CPP PREMA - industrial pneumatics - manufacturer of pneumatic components
Industrial pneumatics - components, systems and selection support from CPP PREMA
Pneumatics uses compressed air to drive, control and automate the operation of machines. In industry it powers the motion of actuators, the switching of valves, clamping, sliding, lifting, gripping, locking, blow-off and many auxiliary processes. CPP PREMA supplies pneumatic components to manufacturing plants, machine builders, integrators, distributors and maintenance departments.
What is pneumatics?
Pneumatics is a field of engineering that uses compressed air or other gases to transmit energy, control motion and automate processes. In industrial machines, pneumatics powers actuators, valves, grippers, tools and control systems. Its advantages are fast operation, simple design, a clean working medium and easy integration with automation.
In practice, pneumatics combines several areas of engineering. It covers the compressed air source, the distribution piping, the air preparation components, the tubing, fittings, control valves and the actuating elements. Only the correct selection of these parts creates an efficient pneumatic system.
In manufacturing plants, pneumatics is used wherever fast, repeatable and relatively simple motion is needed. This may be the extension of a piston rod, clamping a part, sliding a guide, opening a butterfly valve, controlling a process valve, locking a mechanism or blowing off a component before the next operation.
Pneumatics in industry - where is compressed air used?
Industrial pneumatics is one of the fundamental areas of machine automation. It is used in production lines, assembly stations, packaging machines, manipulators, clamping systems, part-transport systems, sorting systems, grippers, rotary tables, locking systems, blow-off systems and in many auxiliary applications.
Compressed air works well in applications where speed of operation, simple design, resistance to overload and easy servicing matter. A pneumatic system can run many cycles in a short time. It can also work in machines where the motion must be repeatable but does not require the accuracy typical of servo drives or high-power hydraulic systems.
Machine automation
Actuators, valves and valve manifolds control the motion of the actuating elements. Pneumatics supports clamping, sliding, locking, gripping and positioning of parts within the production cycle.
Maintenance
Maintenance departments use pneumatic components for repairs, upgrades and keeping machines running. What matters here is parts availability, clear documentation and the ability to identify a replacement.
Building workstations
Pneumatics makes it possible to build simple, effective and easy-to-service assembly, clamping, inspection and auxiliary workstations.
Compressed air installations
A properly designed compressed air system supplies pneumatic devices, limits pressure drops and improves the stability of pneumatic machine operation.
Pneumatics also has its limitations. Air is compressible, so the system will not always provide the positioning stiffness of hydraulics or an electric drive. It also requires proper preparation of the medium. Contamination, water, leaks, poorly chosen tubing or undersized cross-sections can reduce the efficiency of the system and increase energy consumption.
How does a pneumatic system work?
A pneumatic system works thanks to the energy of compressed air. The medium is produced by a compressor, stored in a tank, prepared for operation and delivered through tubing to pneumatic devices. Control valves decide the direction of air flow. The actuating element, most often a cylinder, converts the energy of the medium into mechanical motion.
Generating the medium
The compressor generates compressed air, which goes into the installation or the tank.
Air preparation
A filter, regulator, separator and lubricator prepare the medium for use in the system.
Flow control
A directional valve routes the air to the correct cylinder chamber or shuts off the flow.
Motion of the actuating element
A cylinder, gripper or pneumatic drive performs the motion required by the machine.
An example of how the system works is straightforward. The compressor generates compressed air and routes it to the tank, where the medium is stored and pressure-stabilized. The air then flows through the compressed air distribution system to the FRL unit, which is responsible for preparing the medium for use. The filter removes solid contaminants and condensate, the regulator sets the required working pressure, and the lubricator can deliver an oil mist if the pneumatic device requires it. Once prepared, the compressed air travels through the tubing to the blow-off gun, which enables controlled cleaning of parts, work areas or machine components.
Pneumatic components - what makes up a pneumatic system?
An effective pneumatic system is not made of a single element. It is built from a set of components that must be selected as a whole. The cylinder must match the required force and stroke. The valve must provide the right flow and control method. The tubing and fittings must not restrict the medium. Compressed air preparation must protect the whole system against water, contamination and unstable pressure.
Pneumatic cylinders and actuators
A pneumatic cylinder or actuator is the actuating element. It converts the energy of compressed air into motion. In most applications this is the linear motion of a piston rod, but in industrial practice you also find rotary actuators, including vane and rack-and-pinion designs, as well as rodless, clamping, compact, guided and special types.
