Tag Archives: make

Air Cylinders and Pneumatic Systems: Making Things Work

Have been affected by pneumatics today? What a silly question. Of course you have! You just didn’t know it. In fact, pneumatics have much more of an impact on your life than you might think. First, what are they?

The term “pneumatics is typically used to refer to a branch of technology used almost exclusively in the industrial sector to control machinery. While there are a number of ways to control various types of machinery, one of the most effective, efficient, and most popular methods is through pneumatics.

Pneumatic systems make use of canisters of compressed air or specialized gasses to then exert a force on a wide array of pistons and machine parts. These pistons and components then provide the necessary movement required by the machine to accomplish its given task.

While the possibilities are vast when it comes to operating any type of system, Pneumatic systems are one of the simplest methods – which in turn makes them one of the most prevalent as well.

Pneumatic systems are comprised of a few major parts. First, there’s the compressor. The compressor is a pump that compresses air, raises it to a higher pressure, and then delivers it into the actual pneumatic system. This process can also be used to generate a force that pulls (a vacuum) instead of a force that pushes.

Next, there is the check valve and the directional valve. A check valve is a one-way valve that is used to grant the pressurized air access to the pneumatic system while at the same time preventing backflow. The directional valve actively controls the direction of the airflow to its correct source.

You might ask, “What happens if too much air is permitted into the system?” For that there is the accumulator, which stores compressed air to prevent potentially dangerous surges in pressure while also ensuring efficient operation.

Finally, there’s the actuator. Pneumatic actuators convert the stored compressed air into actual mechanical motion. Typical pneumatic actuators are comprised of a piston, a cylinder, and a configuration of valves and ports. In pneumatic systems, the motion created by the actuator is usually rotary or linear.

Pneumatics make quite a few things possible. While you might not realize it, they actually have a profound impact on our every day lives. For example, pneumatic systems are frequently used in…

  • Air brakes on busses and trucks
  • Air compressors
  • Pneumatic air guns
  • Pneumatic mail systems
  • Pneumatic motors
  • Jackhammers
  • Nail guns
  • Pressure regulators
  • Vacuum pumps
  • And much more


  • So as you can see, from mass production and manufacturing to the jackhammers that fix your roads and the busses that drive on them – pneumatics have a pronounced impact in a number of ways.

Air Cylinders and Pneumatic Systems: Making Things Work

Have been affected by pneumatics today? What a silly question. Of course you have! You just didn’t know it. In fact, pneumatics have much more of an impact on your life than you might think. First, what are they?

The term “pneumatics is typically used to refer to a branch of technology used almost exclusively in the industrial sector to control machinery. While there are a number of ways to control various types of machinery, one of the most effective, efficient, and most popular methods is through pneumatics.

Pneumatic systems make use of canisters of compressed air or specialized gasses to then exert a force on a wide array of pistons and machine parts. These pistons and components then provide the necessary movement required by the machine to accomplish its given task.

While the possibilities are vast when it comes to operating any type of system, Pneumatic systems are one of the simplest methods – which in turn makes them one of the most prevalent as well.

Pneumatic systems are comprised of a few major parts. First, there’s the compressor. The compressor is a pump that compresses air, raises it to a higher pressure, and then delivers it into the actual pneumatic system. This process can also be used to generate a force that pulls (a vacuum) instead of a force that pushes.

Next, there is the check valve and the directional valve. A check valve is a one-way valve that is used to grant the pressurized air access to the pneumatic system while at the same time preventing backflow. The directional valve actively controls the direction of the airflow to its correct source.

You might ask, “What happens if too much air is permitted into the system?” For that there is the accumulator, which stores compressed air to prevent potentially dangerous surges in pressure while also ensuring efficient operation.

Finally, there’s the actuator. Pneumatic actuators convert the stored compressed air into actual mechanical motion. Typical pneumatic actuators are comprised of a piston, a cylinder, and a configuration of valves and ports. In pneumatic systems, the motion created by the actuator is usually rotary or linear.

Pneumatics make quite a few things possible. While you might not realize it, they actually have a profound impact on our every day lives. For example, pneumatic systems are frequently used in…

  • Air brakes on busses and trucks
  • Air compressors
  • Pneumatic air guns
  • Pneumatic mail systems
  • Pneumatic motors
  • Jackhammers
  • Nail guns
  • Pressure regulators
  • Vacuum pumps
  • And much more


  • So as you can see, from mass production and manufacturing to the jackhammers that fix your roads and the busses that drive on them – pneumatics have a pronounced impact in a number of ways.

Search Engine Optimisation – What Makes it So Important

If you have a website, then it’s likely you’ve come across the term ‘SEO’ (Search Engine Optimisation) before. But what does this confusing little acronym actually mean? And why is it even important to know about it? Many people are saying that SEO is one of the most crucial factors in a business marketing strategy today – but is this relevant for your company? After learning a bit more about SEO in this article, you will hopefully be able to make an educated decision.

What does SEO mean?

SEO stands for ‘Search Engine Optimisation’. When you use this term in relation to your website, blog, or other forms of online material, you are saying that the content (words) in your online material have certain ‘keywords’ or ‘key phrases’ in them which people are searching for on Google, Yahoo!, Bing, or any of the other major Search Engines. Further than this, you are saying that (hopefully!) the keywords in your content are ones that have been chosen strategically to attract already qualified customers (people who want what you are selling) to your business – probably through your website.

Since the keywords people search are directly linked to the website which pop up in response to their needs, it’s pretty easy to see how having a website or online marketing material which is SEO ‘friendly’ (i.e. specifically geared towards those particular keywords) is important to make sure that they find you on the web.

How does it apply to your business?

If you currently have a company website, your site will have a ‘ranking’ i.e. a position it holds in a Google search for any combination of keywords. For example, if you are a florist you might be sitting at number 10 for ‘red roses Christchurch’ or number 50 for ‘online flower orders’. The problem here is that you are only appearing on the first page of Google for the first set of keywords, and much further down the list for the second set.

Ideally, you want to be listed on the first page for as many relevant keywords as possible. This ensures that those who want your product or service can find you. SEO plays a very big role in achieving this.

Can you learn SEO by yourself?

The field of Search Engine Optimisation is a sea of information. There are many tips and strategies out there which may or may not prove to be useful for your business marketing plan. Sometimes it is best to seek out people who specialise in SEO and have spent many hours finding out what works and what doesn’t. DIY can be a tempting option, but probably won’t have a long term pay-off.

SEO can make or break a business in this internet-dependent world. Make sure you put it to work for yours.