🌪️Pneumatic Components

Pneumatic Components

PCM/PH

Pneumatics Control Module (PCM) (CTRE) OR Pneumatic Module (PM) (Rev)

8 Single acting/4 double-acting pistons vs 16 single-acting/8 double-acting pistons

Learn more about wiring these module on the Electrical/Wiring pages.

Compressor

Compressor (Viair 090C Air Compressor)

• should be wired to compressor power

• Compresses air to be stored in the system

• Can be on or off robot (recommend on robot)

Pressure Release Valve

Pressure Release Valve (IMI Precision Engineering/Norgren)

• 120 psi

• Relieves excess pressure if the system exceeds the intended maximum. This valve must be directly connected to the compressor via hard fittings

Pressure Switch

Pressure Switch (Nason)

• Opens around 115 psi, closes at 95 psi

• Senses the current pressure in the system so the pneumatic controller

• knows whether to turn the compressor on or off

Air Tank

Air Tank (Clippard)

• Designed for up to 125psi

• Stores air to be used by the robot during matches

Pressure Reg.

Pressure Regulators (IMI Precision Engineering/Norgren)

• Max output pressure of 60 psi

• Placed before any working components (ex. Pistons, actuators)

• Regulates pressure down to a lower value for use by the robot

Electric Valves

Electric Valves (aka Solenoids) (Festo)

• Options: one-way or two-way valve

• an electromechanical component that switches airflow on and off to move pneumatic actuators

Pressure Gauges

Pressure Gauges (IMI Precision Engineering)

• Min of 2: Must be installed on the regulator, one must be installed before the regulator

• Indicate the pressure in the measured part of the system

Fittings

Fittings

• Use teflon tape to seal the connection

Tubing

• KOP is 0.25” outside diameter and 0.16” inside diameter

• Use black for out and blue for in to help with diagnosing/fixing leaks

Cylinders

Cylinders (aka pistons, aka actuator) (suppliers: Bimba or McMaster Carr)

• air cylinders or rotary actuators that turn the compressed air into physical motion

Manifold

Manifold (optional, not for use with FESTO)

• manifold is a block that allows the connection of multiple solenoid valves to a single input line

• Many teams use these to reduce plumbing and ease mounting of solenoid valves

One-Way Flow Regulators

• Can be in line or a fitting

• restricts the flow rate in one direction while allowing the full flow rate in the other direction

• Reduce the speed of movement in that direction without reducing the maximum force that the cylinder can provide