CPP PREMA offers many families of pneumatic cylinders and actuators. Our portfolio includes, among others, SMI mini cylinders, STD mini cylinders, SOK round cylinders, SSI pin cylinders, STK shaped-tube cylinders, FORTIS profile-tube cylinders, CNOMO-compliant SCN cylinders, SDK clamping cylinders, SKP compact cylinders, SKY guided compact cylinders, SPT double-rod cylinders, SWH swivel (vane) cylinders, SPS cylinders for the food industry, rodless cylinders, special cylinders, grippers, accessories and repair kits.
When selecting a cylinder, knowing the bore alone is not enough. You have to account for the required force, stroke, mode of operation, cycle frequency, available pressure, the nature of the load, environmental conditions, the mounting method and servicing requirements.
Pneumatic valves and solenoid valves
Pneumatic valves control the flow of compressed air. They decide when the medium reaches the pneumatic device, which cylinder chamber it is routed to and when venting occurs. In automation systems the most common types are 3/2, 5/2 and 5/3 valves, along with shut-off valves, logic valves, check valves, throttle valves and one-way (throttle-check) valves.
A solenoid valve receives an electrical signal from the control system. When voltage is applied to the coil, it changes the valve position and the direction of medium flow. Valves can be monostable or bistable. A monostable valve returns to its initial position once the control signal disappears. A bistable valve stays in its last position until the next signal is applied.
The CPP PREMA range includes, among others, directional valves with electromagnetic, pneumatic and mechanical actuation. The catalog features the ZMG, ZMG NAMUR, ZEM, ZEM NAMUR, ZE, ZDE, ZE ISO 5599/1, ISO 5599/1, DTE, LTE, ZMGP, ZP, TM, DTM, PM, PZR, PZR MINI and PP series.
Valve manifolds (valve islands)
Valve manifolds are used in machines where a single system controls many pneumatic devices. They help tidy up the installation, reduce the number of separate tubing runs, shorten assembly time and make diagnostics easier. They are especially useful in automated assembly systems, packaging machines and workstations where many cylinders operate.
A well-chosen valve manifold helps you build a compact control system. It makes it easier to integrate pneumatics with the machine's automation and reduces the number of scattered elements at the station.
Compressed air preparation
Compressed air preparation affects the durability of the entire system. Air supplied to cylinders, valves and tools should be at the correct pressure, cleaned of contaminants and free of excess moisture. Some applications also require oil-mist lubrication.
This group includes filters, pressure regulators, lubricators, filter-regulator units, two-element compressed air preparation blocks, three-element PSP blocks, five-element PSP blocks, shut-off valves, distributors, pneumatic-electric switches, time relays, soft-start valves, pressure sensors, control switches, decompression valves, pressure gauges and mounting elements.
In practice, a compressed air preparation block should be matched to the system's demand, flow, pressure regulation range, required filtration and operating conditions. Too little flow can cause pressure drops. A lack of filtration can shorten the life of seals and moving parts.
Pneumatic tubing
Pneumatic tubing delivers the medium to valves, cylinders, grippers and other pneumatic devices. Its diameter, length, material and routing affect flow, the system's response time and pressure drops. Too small a tubing cross-section can limit the operation of even a correctly chosen cylinder.
When selecting tubing, check the outer and inner diameter, working pressure, temperature, flexibility, bend radius, mechanical resistance, chemical resistance and compatibility with the fittings. In moving installations, resistance to repeated bending also matters.
Pneumatic fittings, connectors and tube fittings
Pneumatic fittings ensure a tight and stable connection between the tubing and a system element. They are not a secondary detail. A poorly chosen fitting can restrict flow, make servicing harder, cause leaks or increase resistance in the installation.
Pneumatic systems use push-in fittings, screw (compression) fittings, push-in fittings for pipes, threaded fittings, barbed fittings, quick couplings, nipples, throttle valves, one-way (throttle-check) valves and tubing accessories. The choice depends on the tubing type, the thread, diameter, pressure, mounting conditions and the required serviceability.
Threaded fittings and pipe fittings
Threaded fittings complement the pneumatic system and the compressed air system. They include connecting, transitional and auxiliary elements such as nipples, reducers, elbows, tees, sockets, couplings, ball valves and other mounting elements.
When selecting these fittings, what matters is the thread type, material, working pressure, temperature, medium compatibility and the mounting method. In industrial installations, even a small connecting element should be matched to the operating conditions, because it affects tightness, safety and serviceability of the system.
How to select pneumatic components for a machine?
Selecting pneumatics should start with the function of the system, not with the parts catalog. First you need to define what the system has to do. Only then do you choose the cylinder, valve, tubing, fittings and compressed air preparation elements.
- Define the system's task. Should the system slide, clamp, lift, lock, rotate, grip, blow off or control flow?
- Determine the required motion. Check the stroke, direction of motion, cycle time, repeatability and allowable overloads.
- Determine the required force. Force depends on the working pressure, the effective piston area and the resistances present in the application.
