Pneumatic Tanks

[tsaksa]

Do not consider the pneumatic quick connects to really act as quick connects, at least not on the final robot. The tubing and even the connectors start to wear with repeated insertions. Try to limit the number of times you disconnect and reconnect these joints to avoid creating a lot of small leaks that are difficult to find. On the finished robot, it is not over cautious to re-trim the ends of the tubes each time you remove and reinsert them. If the tubing gets too short replace it completely. Many students seem to want to pop these connections on and off way too much for a trustworthy connection.

[Slartibartfest]

Is there any way to calculate how many times a certain tank can actuate a certain cylinder? Like an equation based on size of piston, force for the piston, size of air tank, pressure of the air tank.

[Nate Laverdure]

Originally Posted by Slartibartfest

Is there any way to calculate how many times a certain tank can actuate a certain cylinder? Like an equation based on size of piston, force for the piston, size of air tank, pressure of the air tank.

Yes there is! I recommend you read the Pneumatics for Newbies (pdf link) paper on Team 358's excellent Pneumatic Resources page.