Please select a business area and your country and language.
William our air motors expert, will share his thoughts
Following on my previous article “Power is everything”, it is now time to make a decision: will you choose an air motor or an electric one? Read my article below to help you through your decision process.
Versatile, efficient, safe, and capable of operating in the most hostile environments – all features you would demand from just about any industrial product. However, when it comes to a new motor they’re absolutely crucial.
It’s fair to say that the default choice for many would be an electric motor, likely because of its levels of precision and accurate speed control. And if no air source available, that is a fine choice. However, if an air source is available, your operations will benefit more from using an air motor.
Let’s take the above four features in order, versatility first. Very easy to install and use, air motors offer multiple operating speeds and torque spans while power adjustment is simplicity itself.
In terms of efficiency, Air Motors have a much higher power-to-weight ratio than an electric motor combined with considerably lower operation and maintenance costs. An especially handy feature is the motor output’s ability to adjust automatically to match the load.
Safety is essential, of course, so it’s great that there are no risks of fire (no sparks involved), pollution, fluid leakage, or any water hammer problems.
Finally, heavy-duty air motors are not affected by hostile environments – including humid and explosive – and work well in temperatures of -20°F to 300°F. They can be used in any stop-and-start operation and can be stalled indefinitely without overheating. Should you be working around sensitive equipment such as MRI scanners, air motors are the perfect solution because they don’t generate electromagnetic fields.
Whatever sector you are in – including food production, chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, or automotive – air motors are undoubtedly the best option.
However, to achieve the best results you’ll need help choosing the most productive model for the job. CP has made the selection process easy by creating an online air motor selector that will help identify the best option using your specific operational parameters. With our help, you’ll save many hours that can be used on more productive activities.
Take a look at our Expert Corner to learn how to check whether a pneumatic motor or an electric one best fits your needs.
If you want to find out more or want to discuss anything to do with air motors, just get in touch with me via our contact us page.
May 11, 2022
If you’re considering a new motor, the chances are that electric motors are your go-to option. However, did you know that they will not always provide the best solution? It is especially true for more challenging industrial environments where air...
November 23, 2021
Air Motors Expert Corner Air Motors
The benefits of air motors are well known to OEMs and machine builders, as they provide simple and reliable power. They are compact but powerful, tough yet versatile, and safe to use in hazardous environments. But with over 100 to choose from, it...
January 15, 2020
Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a new range of air motors to its portfolio. The comprehensive air motor range combines multiple configurations. We offer a compact and well-balanced design with excellent performance in harsh environments, enabling...
Explore the working principle of air motors and learn how they convert compressed air into mechanical power. Discover the different types of air motors, their applications, and advantages in our comprehensive guide.
Learn about the factors that affect the performance of air motors and how to optimize their efficiency, power output, and lifespan.
Explore techniques and tips for modifying the performance of air motors, and learn how to adjust their speed, torque, power output, and other parameters to meet specific application requirements.
Learn how to install an air motor and get the best performance from your pneumatic system. Discover installation techniques, best practices, and safety considerations for air motors in our comprehensive guide.
