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Pneumatic systems and control

2 dot points across 2 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do valves control a pneumatic cylinder, and how is speed and direction managed?

Pneumatic control: 3/2 and 5/2 directional control valves, controlling single and double-acting cylinders, and speed control with flow-restriction valves.
A CCEA GCSE Technology and Design answer on pneumatic control: directional control valves (3/2 and 5/2), how they operate single and double-acting cylinders, methods of operating valves, and controlling cylinder speed with flow-restriction valves.
11 min answer →

What are the main pneumatic components, and how do single and double-acting cylinders work?

Pneumatic components: the air supply, single-acting and double-acting cylinders, and the force a cylinder produces from pressure and area.
A CCEA GCSE Technology and Design answer on pneumatic components: the compressed-air supply, single-acting and double-acting cylinders and how each returns, and calculating the output force of a cylinder from pressure and piston area.
12 min answer →