Getting started with Pneumatics - the Basics

For a customer project I need to use pressurised air and pneumatic actuators/cylinders. Having little experience on the topic I did what I usually do - I read up and look for good videos that explain what I'll need. I couldn't find a good introductory video covering what you need to build a pneumatic setup, so I figured I'd make one myself that explain the questions I had a few months ago.
People use Pneumatics for so many things like air tools and prop making, but in my case I'm making an auto-loading air cannon shooting soft balls :)
I've also gotten requests to add links to the parts that I use. Below are some Amazon affiliate links that give me a cent (or maybe even two) if you pick up parts via these. Remember to buy the same diameter of all things.
1/8" 3/2 Solenoid valve for 12V: amzn.to/3h7kTGF
1/8" 5/2 way Solenoid valve 12V amzn.to/37CoXvt (not exact same, but similar)
1/8" thread connectors for 1/4 Inch Tube amzn.to/3pgBevH
1/4" Pneumatic tube amzn.to/34z9N8j
Here I'm suggesting parts using the smaller 1/8" threads with 1/4" tube, but most stores will have other sizes as well. In addition to the above, you'll need several connectors for going up/down in size, but I can't really suggest much more as that would depend on your setup and if you're in a metric/imperial country. The parts above should get you going anyway?
0:00 Intro
1:07 Selecting a compressor
4:13 Connectors and tubing
7:49 Valves and cylinders
10:02 Solving leaks
11:01 Single acting cylinder with 3/2 Pneumatic valve
11:49 Double acting cylinder with 5/2 Pneumatic valve

[@TheGoodSon89]

Pretty good demonstration. You helped me a lot, thank you!

[@cherylm2C6671]

Thank you so much for your presentation. I will be back to learn more.

[@frankcullen6942]

Thanks for posting this. Very informative.

[@sohailalawadhi5626]

This is really helpful for me.. I appreciate you for doing this video..

[@telum2265]

Excellent explanation thanks a lot.

[@Flazo4112]

Thank you soo much this video will greatly help my teams understanding on pneumatics!!!

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Glad it's of use! Please share it if you can, so it will become more visible on KZbin ;)

[@StrikeEagIe]

Thanks. I needed this for Mark Rober’s summer class.

[@Maketronics]

Cool! Is there Pneumatics in his course?

[@skrompboi]

you can use them if you want

[@StrikeEagIe]

@@Maketronics No, but he did list it in his optional things to buy. I’m using a pneumatic cylinder for an automatic trapdoor system required for my project.

[@mytastydurian5015]

@@StrikeEagIe Yeah same here. Also doing Mark Rober's summer class.

[@StrikeEagIe]

@@mytastydurian5015 what’s your name

[@Sunny_the_tiger]

Thanks for this video this will help me with pneumatics

[@Yusuf-dx4hw]

Thank you so much, it helped me a lot.

[@Chris-gq6fm]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@ma.riannn]

tysm for this. vex robotics' new game introduces pneumatics so I needed to find an explanation vid

[@OMGWTFBBQSHEEP]

Great intro to pneumatics! Greetings from Grimstad :)

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hilsen tilbake fra Nordre Follo! (nå som alle vet hvor det er, kan man jo si det i stedet for Kolbotn ;-) )

[@sareem8642]

Great Video!! As I keep coming back here, it would be great to have chapters

[@Maketronics]

Good point! I've added some now.

[@MultiDreamer21]

Thank you for this video.

[@mohammadzahid8733]

Very informative.

[@alyzasasing]

very helpful ❤

[@johnmethew95]

Very helpful thanks. 👌

[@snowwwmannnyt]

Thank you, I’m trying to build a pneumatic robot, now I know where to get the parts

[@derricktriumph4233]

I sell over 20 thousands of pneumatic components such as pneumatic fittings, cylinders, solenoid valve etc. Skype:13612860512 Email: [e-mail]

[@Muffins_vr288]

Same here

[@evanleftwick5662]

Good video, thanks for posting. Where did you find those small actuators? I need something just like the one way spring loaded you have.

