What is Pneumatics?
[[File:Pneumeter - 2022.jpg|thumb|With a Pneumeter you measure air pressure, in the picture a hand-held pneumeter for measuring the air pressure in bicycle tires.]] '''Pneumatics''' is the use of [[compressed air]] for mechanical motion. It has many uses.<ref>In [[dentistry]] applications, pneumatic drills are lighter, faster, and simpler than an electric [[drill]] of the same power rating (because the [[compressor]], is separate from the drill and pumped air is capable of rotating the drill bit at extremely high rpm).</ref> Pneumatic transfer systems are employed in many industries to move powders and devices. Pneumatic devices are also used where [[electric motor]]s cannot be used for [[safety]] reasons, such as deep in a mine where explosive dust or [[gas]]es may be present. == Examples of pneumatic tools == * [[Pneumatic drill]] (jackhammer) used by road workers * [[Nailgun|Pneumatic nailgun]] * [[Switch|Pneumatic switches]] * [[Pneumatic actuator]]s * [[Gas compressor|Air compressors]] * [[Vacuum pump]]s * [[Barostat]] systems used in [[Neurogastroenterology]] and for researching electricity * [[Cable Jetting]] - a way to install cables in ducts * [[Pneumatic_tube#Pneumatic_Post|Pneumatic mail systems]] * [[Air brake]]s on buses, trains, and trucks ==Comparison to Hydraulics== Both pneumatics and [[hydraulics]] are applications of [[fluid power]]. Pneumatics uses air, which is [[Physical compression|compressible]], while [[hydraulics]] uses relatively incompressible [[liquid]] media such as oil or water. === Advantages of pneumatics === * The working fluid is very light in weight so supply hoses are not heavy. * Because the working fluid is (mostly) just air, there is usually no need for a return line for the working fluid and leaks of the working fluid tend not to be messy. * Because air is compressible, the equipment is less likely to be damaged by shock. The air in pneumatics absorbs excessive force, whereas the fluid of hydraulics directly transfers force. === Advantages of hydraulics ===