Pneumatics is the control of force and movement through the use of valves and actuators where the motive fluid is compressed air. Pneumatic products can be split into 3 categories: Pneumatic Cylinders, products for Air Service and Preparation and Pneumatic Valves and Controls.

Pneumatic cylinders and accessories

Pneumatic cylinders use the force of compressed air against a moving piston to create mechanical movement, and would be sized to suit the mass of the load being moved over a distance, in the time required. Cylinders can be single-acting or double-acting. In single-acting cylinders the air forces the piston against a spring which will return the cylinder to its default position when the air is removed. In double-acting cylinders, air is used to push the piston one way, and to return the cylinder to its default position, air is applied on the opposite side of the piston while the original side the air is allowed to exhaust.

Air service and preparation

Related pages: Air service and preparation

Air preparation is designed to provide a quality air supply to the plant systems that will promote reliable operation and increased efficiency. This entails the removal of particles or contamination from the air stream such as water, and at the same time the air pressure is controlled to minimise energy wastage. For some applications, the cleaned air is then lubricated by the injection of an aerosolised oil to increased life, efficiency, reduced static friction and ensure all downstream components require no lubrication.

Pneumatic Valves and controls

To get effective use out of the pneumatic cylinders or actuators, use of the appropriate valve system interfaces the pneumatic system with the plant control scheme, such as SCADA. The Valve systems can be combined to perform complicated functions such as, sequential operation of cylinders, interlocking of machine movements, controlling the application of force and ensuring fail-safe operation using discrete logic or integrated controllers.
Valves can be individual units or they can be combined into valve islands for simplified communication using all standard BUS protocols.

MGA Controls Ltd has developed long-standing partnerships with the following suppliers, to allow us to supply a wide range of industries and application with the best products around:

  • Asco Numatics
  • Norgren
  • Konan
  • Festo
  • Parker
  • SMC
  • Camozzi
  • Metalwork
  • Pneumax