[@Maketronics]

Hi Evan. I got mine from AliExpress, but if you're in the US, it's usually faster to get it from Amazon.

[@DimaProk]

Now if only eBay sellers would specify which connectors to buy for their cylinder I would buy one already for my project.

[@stevecahill9106]

Very nice demonstration. Question , the double acting actuator was in the extended position can it be started in the retracted position? What is the advantage of the double vers the single with the spring to retract?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi Steve. With a Double Acting cylinder, you can start at either position as long as you maintain pressure. If you release pressure, gravity takes over. The primary advantage is however to control the speed. If you want a Single Acting cylinder that starts in the expanded position, you can find this also but it's more common to find the opposite. Google words like "single acting spring extend air cylinder" and you'll find it.

[@stevecahill9106]

@@JensChrBrynildsen Thank you. Will go for the double action. I need the action to start in the retracted position, (pressurized) nice to have the option to control speed.

[@zachsshop]

Boutta make animatronics with this 😀thanks very useful

[@Mac_1849]

Sake of it "tanks" for compressor systems are often reffered to as receievers, tanks are often related with hydraulic systems at least if you're in the UK

[@unkowndata2338]

Thank you for this video! How loud is your compressor?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Not so loud that it scares me? The most important is to have a pressure chamber so the compressor does not have to run all the time. Beyond that, you pretty much pay per decibel of reduced noise so it really depends on your budget. Any cheap compressor will be loud basically.

[@WallStreet749]

I wish you would show us video of the cannon build.

[@foliwe]

Thanks for the video. can you list the items you use and where to purchase. The valves and cylinders .Thanks

[@Maketronics]

Hi. I just added some links in the video description to get you started.

[@steviebrown7478]

Great work .. gotta question I'm trying to figure out how to make something that can keep a spray can keep spraying by some kinda power button. im working on a guyver suit and trying to get the oxygen spray look out the mask if you have any ideal please drop a note I really appreciate it Thanks

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Heya. Just get a simple solenoid? Wire 12V from a battery, to the button and to the solenoid and it'll trigger when you press the button :)

[@dcdc3973]

How did your ball launcher turn out? I wanted to make something similar that would be able to shoot a basketball ball up to 20-25 feet. Would everything just need to be sized up to handle that?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

It actually ended up beeing opposite of what I thought. If you try to blow something inside a tube, it'll fail at some point. The ball will stop inside the tube. What I had to do was to use under-pressure. Turned out great and have been running all year for 4 years at the museeum by now. They're very happy with the installation.

[@121790tyler]

I always get confused because i always think if i want the rod end to come out slower i need to adjust the flow control on the closed end and if i want the rod end to go in slower i neer to adjust the flow control on the rod end i must be lookint at it as air coming in instead of air exhausting out

[@hrvojelasic5794]

nice

[@benmaillet7326]

THANK YOU!

[@Sifu-Myers]

Hey so I got some Tailonz pneumatic fittings, solenoid valves and such the 1/4 NPT. I have no idea how to connect that to a compressor. Part wise I can't seem to find anything. Is there any recommendations?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Heya. I have no idea where in the world you are, so it's hard to offer specific advice. But - if you go to a proper hardware store that sells pneumatic tools & fittings, they can give you advice. Bring a valve to explain? (And no - Harbour Freight is not the kind of hardware store I think about here. You'll need somewhere that knows more than selling cheap stuff)

[@tejaspanchal3484]

Hi, can we control the position of the piston extension via 4/3 solenoid valve?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Nope. For that, you'd probably use an electronically actuated device with position feedback. Look for a linear actuator with position feedback?

[@17hmr243]

Would you use more air keeping single acting open for 5sec then using dub acting ?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Sorry for late reply. This would depend on your setup/connections, but it does not have to.

[@ryanbyrnez710]

I’m looking to make a prop electric chair and need something to make the dummy shake. how would I make the cylinder automatically open and close without having to press a button

[@Maketronics]

Sure. This is fairly easy to do with a microcontroller like Arduino. Just search YT for the keywords Arduino and Pneumatics to find many. James Bruton is one of my favorites kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmioo3prmsiCaNU but check some others as well that go more into the details? One thing: many of the examples I found are using Relays. Keep in mind that mechanical relays don't like being turned on/off very fast, so it's often better to use an SSR instead?

