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Pneumatics

Pneumatics is the field of engineering dealing with machines using pressurized gases to store and transfer energy. Common pneumatics applications include things like machine tooling, medical equipment, loadshedding systems, and even aerospace engineering. The primary components in a typical pneumatic application are the pressure source, the compressor, the control unit, the piping, and the actuator.

The pressure source is usually compressed air, often supplied by a compressor, either directly from the atmosphere or a tank. This pressure is then regulated by the control unit, which regulates the inlet pressure by raising and lowering the pressure. The control unit also often controls the speed of the actuator, which is the device that actually does the work. The actuator is typically a mechanical or hydraulic device which converts the pressure into motion. The piping is sometimes flexible tubing, but can also be rigid metal piping.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics is an engineering field dealing with the use of liquids to transmit energy and provide motion control. Common hydraulic applications include industrial machinery, heavy equipment, woodworking machinery, automotive engines, greenhouses, and even aircraft. The primary components in a typical hydraulic application are the pressure source, the pump, the control unit, the piping, and the actuator.

The pressure source is usually a reservoir of liquid, often supplied by a pump. The pump forces the liquid into the actuator, the device that actually does the work. The actuation is often done by a valve which is controlled by the control unit, which regulates the pressure in the system. The piping is typically rigid metal piping rather than flexible tubing. Hydraulic drive systems are typically highly efficient due to the fact that the liquid is non-compressible and can transmit large amounts of force with minimal power input.