What Is an Air Motor?
An Air Motor is a motor that rotates using air as its power source. Inside, there is an inlet for air supply and an outlet for air discharge. When air is fed into the motor, the rotor inside the motor rotates, and the machine can be moved using the power of the rotor.
Compressed air from a compressor or other source is generally used to power the motor, and many products are lighter and simpler in construction than electric motors.
An advantage of an air motor over an electric motor is that there is less risk of explosion.
Uses of Air Motors
Air Motors are typically used in industrial applications. Because of their resistance to water and chemicals, they are often used in industrial fields where cleanliness is important, such as food processing machinery and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. They are also sometimes used in machinery such as ships and aircraft.
Furthermore, compared to hydraulic motors, they have the advantage of being environmentally friendly because they do not leak oil. Therefore, they are also useful in industrial fields such as the petrochemical and mining industries, construction machinery, and automobiles.
Other applications include screw tightening machines and deburring machines.
Principle of Air Motors
The principle of the air motor is very simple: air is fed into an internal rotor to create rotary motion. The structure of an air motor consists of a main unit with an inlet and outlet and a rotor installed inside the main unit.
Air is drawn in from the outside through the inlet and fed into the rotor section to rotate it. The rotor is attached to the shaft of the rotating load.
The principle behind the rotation of the rotor is the law of conservation of air momentum. When air is fed into the rotor, the incoming air flows in one direction and is discharged from the outlet. The reaction force of the incoming air causes the rotor to rotate.
By adjusting the air supply and exhaust pressures, the number of rotations and torque can be adjusted. Therefore, it can be designed for various applications.
High-pressure air motors that enable higher rotation speeds have also been developed.
Types of Air Motors
The following types of air motors exist:
1. Valve Type Air Motor
This type of air motor is equipped with a valve to adjust the air supply and exhaust. The direction of rotation can be switched and high torque can be generated. The rotation speed and torque can be adjusted by adjusting the air pressure.
2. Piston Type Air Motor
This air motor incorporates multiple pistons and can rotate at high speeds among air motors. High speed rotation enables high power.
3. Gear Type Air Motor
This is an air motor with gears inside. By increasing the air pressure, high torque can be achieved. Its advantage is that it can be installed in a small space due to its compact size.
4. Barrel Type Air Motor
Barrel-type air motors use cylindrical parts and utilize air pressure to generate rotational motion. Because of their ability to generate high torque, they are used to move and transport heavy mechanical parts.
5. Blade Type Air Motor
This is an air motor with blades inside. Because of its small size and light weight, it is used for applications such as hand tools and model making.
How to Select an Air Motor
When selecting an air motor, consider the type, torque/revolution, ease of maintenance, and safety. As mentioned above, many types exist, so it is important to select the appropriate type that matches the characteristics of the equipment and components to be used.
In addition, torque and rotation speed vary depending on air pressure. Appropriate air pressure should be selected according to the requirements of the equipment or parts used.
When used in factories, for example, they are often used for long periods of time. Therefore, products with excellent durability and maintainability are suitable.
In addition, since air motors rotate at high speeds, it is also important to select a product that is equipped with a safety cover and a stop device.