PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

Pneumatic actuators are devices used to convert the pressure energy of compressed air into
mechanical energy to perform useful work. In other words, actuators are used to perform the
task of exerting the required force at the end of the stroke, or used to create displacement by
the movement of the piston. Pressurised air from the compressor is stored in the reservoir
from where it is supplied to the pneumatic actuator to do work.
Identification of graphical symbols used in pneumatics and hydraulics
Note: For hydraulic components the part symbol will be filled in thus e.g. A hydraulic
motor would be shown as
Table 1. 1 Energy conversion symbols
Table 1. 2 Valve symbols