Pneumatic actuators are used in a array of industrial processes. Anything pneumatic uses pressurized air to power machine operation and movement. Attaching pneumatics to actuators is a common way of turning that air pressure into movement.

Generally speaking, pneumatics are not as powerful as hydraulics. However, they can be compact and lightweight, ideal for assembly lines, as well as product loading and unloading and other tasks. Here are the most common types of pneumatic actuators:

1. Pneumatic linear actuators, like the pneumatic cylinder actuator (or air cylinder), consist of a piston powered by air pressure on one or both sides.

2. Pneumatic rotary actuators are usually of the rack-and-pinion type.

3. The pneumatic diaphragm actuator is often combined with a spring where air pressure depresses a diaphragm, which depresses a spring for linear actuation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy industrial pneumatic actuators as power valve actuators

Along with electric and hydraulic valve actuators, the pneumatic valve actuator is a common type of power valve actuator. These types are high-precision and can easily turn any size valve. Remote signal operation is a common feature in a power valve actuator.

I recommend: Tyco Flow Control carries high-quality hydraulic, pneumatic and electric actuators for heavy industrial applications. Numatics Inc. is a great place for pneumatic valves as well as almost any type of pneumatic equipment, including rotary and linear actuators.

Choose from many pneumatic actuator manufacturers for your linear pneumatic actuators

There are enough pneumatic linear actuator sources to be picky and do some price comparisons. Also, if what you're looking for fits any special category, search for websites that specialize in that category.

I recommend: One specialty type is the miniature pneumatic actuator. If you're thinking of a miniature or pneumatic micro-actuator, start with AGI Automation Components. They have a good selection. However, if you are in need of air cylinders, MSC Industrial Supply Co. has an absolutely huge selection.

Get a pneumatic rotary actuator from pneumatic actuator distributors that have it all

When buying a pneumatic rotary actuator, look for its max load and torque, as well as its operational temperature range. You'll also want to match the rotational angle with your application, whether it's loading, unloading, assembly line automation or anything else along those lines.

I recommend: Perhaps not quite as many companies supply wide selections of pneumatic rotary actuators as compared with the other types, but IC Fluid Power, Inc. does a nice job covering the bases with only a few models. AGI Automation Components is also a good place to shop. They have many models to choose from and clearly publish all the details you need to make a good choice.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying air cylinders for pneumatic actuators, choose wisely between single and double action. Single action uses an often uncontrollable spring for return, while double action cylinders are adjustable in either direction by changing the air pressures.