Pneumatic tools or otherwise known as air tools are proven to be reliable in multiple industries – may it be in the automotive, construction, mining, and aerospace industries amongst others.
Powered by compressed air, these tools offer superior performance for tightening, drilling, and grinding tasks, ensuring precision, speed and endurance. Their robust ergonomic design allows for prolonged use in demanding environments and results in high productivity.
The unparalleled power that air tools produce allows operators to finish the work fast. But what if the tool does not give as much power as it is expected to? What should you do?
Meet Air Guy, our skilful expert who is here to give you tips and insights on how to get the most out of your air tool!
It all starts with the air supply
All pneumatic tools need a power source - the air compressor. Check that your compressor delivers sufficient air pressure - 6.3 bars/ 90 pounds per square inch (PSI). However, the pressure is not the only factor impacting the tool performance. It is important to ensure that the air compressor delivers enough air to run the tool – more power requires more airflow which is measured by liters per second (l/s) or cubic feet per minute (cfm). Take a look at your regulator to check if the air supply is enough and you’re ready for the next step!
Air line installation
However, the air compressor is usually not where the problem is. The best place to start optimizing your system is between the air compressor and the tool itself.
Begin with the size of your tool and the application by which you will use it. This will then determine what hose and coupling you need and its size. The hose and coupling act as the conduit between the air compressor and the tool, thus it is important that they fit perfectly.
Additionally, the size of the air preparation unit FRL (Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator), should be based on the air consumption of the tool.
By making sure that you are using the right of air supply components, you can get most out of your production.
Hose effects performance
Once you have checked your air supply through your regulator, it is now time to check your hose. You need to use an inline pressure tester to measure the static pressure and the dynamic pressure (the more important bit) when running the tool.
If the regulator shows that you are not getting the dynamic pressure you need, it is time to check the size and the length of the hose.
A simple analogy is: If the dynamic pressure drops too much, you either need to go up in size of the hose or reduce its length.
Another thing to check is if you have the correct size of your coupling. Too small of a coupling can also cause pressure problems.
With these steps in place, you can ensure your air tools perform at their best, thus reducing downtime and boosting productivity. So, follow Air Guy’s tips, make the necessary adjustments, and experience the full potential of your air tools. Additionally, for more details check our Air Tools Installation pocket guide.