[@alyzasasing]

what do you call that connectors you used which controls the exhaust port flowrate and the inlet port flowrate?

[@Maketronics]

Hi! That would be a "pneumatic muffler" or "pneumatic exhaust filter".

[@ahirudinsarifudin4587]

Good

[@brendanlidral-porter8071]

I'm debating building a pneumatic adjustable desk so I can supress a lever and adjust the height of the desk. I have a math background but no engineering and access to a maker space. Is this feasible or should I be looking for professional help?

[@Maketronics]

I would definitely go for something that is electrically actuated, unless you have a need to lift the table within less than a second... Just google "12V linear actuator".

[@brendanlidral-porter8071]

@@Maketronics I think I've settled on a gas strut/spring. I want to not have it be electronic though I agree a linear actuator is a good solution for this type of problem

[@cdyoutoob]

What about use of negative(fractional?) pressures. Working with vacuum.

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi Chris. I have not done that myself, but I would think that would work in general? I'd look at the specification of each item in your setup to see if it is doable as especially valves would need to support it. I had a look and the ones I have do all require positive pressure to work as intended. I'd look at the Festo homepage to read their data sheets.

[@ziqzai]

Im making a pneumatic vegetable cutting machin for my final year project, what kind of air compressor should i get?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

I would need more info on expected cutting speed, the size of the setup and much more to advice on that, but just start with something that has a tank? If that runs out of air, you'll know that you need something bigger.

[@bambooplushproductions6339]

What size of cylinder did you use?

[@elinadragomirescu6449]

I want to bulid one!

[@toqmunggg]

mantap

[@michaelplace4754]

it can power a whole building bro it does heat ac fans temps

[@thatmachineguy6118]

Hey so I'm trying to make a portable system and Im considering CO2 and/or paintball canisters of air, any suggestions?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

You could totally do, but it seems a little wasteful? Will be expensive in the long run :) This guy has a good explanation of his setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXTbe2RoqJZgmas and CO2 makes much more sense than air.

[@jccooluser]

How would a steam powered 3d printer work 🤔 steam produced by a on demand water heater, or by cooking

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

I love the idea! Please build one! I'd use a "boiler" a kettle of pressure like on a steam train. You'll have to constantly adjust pressure and have emergency valves in case pressure gets too high.

[@abubakarwanngah6769]

I like 2ft piston speed and 5kg body,and dc eletrik

[@Maketronics]

A little unclear to me, but just get some gear and get started and you'll find what you need?

[@nosbig6462]

Amazing! Fuck the guy who disliked this is insanely helpful. You got a like a sub my friend!

[@jaypeeestrada4369]

What size of this pneumatic cylinder?

[@lucass8126]

Hey nice video! I was wondering how powerful of an air compressor do I need to move the piston?

[@Maketronics]

Most small compressors will give you at least 8 bars of pressure and that's enough, unless you are moving something heavy. Look for a compressor that has a tank, so the motor does not have to start all the time?

[@QuickFacts108]

can you please share the pump details that you used for this demonstration

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi. If you expand the Description here on KZbin, you'll find the details ;-)

[@tj9382]

How do you know what diameter tube you need? Nice video though. 👍

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi. Your parts (actuators, valves) will have connector that have a specific size. You select this when you buy and most parts come with connectors for different tube sizes. Its easier if you just use a single size in your setup, but you can also find connectors that go from 4 to 6 or 8mm tube (and others). Its very flexible in other words.

[@tj9382]

@@JensChrBrynildsen hi thanks for your reply, what I actually meant was, what determines that you would need to use, say 8mm instead of say 6mm in your design; a bit like when using electrical cabling, it would be the amps drawn by the load that would tell you to use a 2.5mm cable rather than 1.5mm.

