Are You Ready for Predictive Maintenance

Pneumatic vs Electric Cylinders * 

The automation world has long been dominated by pneumatics. The main reason for this has been that the initial costs of pneumatic actuators can be up to 50% lower than that of electric actuators. However, over the years, electric automation products have come down in price and are growing at a faster rate than pneumatic products.  Each has its place and should always be determined by the requirements of the application. 

The following is a comparison of the two options, based on four variables: (1) position control, (2) speed control, (3) acceleration and deceleration, and (4) force control.

Position Control
If multiple positions are required, the electric actuator is the hands-down choice.  If it's just extend-retract, then a pneumatic cylinder is probably the best choice.

Speed Control
For pneumatic actuators, the velocity can be varied but typically it's the same over the entire stroke of the actuator and can be adjusted using flow controls.  For electric actuators, the velocity is programmed and can be varied during the stroke as needed.

Generally speaking a pneumatic actuator will offer higher speeds per unit size than an electric equivalent.

Acceleration and Deceleration
The acceleration of a pneumatic actuator is controlled by airflow and pressure, whereas the deceleration is usually controlled by an air cushion at the end of stroke and can be adjusted via a needle valve.

The acceleration and deceleration of electric actuators can be set and changed as desired with the programming software.

Electric actuators have the advantage here as you have more absolute control over acceleration and deceleration.

Force Control
The force exerted by a pneumatic actuator depends on the size of the actuator and the air pressure supplied.

For an electric actuator, the force exerted depends on the type of actuator/motor combo and can be set using the programming software.

Pneumatic actuators will offer higher force per unit size than an electric equivalent. However, the electric actuator will allow you to change or vary the force over the distance of the stroke.

For help in specifying both electric and pneumatic actuators, please contact your TSI automation specialist, John Post atjjpost@tsisolutions.us  or call him at 404-626-8935.

* Thanks to Jason Seigler of Festo for his input on this article.

Harmony Hogan

Harmony Hogan is one of the senior members of our Inside Sales staff, having recently celebrated her 6th anniversary with TSI. Her major area of focus is processing orders and quotes for our Value-Add assembly department.

When asked what she likes most about her job Harmony said, "I love that it doesn't feel like this is just a job; it feels like going to work for my second family. I am a helper deep down in my core. I want to help with everything I can! When customers call and can't figure something out or the immediate answer isn't an option, I can't wait to get into it and come up with something for them. And it's challenging because just about every situation is different, but that's what makes it fun. I'm looking forward to getting more familiar with T-Slot designing and helping create BOM's for the less complicated requests in order to be more helpful to our engineering department."

Outside of work, Harmony enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, trying new recipes, gardening and riding on the Harley with her husband.