​Pneumatics Terms and Definitions

Here we have collected the most commonly used terms and definitions in the field of Pneumatics. You will find basic terms, definitions alongside names of the various components and units you need to understand in order to work with pneumatic systems.  This will be useful to both experienced technicians as well as those new to the field. 


Quicklinks: Basic pneumatic terms | Advanced pneumatic terms | Pneumatic components | Pneumatic cylinders | Tools and Measurements | Branch standards pneumatics

Basic Pneumatic Terms

Pneumatic:  The method of using compressed air to generate power and movement 

Compressor: Machine used to compress air and increase its pressure

Air Cylinder:  Pneumatic unit which converts the pressure of compressed air to mechanical movement

Pressure Air:  Air which has been compressed giving it a higher pressure than surrounding atmosphere 

Air tank: A container for storage of compressed air for use in pneumatic systems 

Advanced Pneumatic Terms

Pneumatic diagram: A schematic drawing of a pneumatic system that shows the location of the components and how they are connected.

Valve Positions: Terms such as "open," "closed," "pressure supply," and "discharge" that describe various states of pneumatic valves.

Working pressure: The nominal pressure at which a pneumatic system is designed to operate.

Sectioning: Dividing a pneumatic system into different sections or zones to control specific functions independently.

Flow Control: Methods and components for regulating the airflow within a pneumatic system to achieve the desired motion and speed.

Pneumatic Symbols: Standardized symbols used in pneumatic diagrams to represent various components and functions.

Pressure drop: The difference in air pressure between two points within a pneumatic system, which can affect performance.

Valve Function: How a pneumatic valve works, including whether it is a two-way valve, three-way valve, four-way valve, or any other type.

Proportional pneumatics: Uses valves and controls to provide precise and proportional control over airflow and pressure, which is essential in applications that require high precision.

Electronic control: Integration of electronics and sensors into pneumatic systems that enable advanced control and monitoring of system performance.

Energy recovery: Advanced pneumatic systems can leverage energy recovery technologies to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.

Pneumatic Design: Uses pneumatics to create movable structures and robots for industrial and research applications.

Integrated pneumatics and hydraulics: In some applications, both pneumatic and hydraulic systems are combined to take advantage of the best features of the respective technologies.

Pneumatic Components

Pneumatic Valve: A component that regulates the flow of compressed air within a system.

Air filter: A device used to clean the air from particles and contaminants before it is used in a pneumatic system.

Air Pressure Regulator: A component used to control and adjust the pressure in a pneumatic system.

Pneumatic Hose Assembly: A piping system that transfers compressed air between various pneumatic components.

Pressure gauge: A gauge used to measure and display the air pressure in a pneumatic system.

Pneumatic actuator: A device that converts the pressure from compressed air into mechanical motion to perform a specific task or work. Actuators include cylinders and rotary pneumatic units.

Pneumatic Cylindres

Pistons: A moving part inside a pneumatic cylinder that converts pressure from air into mechanical motion.

Double-acting cylinder: A pneumatic cylinder that can apply force both when pressing and pulling out the piston.

Single-acting cylinder: A pneumatic cylinder that can apply force only in one of the directions, either imploring or pulling out the piston.

Tools and Measurements

Torque Wrench: A tool used to precisely apply torque when assembling pneumatic components.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A unit of measurement that measures airflow in cubic feet per minute and is used to describe the capacity of a compressor or system.

Bar (Pascal): Bar is often used to indicate the air pressure within pneumatic systems. For example, a pneumatic cylinder can have a working pressure of 6 bar. 1 bar equals 100,000 pascals (Pa).

Psi (pound per square inch): Psi is a common unit of measurement for air pressure, especially in some regions that use the imperial system. A common pressure range for pneumatic systems can be between 80 psi and 120 psi.g som anvÀnds för att exakt tillföra vridmoment vid montering av pneumatiska komponenter.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): En mÄttenhet som mÀter luftflöde i kubikfot per minut och anvÀnds för att beskriva kapaciteten hos en kompressor eller system.

Bar (Pascal): Bar anvÀnds ofta för att ange lufttrycket inom pneumatiska system. Till exempel kan en pneumatisk cylinder ha ett arbetstryck pÄ 6 bar. 1 bar motsvarar 100 000 pascal (Pa).

Psi (pound per square inch): Psi Àr en vanlig mÄttenhet för lufttryck, sÀrskilt i vissa regioner som anvÀnder det imperialska systemet. Ett vanligt tryckomrÄde för pneumatiska system kan vara mellan 80 psi och 120 psi.

Branch standards in Pneumatics

ISO 15552: This standard specifies the dimensions and performance of large-diameter, high-power pneumatic cylinders.

ISO 5599: A standard for modular valves, making it easier to build and maintain pneumatic systems.

ISO 1219-1: Standardizes pneumatic symbols for use in pneumatic diagrams and drawings.

NFPA 79: A standard from the National Fire Protection Association that regulates electrical and pneumatic systems in industrial automation and machinery.

ISO 6432: This standard specifies the dimensions and performance of smaller-diameter cylinders, often known as "mini-cylinders."

ISO 10087: A standard covering pressure measurement in pneumatic systems and providing guidelines for the correct use of pressure sensors.

ISO 15524: The standard focuses on methods for testing pneumatic components and systems, including testing cylinders and valves.

VDMA 24562: A German standard for cylinders specifying the dimensions and performance of pneumatic cylinders.

ASME B30.30: A standard from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that covers safety requirements and recommendations for the use of cranes and hoists, including pneumatic hoists.

EN ISO 4414: A European standard that provides guidelines for the use of compressed air, including safety aspects and compressed air quality.

CE marking: Within the European Union, many pneumatic components and systems must be CE marked to comply with product safety and compliance regulations.

