Lesson 1Flow and speed control components: flow control valves, needle valves, one-way flow controls, quick exhaust valvesYou will learn how devices for controlling flow and speed affect actuator movement. This part compares needle valves, one-way flow controls, and quick exhaust valves, with advice on meter-in versus meter-out arrangements.
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 part explains the roles of FRL units in safeguarding pneumatic systems. You will learn how filters, regulators, and lubricators function, how to size them properly, and how to pick layouts that fit 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 part reviews main properties of compressed air and their units. You will link pressure, flow, temperature, and compressibility to actual behaviors in circuits, including 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 part introduces common options for pneumatic sensing and feedback. You will compare mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic devices, and learn how to install, protect, and connect them for dependable position signals.
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 explore key types of pneumatic actuators and their uses. This part compares single-acting, double-acting, rodless, and guided cylinders, including cushioning, mounting options, and selection trade-offs.
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 part explains common symbols and functions of directional valves. You will compare 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, and 5/2 valves, direct-acting versus pilot-operated designs, and spring return versus detented actuation.
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 turn pressure into practical force and stroke work. This part covers piston area, push versus pull force, friction adjustments, and safety factors for sizing cylinders in various 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 study tools that protect people and machines from too much pressure. This part compares relief valves, safety valves, and pressure switches, covering how to set them, install, test, and follow 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 part covers tubing, fittings, seals, and lubricants in pneumatics. You will compare materials, pressure limits, and chemical fits, and see how dirt and 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 for small press-fit jobs. This part gives rough force tables for 1/4"–1" bores, talks about stroke limits, and stresses safety margins and fixture strength.
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
