Air, or pneumatic, motors convert compressed air energy into mechanical work through linear or rotary motion. Several different designs are available, of which the vane, piston, and turbine motors are the most common. The vane air motor, also known as the rotary air motor, sees extensive use in handheld tools due to its lightweight construction and straightforward design.
The vane air motor uses the pressure of compressed air to produce a rotational motion on a shaft, thereby producing rotational mechanical energy. Vane air motors consist mainly of a cylinder containing a rotor that revolves in an eccentrically offset perforation of the cylinder. The rotor has grooves in which vanes can move freely, dividing the chamber into separate working chambers of different sizes. When compressed air enters the motor, it moves from chamber to chamber, forcing the vanes to move, which in turn makes the motor shaft rotate, thus creating power.
The number of vanes in the motor can range from 3 to 10. In general, the fewer the vanes, the lower the losses due to friction, but this also means that starting the motor might be more difficult.
The vane air motor is distinguished by its low weight and simple design. It is easy to install in small, cramped places. In addition, the design makes maintenance easy since the motor is simple to take apart and parts that wear out, such as filters and vanes, cost very little to replace.
Vane air motors, the most prevalent air motor type, find usage in applications demanding low to medium power outputs. Even if their lightweight, compact, and economical properties make them the ideal choice for hand-held tools (almost all pneumatic tools in industrial manufacturing use vane air motors),. Vane air motors are also used for starting large industrial diesel or natural gas engines. The vane air engine is the predominant choice in the food, agricultural, petrochemical, and nuclear industries.
Atlas Copco offers the market's most comprehensive and technology-leading portfolio of vane, piston, and turbine air motors. Coupled with planetary and helical gear combinations, offering a solution to even the most challenging needs and requirements in industrial manufacturing.
To learn more about the air motor models, check out the video “Our air motor technologies: vane, piston and turbine” or contact Atlas Copco today!