​Pneumatics Terms and Definitions

Here we have collected the most commonly used terms and definitions in the field of Pneumatics. You will find basic terms, definitions alongside names of the various components and units you need to understand in order to work with pneumatic systems.  This will be useful to both experienced technicians as well as those new to the field. 


Quicklinks: Basic pneumatic terms | Advanced pneumatic terms | Pneumatic components | Pneumatic cylinders | Tools and Measurements | Branch standards pneumatics

Basic Pneumatic Terms

Pneumatic:  The method of using compressed air to generate power and movement 

Compressor: Machine used to compress air and increase its pressure

Air Cylinder:  Pneumatic unit which converts the pressure of compressed air to mechanical movement

Pressure Air:  Air which has been compressed giving it a higher pressure than surrounding atmosphere 

Air tank: A container for storage of compressed air for use in pneumatic systems 

Advanced Pneumatic Terms

Pneumatic diagram: A schematic drawing of a pneumatic system that shows the location of the components and how they are connected.

Valve Positions: Terms such as "open," "closed," "pressure supply," and "discharge" that describe various states of pneumatic valves.

Working pressure: The nominal pressure at which a pneumatic system is designed to operate.

Sectioning: Dividing a pneumatic system into different sections or zones to control specific functions independently.

Flow Control: Methods and components for regulating the airflow within a pneumatic system to achieve the desired motion and speed.

Pneumatic Symbols: Standardized symbols used in pneumatic diagrams to represent various components and functions.

Pressure drop: The difference in air pressure between two points within a pneumatic system, which can affect performance.

Valve Function: How a pneumatic valve works, including whether it is a two-way valve, three-way valve, four-way valve, or any other type.

Proportional pneumatics: Uses valves and controls to provide precise and proportional control over airflow and pressure, which is essential in applications that require high precision.

Electronic control: Integration of electronics and sensors into pneumatic systems that enable advanced control and monitoring of system performance.

Energy recovery: Advanced pneumatic systems can leverage energy recovery technologies to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.

Pneumatic Design: Uses pneumatics to create movable structures and robots for industrial and research applications.

Integrated pneumatics and hydraulics: In some applications, both pneumatic and hydraulic systems are combined to take advantage of the best features of the respective technologies.

Pneumatic Components

Pneumatic Valve: A component that regulates the flow of compressed air within a system.

Air filter: A device used to clean the air from particles and contaminants before it is used in a pneumatic system.

Air Pressure Regulator: A component used to control and adjust the pressure in a pneumatic system.

Pneumatic Hose Assembly: A piping system that transfers compressed air between various pneumatic components.

Pressure gauge: A gauge used to measure and display the air pressure in a pneumatic system.

Pneumatic actuator: A device that converts the pressure from compressed air into mechanical motion to perform a specific task or work. Actuators include cylinders and rotary pneumatic units.

Pneumatic Cylindres

Pistons: A moving part inside a pneumatic cylinder that converts pressure from air into mechanical motion.

Double-acting cylinder: A pneumatic cylinder that can apply force both when pressing and pulling out the piston.

Single-acting cylinder: A pneumatic cylinder that can apply force only in one of the directions, either imploring or pulling out the piston.

Tools and Measurements

Torque Wrench: A tool used to precisely apply torque when assembling pneumatic components.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A unit of measurement that measures airflow in cubic feet per minute and is used to describe the capacity of a compressor or system.

Bar (Pascal): Bar is often used to indicate the air pressure within pneumatic systems. For example, a pneumatic cylinder can have a working pressure of 6 bar. 1 bar equals 100,000 pascals (Pa).

Psi (pound per square inch): Psi is a common unit of measurement for air pressure, especially in some regions that use the imperial system. A common pressure range for pneumatic systems can be between 80 psi and 120 psi.g som anvÀnds för att exakt tillföra vridmoment vid montering av pneumatiska komponenter.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): En mÄttenhet som mÀter luftflöde i kubikfot per minut och anvÀnds för att beskriva kapaciteten hos en kompressor eller system.

Bar (Pascal): Bar anvÀnds ofta för att ange lufttrycket inom pneumatiska system. Till exempel kan en pneumatisk cylinder ha ett arbetstryck pÄ 6 bar. 1 bar motsvarar 100 000 pascal (Pa).

Psi (pound per square inch): Psi Àr en vanlig mÄttenhet för lufttryck, sÀrskilt i vissa regioner som anvÀnder det imperialska systemet. Ett vanligt tryckomrÄde för pneumatiska system kan vara mellan 80 psi och 120 psi.

Branch standards in Pneumatics

ISO 15552: This standard specifies the dimensions and performance of large-diameter, high-power pneumatic cylinders.

ISO 5599: A standard for modular valves, making it easier to build and maintain pneumatic systems.

ISO 1219-1: Standardizes pneumatic symbols for use in pneumatic diagrams and drawings.

NFPA 79: A standard from the National Fire Protection Association that regulates electrical and pneumatic systems in industrial automation and machinery.

ISO 6432: This standard specifies the dimensions and performance of smaller-diameter cylinders, often known as "mini-cylinders."

ISO 10087: A standard covering pressure measurement in pneumatic systems and providing guidelines for the correct use of pressure sensors.

ISO 15524: The standard focuses on methods for testing pneumatic components and systems, including testing cylinders and valves.

VDMA 24562: A German standard for cylinders specifying the dimensions and performance of pneumatic cylinders.

ASME B30.30: A standard from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that covers safety requirements and recommendations for the use of cranes and hoists, including pneumatic hoists.

EN ISO 4414: A European standard that provides guidelines for the use of compressed air, including safety aspects and compressed air quality.

CE marking: Within the European Union, many pneumatic components and systems must be CE marked to comply with product safety and compliance regulations.