LEGO Pneumatic Cylinders VS Linear Actuators
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- Both lego technic pneumatic cylinders as well as lego technic linear actuators achieve, on the surface, the exact same functionality just by different methods. Which system is better for playability? Which system is better for practicality?
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I prefer pneumatics, taught me about how hydraulics worked in real vehicles when I was younger.
Same here!
But you know that real hydraulic installation works different than pneumatic. I mean because of compression and agregation of air it can't standstill in middle position. Hydraulic is much slower bu can by also much precise and stronger. If i will choice IMO 8 wanna liquid pomp and hydraulic instalation. Pneumatic can by great to play with industrial automation machines and whole lines.
Marcin Sosna yes there are definitely differences between the performance of each system, but they work on the same basic principle.
@Scoobalicious I agree, but it would be an ideal solution if the project provided for a strong and well-functioning structure where the linear actuator and its gear would be a problem (jumping on the teeth) - this happens in 42100 if we want to lift / move something heavier. However, a serious problem with power hydraulics is the leakage of fluid, impurities in the installation and a more complicated structure of the power supply system.
@@marcinsosna2852 mocists are listening, don't give them any more insane ideas.
use a linear actuator to push the valve of a pneumatics system
Awesome idea!
Lol, now you can use both.
I once built a sort of pneumatic useless machine automaton. With constant air supply, two arms would "fight" over a valve switch that switched between two sets of pneumatic cylinders that ran the valve switches for extending and retracting the arm cylinders in sequence.
Big 🧠 🧠 🧠 🧠 🧠 🧠 🧠
Plus they can work as 1 unit witch is awesome thing with lego.Lego dosent have Limits on amagination and creativity because people push lego beyond its limits
They both have their advantages. With the linear actuators, they can be made to stop at very specific points, whereas with pneumatics - getting it to stop at a precise location along its shaft is pretty much impossible - and usually only either extends or contracts to its extremes.
I love ur channel because first u show ur opinion and show really cool lego technic sets and second u go back and read ur comments
Thank you very much I really appreciate it
1:21 My nostalgia for that set is also legendary, I remember watching the videos of the website covering how you could put in the power functions and I wanted the set so badly
i myself love pneumatics, i watched videos of them and even learned how to build pumps, but never saw them myself. that was until my friend came with a pump, a piston and a switch. i decided to use my skills to build a motorized pump and managed to make a piston extend and retract with a switch thanks to the pump. and i started loving them. because of that im probably gonna buy pneumatic sets and things myself, i just love them.
Well here's how I see it, after having built a decent number of MOCs:
Linear actuators have higher power and incredible accuracy, however powering them can be quite tricky in complex setups*. They need a powered axle to run from the motor/gearbox all the way to the actuator, which means that the axle most accommodate any movement and angles on it's "way". Sometimes it's easier to just slap a motor closer to the actuator and call it a day. Sometimes it's impossible. Also if the movement of the LA must be limited, basically you're screwed. Fully remote controlled capability is however easier to achieve
*excavator arms and body mounted actuators are not complex setups
Pneumatics on the other hand are less powerful, have no precision what so ever, but powering them remotely is easy: just connect a long enough hose and pray that the pressure doesn't escape. The hose system allows incredible flexibility in mounting positions, for example in 42043 extending arm, or even detached from the main body. Limiting the movement of the pneumatic cylinder doesn't damage the pieces, but it's rather difficult to achieve full remote controlling.
I'm my creations I go for linear actuators when I need power and precise remote control capability, and use pneumatics for on/off style or manual functions. They are a great help in motorizing multiple gearboxes at once, for instance to lock the differential on all axles at once, remotely. I believe there is a future for pneumatics, especially with PU/C+ if LEGO develops a pneumatic control unit: a powered piece that has an air supply port and 2-4 pairs of ports that connect to cylinders; this way 2-4 cylinders (or groups of cylinders) could be remotely controlled.
A powered up pneumatics control unit sounds absolutely epic!!!!
Well said. Each should have its usage. No need to start a war. :)
Without using an air compressor, the Lineal actuators can push/lift way more weight, as far as i know.
Keep up, you are making really great content and you deserve way more subscribers than what you have💪
Thank you very much! Even with an air compressor, much of the air would leak out from the pneumatic cylinders
@@Unbrickme thats true, but i was to lazy to write such a long comment😅
@Dillon Bishop lol thats literally what i commented under your comment. But maybe you havent read it yet so i like your idea
@Dillon Bishop now thats a funny coincidence
One pneumatic set I like is the Volvo EW160E. It's a really good set imo: you can add power functions so you wouldn't have to pump manually, and have some lights for working nightshifts; I actually did some modding to it to add the switch between the motor and battery box so I can have the light on it own.
The B model, the L30G, is also nice, it may not be the best, but it's cramped full with hoses and was the reason I gote a second one. You also get some parts for a bridge frame, for which I made up a trailer from parts I hade laying around and a 42035 dump truck (mainly tire's) to rebuild my 8052 container truck, which actually was my first technic model from what I remember. Though it's not road legal here in Germany because of my dumb ass only having put red studs as break lights.
While linear actuators exceed in strength, pneumatics are SO much fun to play around with. Especially with all the tubes that it can come with. The Mercedes-Benz Arocs was a very great set because it introduced the 2.0 pneumatics and also went crazy with them as well, having FOUR functions in the crane arm itself!
For the next video can you make a list of the best Lego pneumatic sets?
Edward Munoz awesome idea!
@@Unbrickme if you do make a video of the best LEGO Pneumatic sets you have to include the legendary LEGO Technic 8455 Pneumatic Backhoe from 2003.
You really should have mentioned it in this video as well.
@@jordansharwood i think the bricq has a puneumatics.
