What Is a Pneumatic Drill?
A pneumatic drill is a drill that uses an air motor.
Similar to the pneumatic drill is the electric drill. Electric drills are driven by an electric motor, while pneumatic drills are driven by an air motor that uses compressed air.
Like electric drills, pneumatic drills can be used as screwdrivers for fastening screws or drilling holes by changing the end attachment of the rotating shaft.
However, they are not powerful enough to drill holes in concrete; for such tasks, hammer drills and vibration drills are more suitable.
Pneumatic drills are compact and powerful compared to electric drills. The main unit is also lightweight, making it accessible for individuals with limited strength who can use it with relatively little effort.
Uses of Pneumatic Drills
Pneumatic drills are used in industrial product manufacturing lines, auto repair shops, and construction sites.
Principle of Pneumatic Drills
Pneumatic drills are driven by an air motor. An air motor is a device that converts the power of compressed air produced by a compressor into the rotation of a rotating shaft.
There are two types of air motors: vane type and piston type. Vane-type air motors are usually used in pneumatic drills. Compressed air is guided to chambers separated by blades called vanes built into the rotor, and the compressed air pushes the vanes to drive the rotating shaft.
A planetary gear mechanism is attached to the rotating shaft. The planetary gear mechanism is a gear mechanism in which one of the three elements (the central sun gear, the peripheral ring gear, and the planetary carrier between the sun and ring gears) is fixed, and when rotation is given to one of the remaining elements, their speed increases or decreases in speed.
The planetary gear mechanism reduces the rotation of the rotor and converts it to the speed and torque required to turn the bit or drill.
How to Select Pneumatic Drills
The following are points to consider when selecting pneumatic drills:
1. Drill Shape
Pneumatic drills come in various shapes. Generally, most pneumatic drills are small in size, but the shape should be selected based on the size of the workspace and the intended purpose of the drill. The most common product is the pistol type, similar to electric drills. They can be used in various orientations and are easy to maneuver. There is also a straight type that is easy to use even when the workspace is small and an angled type that combines the best of the pistol and straight types.
2. Air Consumption
Air consumption is a key factor in the specifications of pneumatic drills. Select a compressor according to the air consumption.
3. Rotation Speed
The speed of pneumatic drills depends on the rotation speed. Especially, the higher the rotation speed, the easier it is to drill small-diameter holes.
Other Information on Pneumatic Drills
How to Use Pneumatic Drills
Pneumatic drills are used by connecting them to an air compressor that supplies compressed air. As with ordinary drills, the drill is placed over the area to be drilled and the trigger is pulled to rotate the drill while drilling.
The key point to note at this point is the air pressure. Each pneumatic drill has a specified range of appropriate air pressure. If the air pressure is out of this range, it will put unnecessary strain on the bit and the drill as well as the parts inside the air tool. Therefore, it is important to adjust the air pressure while using a regulator that allows the air pressure to be checked.