because of its air ram pneumatic component and pneumatic valves.
Compressed air is used inside pneumatic valves
If you never used a jackhammer before, the concept and process used are the same when you use a pneumatic nail gun, tire gauge, or bicycle or ball pump. The force of air pressure is used to power a jackhammer. Similarly, liquid pressure is used for hydraulics pneumatic systems.
The pressurised air used in pneumatic systems is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. When air is trapped in a container, such as a pneumatic valve, the pressurised air is always finding a way to escape and the molecules are continuously bouncing back and forth along the walls of the container.
What makes a jackhammer pound that hard?
In truth, the only energy involved in making a jackhammer pound up and down (and producing all that noise) is supplied by a pressurised air hose. The hose is made of really thick plastic and carries high-pressure air from a separate air-compressor unit that is run by a diesel engine.
The air compressor is a bit like a giant ball pump. When the worker presses down on the trigger, air pumps from a compressor into the jackhammer through a pneumatic valve. Pneumatic valves act like an on and off switch. When the trigger is pressed, the air flows through the pneumatic valve and into air tubes that will power the heavy piledriver that will power the drill bit at the bottom.
Who invented the jackhammer?
You could say that whoever invented the jackhammer also invented pneumatic valves that control the flow of air that pounds down on the piledriver. The earliest patent filed for a jackhammer belongs to Charles Brady King on May 19, 1892. King’s design is more elaborate than present-day jackhammers. The design was simply refined through the years.
Master Mac 2000
As small as pneumatic valves are, they are essential to everyday tools such as jackhammers. MasterMac2000 understands this essentiality since it was founded in 1989. It has grown to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors of quality brands such as Univer and Tolomatic pneumatic components and other valves and cylinders. Talk to a Master Mac 2000 representative today by visiting the website at https://mastermac2000.com.au/ for solutions to your industry needs.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.