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

@@tj9382 Ahh. I have not had a need for this, but larger diameters can hold more volume vs pressure. For large actuators, it would take a very long time to open/close with a 4mm tube, given that there is also a limit to how much pressure you can (and should) apply. An 8mm tube has 4 times the area and can thus actuate a large valve 4 times faster :)

[@user-wc4kk3yk4i]

Hiya mate I'm just getting into this sort of thing & I'm going to make a working model of basic hydraulics system so I can show it to my friends & I'd like it if you could give me a list of what I will need to get & anything else that you think would help me with it then thank's for that one jonboy

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Heya. Just check the description for links. So many asked me for this, so I added them. This isn't hydraulics though as that would require a fluid in the lines. Same, same, but different?

[@quinsworth1]

Brilliant video but I can't seem to find what you have :(

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi Eddie. What I have? As in the components I have?

[@quinsworth1]

@@JensChrBrynildsen yup. I find that there is very little choice in Ireland and it's usually twice the price. Your video is brilliant tho. I found a cylinder simular to the on you used for 78 euro and a controller that I need to check back on Monday. Could you reccomend a few brands. I'm just using them to show them to kids. I'm a youth worker and I wana build some small things with the teenagers I work with.

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Eddie Quinn That was quite expensive. What I have is a mix of parts that I used in a customer project and things I found on Banggood & Aliexpress. I'd recommend browsing these sites for parts for learning. The expensive parts are all from Festo. There is certainly a quality difference, but not for learning or hobby projects.

[@Maketronics]

Hi Eddie. The video has gotten a lot of views, so I added some Amazon links that could help you getting started (it's a long time since you asked tho).

[@elinadragomirescu6449]

I want a pneumatic animatronic!

[@ofiliozecas]

Can someone tell me where to buy the pneumatic used in the video please?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Just search sites like ebay, AliExpress and banggood for pnaumatic sylinder/valve/tubing/connector?

[@serenachen5592]

we are cylinders manufacturer

[@unodragon2294]

Hey do you know if I can use a mini compressor

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

I have found that some of these are not be able to hold the pressure at max for more than a few seconds. Another problem is that it will produce noise continuously. If the noise is no problem, you can give it a shot. I would recommend getting one that has a pressure chamber though - even if it's just a small one. Start with a small that you treat well and then sell it when you find that you need something bigger?

[@unodragon2294]

@@JensChrBrynildsen they you might have a Idea what for brand I need to look for?

[@TW39]

Hi can not using a air tank to lift weight weaken the strength the cylinder not lifting one side off my chassis im only using air pump 7.4v lipo battery and lego air cylinder

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Sorry. I have no idea what you are trying to achieve with your LEGO here - weak cylinders or not ;-)

[@TW39]

@@JensChrBrynildsenthe lego ones i have are weak to lift my chassis but the 16mm bore mini peumatic air cylinders i have lift it

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

@@TW39 Ok.I still don't understand your question though? Do you wonder how to get more "pressure/lift"? The easy answer is to not use cylinders made for LEGO since there are obvious limits to how much pressure a plastic cylider can hold.

[@TW39]

i know now have to use 16 bore in diameter peumatic air cylinders to lift the weight im new 2 this

[@sandtech]

Are you from Norway?

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Yup 😉

[@jamesnike7127]

dude i got a job as an engineer and i don't even know one bit about these things... my boss is gonna explode at me

[@mayo4507]

so how'd it go

[@jamesnike7127]

@@mayo4507 i left and it was the best decision i ever made. i left engineering forever and took a different career path :) same wage , easier task .. customer service executive

[@Biopok]

What the power supply? 12v ?amps ??

[@JensChrBrynildsen]

Hi. This depends on your specific device. The one's listed under the video are 12V (as written), but you'll find others as well. 24V is a common battery on trucks/lorries, so that's also common. There's also 110/230V solenoids available. Amperage is directly related to how strong the solenoid is. These small one's won't pull much, but look at their datasheet and you'll find what you need.

[@sumantasingh9644]

Humko chahiye

[@jaydekaytv]

Watch at 10x lol - but thx for the vid

[@ahirudinsarifudin4587]

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