1. Overview

Pneumatics and hydraulics are core technologies in industrial automation, utilizing compressed air (pneumatics) and pressurized fluids (hydraulics) to generate, control, and transmit power. Pneumatics excels in high-speed, clean operations, while hydraulics delivers high force and precision for heavy-duty tasks. Both systems are critical in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors due to their reliability, scalability, and adaptability to harsh environments.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

3. Structure and Components

A typical pneumatic system includes an air compressor, filters/regulators/lubricators (FRL units), directional control valves, actuators, and tubing. Hydraulic systems consist of a fluid reservoir, hydraulic pump, pressure valves, actuators (cylinders/motors), and hoses. Both systems integrate sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for automated control, with pneumatic systems emphasizing airflow management and hydraulic systems focusing on fluid pressure stability.

4. Key Technical Specifications

5. Application Fields

• Automotive: Robotic welding arms, paint-spraying systems
• Food & Beverage: Sanitary vacuum grippers, conveyor belt control
• Aerospace: Flight control surfaces, landing gear actuation
• Construction: Excavator boom systems, hydraulic breakers
• Energy: Wind turbine pitch control, offshore drilling equipment

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include load requirements (force/speed), environmental conditions (temperature/corrosion), energy efficiency targets, and maintenance accessibility. For example, a automotive plant selecting pneumatic grippers for robotic arms prioritized 0.1mm positional accuracy and 2Hz cycle speed, while a steel mill requiring hydraulic presses chose systems with 32MPa pressure rating and 95% volumetric efficiency. Always verify compliance with ISO 8573-1 (air quality) and NFPA T3.20.9 (hydraulic safety) standards.

8. Industry Trends

Key trends include: (1) Integration of IoT-enabled smart actuators with condition monitoring; (2) Development of water-hydraulics for environmentally sensitive applications; (3) Adoption of digital twins for system simulation; (4) Growth of electro-hydraulic hybrid systems for energy recovery; (5) Miniaturization of pneumatic components for collaborative robots (cobots). The market is projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR through 2030, driven by Industry 4.0 automation demands.