Lesson 1Flow and speed control components: flow control valves, needle valves, one-way flow controls, quick exhaust valvesYou will understand how flow and speed control devices manage actuator movement. This section compares needle valves, one-way flow controls, and quick exhaust valves, with tips on meter-in versus meter-out configurations.
Needle valves versus flow control valvesMeter-in versus meter-out configurationsOne-way flow controls for cylinder speedQuick exhaust valves for fast retractionAvoiding instability and stick-slip motionLesson 2Air preparation units: filter, regulator, lubricator (FRL) functions and selection guidelinesThis section details FRL unit roles in safeguarding pneumatic systems. You will learn how filters, regulators, and lubricators function, how to size them properly, and how to pick layouts suited to air quality and flow needs.
Filter grades and water removal methodsRegulator types, ranges, and droop behaviorLubricator principles and when to avoid oilSizing FRLs for flow and pressure stabilityFRL placement, bypass, and maintenance plansLesson 3Basic properties of compressed air: pressure, flow, temperature, compressibility, units (psi, bar, l/min)This section goes over key properties of compressed air and their units. You will relate pressure, flow, temperature, and compressibility to actual circuit performance, covering pressure drops and energy consumption.
Gauge versus absolute pressure conceptsFlow units: l/min, SCFM, and NL/minTemperature effects on density and moistureCompressibility and pressure drop basicsEnergy use and leakage impact on costsLesson 4Sensors and feedback devices: pneumatic and electronic proximity sensors, mechanical limit switches, cushioning switchesThis section introduces common pneumatic sensing and feedback options. You will compare mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic devices, and learn mounting, protection, and wiring for dependable position feedback.
Mechanical limit switches and camsPneumatic signal sensors and logic useMagnetic proximity and reed sensorsElectronic proximity and analog feedbackMounting, wiring, and protection practicesLesson 5Pneumatic actuator types: single-acting vs double-acting cylinders, rodless cylinders, guided cylinders, cushioning and mounting stylesYou will study main pneumatic actuator types and their applications. The section compares single-acting, double-acting, rodless, and guided cylinders, including cushioning, mounting options, and selection considerations.
Single-acting versus double-acting cylindersRodless cylinders for long strokesGuided cylinders for side load controlAdjustable cushioning and end stopsMounting styles and alignment issuesLesson 6Valve types and functions: 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, 5/2 directional control valves, pilot-operated vs direct-acting, spring return vs detentedThis section covers common directional valve symbols and functions. You will compare 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, and 5/2 valves, direct-acting vs pilot-operated designs, and spring return vs detented operation.
Reading valve porting and position symbols2/2 and 3/2 valves for on-off and actuation4/2 and 5/2 valves for cylinder controlDirect-acting versus pilot-operated valvesSpring return, detented, and manual overridesLesson 7Force and stroke calculations: converting pressure to force, effective piston area, accounting for push/pull force differences and frictionYou will learn to convert pressure to practical force and stroke output. The section explains piston area, push vs pull force, friction adjustments, and safety margins for cylinder sizing in applications.
Calculating piston and annulus areasConverting pressure to theoretical forceAccounting for friction and efficiency lossPush versus pull force and rod bucklingStroke length, work, and safety factorsLesson 8Pressure safety components: pressure relief valves, safety valves, and pressure switchesHere you examine devices protecting people and equipment from excess pressure. The section compares relief valves, safety valves, and pressure switches, including setpoint selection, installation, testing, and standards.
Functions of relief and safety valvesPressure switch types and contact logicSelecting setpoints and blowdown marginsInstallation rules for discharge pipingInspection, testing, and documentationLesson 9Materials and fittings: tubing materials, fittings, lubricants, seals compatibility and contamination considerationsThis section discusses tubing, fittings, seals, and lubricants in pneumatics. You will compare materials, pressure ratings, chemical compatibility, and see how contamination or wrong choices shorten system life.
Tubing materials, ratings, and bend limitsPush-in, compression, and threaded fittingsSeal materials and media compatibilityLubricant types and interaction with sealsContamination sources and cleanliness controlLesson 10Common cylinder sizes and typical force ranges for small press-fit applications (approx. values for 1/4"–1" bore)Here you connect bore size to force output for small press-fit jobs. The section offers approximate force tables for 1/4"–1" bores, stroke limits, safety margins, and fixture rigidity tips.
Typical bores from 1/4 inch to 1 inchForce estimates at common supply pressuresEffect of stroke and speed on press qualityGuiding, fixturing, and side load limitsSafety margins for repeatable press forces
