How did pneumatics originate ?

Pneumatic technology has been recognized and utilized by humans for millennia. The first pneumatic gadget was discovered in 429 AD, when blow-guns, used by prehistoric hunters to shoot their prey, were discovered. The Greek mathematician Hero of Alexandria first recorded the principles of pneumatics in writing in the first century. He wrote about his inventions, which generated power and moved objects using the wind. The vacuum pump was created in the 1600s by German physicist Otto von Guericke as a result of these innovations. By applying air pressure, this pump could extract gas or air.

1800s – The Era of Revolutions

Numerous other pneumatic inventions were made after Guernicke's discovery during the 1800s and Industrial Revolution, especially to support the quickly expanding transportation, communication, and manufacturing sectors. It would be noted that the 1800s saw the emergence of the pneumatic industry as both companies and innovators realized the enormous potential of this technology. People started working with pneumatic systems to make tools that were useful instead of just being curious about them. Pneumatic tubes, which carried telegrams via pipes from one station to another, were the first examples of innovation in Victorian England. American businessman John Wanamaker created tube systems in the late 1800s that aided in the delivery of mail and money. Initially patented in 1892, the compound air compressor is capable of compressing air in cylinders. Cooling the cylinders with water jets—also referred to as water-jacketed cylinders—improved the compressor's efficiency in 1872.

The first underground system in American history was constructed by Alfred Beach in New York in 1867, marking the beginning of more practical applications for pneumatics. The vehicle was moved through the subterranean tube by pneumatics in the underground, which was built in 1870, Fig. 1, but was only operational for a few months. It was decided not to expand the pneumatic system because electric multiple-unit traction and cars were perfected soon after this trial.

In addition, John Wanamaker brought pneumatic tubes to the US Post Office in 1875 so that letters could be moved about the facility. These tubes were quickly adopted by department stores to enable cashiers to move cash and critical paperwork throughout the store. Charles Brady King invented the pneumatic hammer in the year 1890. In shipyards and on railway sleepers, this instrument became essential for fastening steel structures.

From the 1900s Until Now

The quantity and use of compressed air devices, Fig. 2, have increased dramatically since the 1800s invention boom. Many of these pneumatic parts were also computer controlled after the 1960s. Today, pneumatics is used in practically everything, from the air tool used in dentist offices to the axial flow and centrifugal compressors in jet engines. Pneumatics is also used by most roller coasters; in fact, the roller coaster with the quickest acceleration in the world is the only one that has an air-launch mechanism powered by pneumatics!

The Future of Pneumatics

Pneumatics' future is being questioned by many as the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to alter the manufacturing world.Pneumatics will play a bigger and bigger role in manufacturing and automation innovation in the years to come. The air cylinder made by JLCMC , a pneumatics manufacturer, is one example of this. In this statement, JLCMC underscores its commitment to spearheading innovation and adapting to the changing demands of diverse sectors such as the automotive, robotics, medical equipment, and machinery industries.

A standard pneumatic actuator wastes air in both directions each time it actuates by extending and retracting the cylinder to apply air pressure to either side of the piston.

Conversely, JLCMC's air-saving pneumatic actuator starts the retract action with the same compressed air that starts the cylinder's extended motion.  This reduces the operation time, electricity consumption, and carbon emissions of the air compressors by half and uses 47% less compressed air than a standard cylinder.  Pneumatics' role in reducing the carbon footprint of production is set to grow in the future. In fact, April 27, 2021, was the inaugural National Pneumatics Day, honouring the prudent and sustainable application of pneumatics—a technology that will power our planet for many years to come.

Written by JLCMC

www.jlcmc.com