- Check the available pressure and flow. The system needs an adequate pressure and flow reserve, especially with a high number of cycles.
- Select the cylinder or pneumatic device. Account for bore, stroke, type of operation, mounting, cushioning and environmental conditions.
- Select the directional valve. Check the number of ways and positions, the control method, flow, thread and monostable or bistable function.
- Select the tubing and fittings. Pay attention to diameters, lengths, material, temperature, bend radius and the tightness of the connections.
- Select compressed air preparation. Determine the required filtration, regulation range, flow and the need for lubrication.
- Plan for servicing. Plan access to parts, repair kits, documentation and ordering codes.
- Discuss the application with the manufacturer. This is especially important for harsh conditions, a high number of cycles or non-standard solutions.
Not sure which pneumatic component to choose?
Prepare the basic data: the system's function, working pressure, required motion, load, operating frequency and environmental conditions. On that basis it is easier to select the cylinder, valve, tubing and air preparation.
Contact CPP PREMA
Pneumatics vs. hydraulics - when to choose compressed air?
Pneumatics and hydraulics both serve to transmit energy and perform mechanical work, but they use a different medium. Pneumatics runs on compressed air. Hydraulics uses hydraulic fluid. The choice depends on the required force, speed, accuracy, working environment and maintenance costs.
Pneumatics
- medium: compressed air,
- fast operation,
- simple design for many systems,
- clean working medium,
- good integration with automation,
- commonly used for clamping, sliding, gripping and blow-off.
Hydraulics
- medium: hydraulic fluid,
- high forces,
- high stiffness under load,
- operation in heavy-duty applications,
- requires control of tightness and fluid cleanliness,
- commonly used in presses, heavy machinery and high-power systems.
Pneumatics is a good choice wherever fast, repeatable motion and simple servicing matter. Hydraulics is better for very high forces and heavy loads. In many plants both systems run side by side, because they solve different engineering problems.
Most common mistakes in pneumatic systems
Many pneumatics problems don't come from the quality of a single component, but from the wrong selection of the whole system. Tubing that's too small, a poorly chosen valve, a lack of filtration or a leak can reduce machine efficiency and increase energy costs.
Selecting by a single parameter
A cylinder should not be chosen by bore alone, nor a valve by thread alone. Force, flow, the number of cycles, the control type and the operating conditions all matter.
Undersized tubing
Too small a tubing diameter restricts flow. It can cause pressure drops and slower cylinder operation.
No air preparation
Contamination, water and unstable pressure shorten the life of valves, cylinders and seals.
Leaks
Leaks increase compressed air consumption. They can also cause unstable operation of pneumatic devices.
Poor cylinder mounting
Incorrect mounting can produce side loads and accelerated wear of the barrel, seals and guiding.
Lack of documentation
A lack of data on the valve, cylinder or repair-kit type lengthens downtime and makes servicing harder.
CPP PREMA - a pneumatics manufacturer for industry
CPP PREMA combines the experience of a manufacturer with practical knowledge of industrial applications. For the design engineer, this means access to technical information and the ability to select components for a project. For maintenance, it means easier identification of parts, accessories and repair kits. For the purchasing department, it means dealing with a company that knows its own products and their applications.
The CPP PREMA range covers the basic groups of pneumatic components: pneumatic cylinders and actuators, directional valves and solenoid valves, compressed air preparation elements, tubing, fittings, connectors, accessories and pipe fittings. This makes it possible to assemble a system from elements matched to operation in a compressed air system.
Pneumatics glossary - the key terms
Pneumatics
A field of engineering that uses compressed air to transmit energy, control motion and automate machine operation.
Compressed air
The working medium used in pneumatic systems. It transmits energy to valves, cylinders and other pneumatic devices.
Pneumatic cylinder (actuator)
The actuating element that converts the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion.
Directional valve
The element that controls the direction of medium flow. It can route air to the correct cylinder chamber or shut off the flow.
Solenoid valve
A valve controlled by an electrical signal. When voltage is applied to the coil, it changes state and the direction of medium flow.
3/2 valve
A valve with three ways and two positions. It is used, among other things, to control single-acting cylinders.
5/2 valve
A valve with five ways and two positions. It often controls a double-acting cylinder.
5/3 valve
A valve with five ways and three positions. The center position can perform different functions depending on the valve design.
Monostable valve
A valve that returns to its initial position once the control signal disappears, most often by means of a spring.
Bistable valve
A valve that stays in its last position after the signal disappears, until the next control signal is applied.
FRL / PSP
The compressed air preparation unit. It usually comprises a filter, regulator and lubricator, or their modular variants.
Throttle valve
An element that regulates the flow rate of the medium by changing the flow cross-section.
