Compressed Air in the Machine Engineering Industry

Hardly any other industry is so significant and versatile as mechanical engineering. This branch includes production for both powered and driven machines, machine tools, conveyor systems as well as machinery for the automotive industry.

The application possibilities can also be varied and therefore also the requirements for compressed air. This is utilised e.g. for compressed air tools, plant and hoists, in cooling processes, for treating surfaces, for cleaning or also in higher quality as respiratory air.  

Particularly reliable and stable processes are elementary in the field of mechanical engineering in order to ensure cost-effective production. Energy efficiency or the carbon footprint are also becoming increasingly important. Individual design of the compressed air processing and treatment is therefore necessary depending on the application and ambient conditions of the compressed air station.

Otherwise there is a threat of machine failure and product rejection, high energy and operating costs as well as reduced service life of the machines.

Drive energy

Compressed air tools are often preferred in machine engineering compared to electrical tools because they are easy to use, no need for electrical voltage and their low weight. Some applications require the compressed air as drive unit energy. This does not require high compressed air quality, the installation of a refrigeration dryer and filter is often sufficient. The correct design for the processing and treatment is however important, otherwise unnecessary energy costs will result.

Compressed air is utilised e.g. for cleaning workstations, plants, systems and machinery: when the air is depressurised by using a special nozzle, there is fast and strong flowing air. Liquids or particles can be blown away with this air flow.

Mechanical engineering without robotics is almost impossible today - this provides support for procedures such as welding, assembly, gripping and induction. For these processes, pneumatic components are required on stationary or mobile handling robots which then means that compressed air is an important part within the framework of control and drive for robots. 

Other additional application areas for compressed air include e.g.:

Compressed air precision drill  

Compressed air jack hammer

Compressed air brakes

Grinding, sheet metal processing and screwing with compressed air

Respiratory Air

Many production areas include tasks executed in the area of dust, paints and other - much more dangerous - substances. In such cases it is applicable that the employee executing the task is protected against aerosols and fine dust and corresponding health hazards. The people will be supplied with breathing gas via a respiratory protective device or must even, like astronauts, wear totally sealed protective suits. In order to save space, compressed air is often stored in bottles - utilising respiratory air compressors. The compressed air must comply with high purity criteria for use as respiratory gas. The individual limiting values with regard to residual oil content and degree of drying are specified in DIN EN 12021.