Different machine operations need different types of technologies, and one type that is beginning to gain some ground in the world of engineering is compressed air technology.
The simplest example of compressed air technology system may be the balloons, popularly the helium balloons. But compressed air is way more than that, and in this article, we will be discussing the other applications of compressed air in machine operations.
What is Compressed Air?
This is the breeze that has been reduced in volume and tightly held under high pressure. The force from this is now being applied to different instruments and tools, from train brake systems to forging presses to rock drills to atomizers to riveters, even to paint sprayers. Bellows have been the most predominant form of compressed air that was used for forging and smelting during the earlier ages.
The advent of the twentieth century brought about a spike in the use of devices that work on this principle; Jet engine introduction for passenger military Warcraft stimulated its use. There was also a modification of axial-flow and centrifugal compressors.
Now, digital components like pneumatic-control components use this principle to power and control systems. The power generated by the compressed vent is safe, economical, and very flexible. You can check here to find more on compressed air.
Applications in Machine Operations
Take a minute to look around you. What exactly do you see? Maybe a laptop or phone in front of you, a desk you may be sitting on and a table, even some paper and wood, glass, ceramics, etc.
Even your next outings, is it a vacation, some diving, skiing, or even a picnic in the Caribbean. Whatever it is you are seeing or are thinking of doing, be rest assured that compressed puff has had a part to play in all of that.
Machine operations are carried out in machine shops. A machine shop can be described as a company where manufacturing or machining is carried out. Many machinists use cutting and machine tools to make tools, parts, and instruments.
These tools are usually made of plastic, glass, steel, wood, and metals. Machine shops vary in scale and size, depending on the type of industry.
What is Compressed Air Generally Used for?
Thinking about its applications is enough to make some people develop a migraine. However, there are used in two different applications in the manufacturing industry; these applications are referred to as;
Energy Air
This type is used to store and transmit energy to do any mechanical work. It is also used to power most pneumatic production tools, pressure clean parts, operate lathe chucks, and cool or convey components while production is going on.
Active Air
This is required as an integral and active part of specific processes. In this application, the whiff comes in contact with what is being produced, so its quality is vital. The dry, clean breeze is then boosted by using treatment using oil-free compressors.
This type is mainly applied in different industries like;
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Agitation and Aeration.
- Food and Beverages.
- Chemicals.
- Electronics and Semiconductors.
- Breath for Medical Purposes.
Why do Machine Operations need Air Compressors?
Be it cutting, drilling, shaping, or finishing; compressed air is vital in almost every machine operation. Many industries rely on systems that work on this principle to help in various operational processes. Even a traditional workday in an industry requires these compressors to produce a continuous and intermittent pressure-wind source.
Some of the machines that require compressed air in industries are;
Paint Booths and Water Recovery Filtration
Water filtration requires ventilation to manipulate the re-circulation processes and valves. On the other hand, pain booths are needed to paint the parts that have been manufactured, no matter the size of the industry. The spray guns work on the principle of pressurized wind.
Metal Lathes
Even though they have been designed for metals, most of them are now available for various types of materials in machine shops. They are powered by pressurized air, which makes the machine cut with precision and even rotates.
Milling machines
They are normally used to get flat surfaces but can also create irregular surfaces. They can also drill, cut gears, produce, and even bore slots, all of which can be powered by the pressurized wind.
Grinding Machines
They are used for grinding different materials like metals to remove imperfections after the materials have been cut. This link https://learnmechanical.com/grinding-machine/ has more on the operation of grinding machines.
Air Guns
When machine operations are being carried out, materials may be removed from workpieces to get a particular shape. This causes chips, dust, dirt, oil, and different contaminants to be trapped on the cutting surfaces and cutting tools. These may block manufacturing processes by hindering the efficiency of the machines and even cause damage to the devices.
Computer Numeric Control Machines
This machine arranges pieces of materials to meet given specifications by following coded instructions without manual input, all through the compressed breeze.
Final Note
Picking a good air compressor would not be easy. Some of the things you may need to watch out for when choosing them are; maintenance, replacement parts, noise, installation, certified tanks, and drains.