Check valve
An element that allows the medium to flow in one direction only.
Push-in fitting
An element that enables a quick connection of pneumatic tubing to a system element.
Pressure gauge
An instrument for measuring pressure in a pneumatic system.
Leak
An unwanted loss of compressed air from the installation or a system element. It increases energy costs and reduces operating stability.
FAQ - the most common questions about pneumatics
What is pneumatics?
Pneumatics is a field of engineering that uses compressed air to transmit energy, control motion and automate processes. In industry, pneumatics powers actuators, valves, grippers, tools and control systems.
How does a pneumatic system work?
A pneumatic system uses compressed air delivered to the actuating elements. The air passes through medium preparation, tubing and valves, then reaches a cylinder or another pneumatic device. The valve routes the medium to the correct chamber and causes motion.
What is a pneumatic cylinder used for?
A pneumatic cylinder converts the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion. Most often it performs linear motion, but rotary, vane, rodless, clamping, compact and special cylinders are also available.
How do you select a pneumatic cylinder?
Selecting a cylinder requires defining the force, stroke, mode of operation, cycle frequency, available pressure, the nature of the load, environmental conditions and the mounting method. A cylinder should not be chosen by bore alone.
What's the difference between a 3/2 and a 5/2 valve?
A 3/2 valve has three ways and two positions. It is often used to control a single-acting cylinder or a pneumatic signal. A 5/2 valve has five ways and two positions. It most often controls a double-acting cylinder.
What is a 5/3 valve used for?
A 5/3 valve has five ways and three positions. It is used when an extra center position is needed. Depending on the design, that position can shut off the ways, vent selected ports or perform another control function.
What's the difference between a monostable and a bistable valve?
A monostable valve returns to its initial position once the signal disappears, most often by means of a spring. A bistable valve stays in its last position after the signal disappears. To switch over it requires another control signal.
Why use compressed air preparation?
Compressed air preparation protects the system against contamination, water and unstable pressure. Filtration, pressure regulation and possible lubrication affect the durability of cylinders, valves, seals and pneumatic tools.
Does every pneumatic system need a lubricator?
Not every system requires a lubricator. The decision depends on the design of the elements, the manufacturer's requirements, the operating conditions and the type of application. Many modern systems use elements designed to run without additional lubrication, but this should be confirmed in the documentation.
What tubing is used in pneumatics?
Pneumatics uses tubing matched to pressure, temperature, diameter, flexibility and operating conditions. What matters is compatibility of the tubing with the fitting, resistance to bending and an adequate cross-section that won't restrict the flow of the medium.
How do you select pneumatic fittings?
Pneumatic fittings are chosen to match the tubing diameter, the thread type, the working pressure, the mounting conditions and the required serviceability. What matters is tightness, ease of assembly and the absence of unnecessary flow restrictions.
Why does pressure drop in a pneumatic installation?
A pressure drop can result from leaks, undersized tubing diameters, runs that are too long, improperly chosen valves, clogged filters or insufficient capacity of the compressed air source.
How can you reduce compressed air consumption?
Compressed air consumption can be reduced by eliminating leaks, using the right working pressure, selecting the tubing and valves, regularly servicing the filters and monitoring the operating cycles of pneumatic devices.
How does pneumatics differ from hydraulics?
Pneumatics uses compressed air, while hydraulics uses hydraulic fluid. Pneumatics works well for fast and repeatable movements. Hydraulics is more often chosen for high forces and heavy loads.
When is it worth choosing a pneumatics manufacturer over just a distributor?
A manufacturer knows the construction of its own elements, the documentation, the product series and the technical capabilities. This is important when selecting components for machines, during upgrades, in non-standard applications and for work in harsh industrial conditions.
Does CPP PREMA manufacture pneumatic cylinders?
CPP PREMA offers many families of pneumatic cylinders, including mini cylinders, cylinders compliant with industrial standards, compact, clamping, vane, rodless and special cylinders, as well as accessories and repair kits.
Does CPP PREMA offer pneumatic valves?
Yes. The range includes directional pneumatic valves and solenoid valves, covering 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 solutions, valves with electromagnetic, pneumatic and mechanical actuation, and series intended for various industrial applications.
Where can I check out CPP PREMA pneumatic products?
Products can be viewed in the CPP PREMA store under the categories: pneumatic cylinders and actuators, solenoid valves and directional valves, compressed air preparation, pipe and tube connectors, pneumatic tubing and threaded fittings.
Select the right pneumatics for your application
A good pneumatic system requires the right combination of cylinder, valve, tubing, fittings and compressed air preparation. Whether you are building a machine, upgrading a workstation or looking for a replacement, prepare the basic application data and discuss the selection with CPP PREMA.