Pneumatic vs Hydraulic systems: Versa-Bar has you covered
Published on August 29, 2024
You may have heard the terms pneumatic and hydraulic, but do you know the difference between them?
Our Versa-Bar line of products provides proven results in the pneumatic and hydraulic system industries.
Versa-Bar is so good, it's often referred to as the true hydraulic metal.
The Difference Between Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
A good understanding of the difference between these two systems is crucial in the industries we serve. Both of them are integral to many industries, but when it comes to the choice it depends on your specific requirements and the environment they’re used in.
In both hydraulics and pneumatics, a pump acts as the actuator, with valves controlling the process to convert pressure into mechanical movement. Each system generates more force than the initial input.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Hydraulics operates with a pressurized fluid to drive the mechanical actions. The fluids cannot be compressed and they are used to transfer force from one point to another without changing the volume under pressure. Typically, a fluid like oil is used in these systems. The fluid can potentially generate up to nine times the original force.
The hydraulics systems usually consist of a series of pistons. The more pistons you add to the system, the more force and complexity it delivers. These systems deal with heavier loads and perform more work.
They often come with a high initial cost, including installation expenses for permanent setups. The key to that cost is in how long the system will last.
PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
As for the pneumatic systems, they use gas instead of liquid to help increase the force. The pneumatic systems consist of interconnected components where compressed air flows through a series of hoses and is regulated by valves.
That compressed air is converted into mechanical energy. In some cases, inert gases that don’t undergo chemical reactions are used for specific tasks in the system.
The pneumatic systems are more suited for lighter tasks, but they can do these at a higher speed and for a lower cost.
The Benefits of Each System
A Closer Look at the Pneumatic System
The pneumatic system allows you to control the pressure and force you want, while the hydraulic system only gives you little or minimal control.
Pneumatic systems use gases, typically pressurized air, to generate that force and they commonly operate around 100 psi. However, some systems can get pressure up to between 3,000 and 5,000 psi.
Every pneumatic system has an air compressor with it, which controls the pressure or force. That is transported through hoses and valves to an actuator. One of the essential pieces of these systems is the filter, which helps prevent contaminants from getting into the system.
Pneumatics are capable of operating from a single centralized compressor that can run the whole facility. That configuration really reduces the costs of repair and maintenance.
The speed of the pneumatic system has to keep up with factory automation, packaging and more. Speed is essential and loads are low. A pneumatic system helps enhance production and efficiency.
A Closer Look at the Hydraulic System
Hydraulic systems are generally large and complex.
Hydraulic systems require a lot of space for the fluid reservoirs. Those need to be close to the system to support the volume of fluid required to generate the necessary pressure. This also requires the componentry to be heavier gauge materials with thicker walls for the tubing, pumps and hoses.
Because the construction is more substantial, it can then handle the heavier fluid pressures and carry the higher loads. However, this makes the systems somewhat slower to start and operate. Yet, that also yields a smoother and more controllable maneuver when handling large, heavy objects.
Hydraulics is defined as the study of fluids in motion. When pressure is applied to a liquid within a confined space, it is transmitted uniformly throughout the space. Hydraulic systems use this to amplify force. The principle allows a seemingly small force to lift or move thousands of pounds by leveraging the pressure exerted on the fluid.
Hydraulic systems have machine by machine pumps and motors. The systems are utilized in industrial applications ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 psi. For more specialized applications, hydraulic systems can provide up to 10,000 psi.
You can find common everyday applications of hydraulics. They are used in the braking systems for cars, on airplanes to help slow them down and land and even in trash compactors and garbage trucks.
Turn to AIA/VersaBar for your hydraulic or pneumatic part needs
AIA Versa/Bar can deliver high-quality parts for both the hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
With our continuous cast iron, we make quality parts like cylinders, iron pipes and various valves. Those valves include check, flow control and directional.
Why choose Versa-Bar for Fluid Power Applications?
The Versa-Bar continuous cast iron features microscopic flakes or graphite spheres with tiny recesses that help with oil retention. This means lubricated parts stay oily longer and the graphite acts as a self-lubricant in case of oil loss. Versa-Bar tubes, rounds, bars and rods offer superior wearability.
Versa-Bar is used in pistons, glands, manifolds, valves, pumps housing and vanes in hydraulic systems.
Versa-Bar is used in compressor screw rotors and vane-type rotors in pneumatic systems.
We can consistently provide your fluid power components with a fast and flexible nationwide supply chain. For custom hydraulic and pneumatic components, we only need a blueprint with your specifications to start building a prototype.
AIA/Versa-Bar’s goal is to provide you with the highest-quality hydraulic and pneumatic parts at the most affordable price. We also make sure you get them when you need them.
The capabilities of Versa-Bar extend far beyond replacement fluid power parts. We have a precision CNC machining service that allows us to manufacture a wide range of metal parts for all sorts of applications.
Click here to learn more about our Versa-Bar products or get a quote today.
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