Like the big submarine with jts claw
I still prefer linear actuators, they are stiff and keep their position which makes them more practical in Technic sets, while pneumatics have 2 main positions. Your argument about pneumatics is convincing though. I wish they introduced more pneumatics in LEGO Technic sets.
Yeah pneumatics is quite underused in technic sets it is such an awesome functionality!
I like both : pneumatics give a bit more freedom in how and where you put the cilinders in a build (of course : upto a point.
Linear actuators are very usable in robotics since you can accurately move them.
However, education-wise : pneumatics teaches one principles of hydraulics.
I agree!
That pneumatic things reminds me of my science dispenser project which was sooo much fun
Your science dispenser project sounds epic!
@@Unbrickme Ofcourse it was until my friends and I made it so dirty and spilled juice everywhere...loool
I've always loved the pneumatic sets since I got one of the original ones (8040) way back in the day
Air is compressible as liquids are not which is why the LEGO pneumatics act more like a spring or feels spongy. I’ve always wanted to remote control my older 80/90s sets especially the pneumatics and it looks like that tree logger set actually has switches that you can finally manage to control easier with motors.
Ultimate power move: build a motor converting linear hydraulic motion to rotary motion, then use that to drive a linear actuator
Anyone remember the Tow Truck with Pneumatics? It had 2 Air tanks acting as a pressure reservoir.
I like that you can put pneumatic cylinders pretty much anywhere (like excavator arms) where trying to get an axle or gear drive would be near impossible. But I prefer the smoother more controlled movements of the gear driven linear actuators where possible.
You forgot to mention that you can make engines with pneumatic engines so that’s what’s got me on the pneumatic parts
I never got my hands on pneumatics really want to play around with it since it’s much faster than the linear actuator and you can actually make engines with them
pneumatics are awesome!!!
Pneumatics are good for show only :)) they can move anything on any point of the build leaving space for turning, bending, and so on, but when you need to be precise or you need to lift heavy weight your pneumatics will simply fail you. If you are a kid who still explores things they are fun, but in many builds you simply need more than 2 positions, fully extended or fully retracted. Linear actuators are so much better. There is a reason why in reality heavy machines use hidraulic liquid, not air, and until I see that done by Lego the only use I can find for pneumatics tubes is to make curves that make the model look nice :)
Linear actuators are definitely more practical; however, pneumatics are still quite useful for small cranes for example. They're more educational too, since they teach you basic principles of how hydraulics work better
Pneumatic actuators are strictly digital, I.e., on/off, full extension/fully retracted, unless they are under sufficient load to present a heavy effort. Once you get them at or near maximum load rating (at least, in LEGO scale!), they become more of an analog system, where they will move partway from full retracted to full extension, and hold.
That's the best part of mechanical linear actuators; they're basically a captive-screw drive.
Don't forget, pneumatics are good for hard to reach access areas where it would be impractical to try to get rotary motion into it. Houses can fit in small spaces and cracks, plus they can bend and allow the cylinder to be move where about.
Imagine a grabber thing on a rail, and you have to use a piston to close and open it.
If you used a linear actuator, you would have to find a way to vary the length and distance of power transfer while hoses can just bend.
The Brick Wall (search their on youtube) made a brick road layer where the brick grabbing module used pneumatics because of how it moved around.
Linear actuators are used the rest of the time, when they are mostly stationary and don't need to be as playable.
Pneumatics are good for engines, (you can't make a piston engine out of linear actuators, for many many obvious reasons), playability and simulation of hydraulics, and also when hoses are just better instead of a mess of axles joints and gears.
Anything else and you are better off with the actuators.
@@thatguynamedgeorge9218 I agree with you, however places hard to reach can be accesed also with thread, which is good for many things. Or a small M motor could fit in there, and the cable as long as you want. I wouldn't use rotary motion where there is no place for it, but that does not mean pneumatics are the next best thing. Many lego special pieces become useless when you think outside the box :))
i only had the super old Pneumatic from my parents but this was all i have so i loved them. But the fakt that i can´t kompress a Linear Actuators is just a gigand point. Good video
I have an idea for a video: Electric motors VS pnumatic engines. If you think that would be a good video.
I Disagree about what you said with the Pneumatic Cylinders and High Pressure. I have tested Stock LEGO Cylinders to 150PSI without any leaks or problems. Great video Otherwise.
Oh youre here? You make good vids!
Video idea, no clue if it would be any good but thought I may as well throw it out there. Top 10 most challenging Lego technic sets to build.
epic video idea!
Arocs has a chance on that list, as the pneumatics are a builder's nightmare.
Great video!!!
thanks
Are you going to make a moterized version of the excavator?
Nice comparison! I like the precision of linear actuators but I still prefer the speed and idea behind pneumatics more. If I could only choose one, I would definitely prefer pneumatics. Now imagine if LEGO combines both the Motorized Excavator and the Volvo EW160e, that would be epic!
agreed
The single hose cylinders are called "single acting" and the two hose are "double acting."
The mechanical actuators are a lot easier to control with the newer motors that allow you to count revolutions and detect stalling.
5:15 I had no leaks ever ! on the XXL Crane i installed a second pair of cylinders to increase the Force.
Also its possibile to run them on water to eliminate the spring effect.
I like how the linear actuators are better in their size and strength for now, and how they are much easier to motorize for remote controlling.... until the Mercedes Benz zetros tri comes out.
Can you make a video about Eric Trax and his partnership with CADA?
its not that the cylinders are leaky its just that air is being compressed under weight, it could work if air was replaced with water making a hydralics witch would make for strong cylinders that would not compress at all but hydralics are also more complex with needing a water pump and a tank and all sorts of connections but i think it could be done with lego
Another aspect: Pneumatics are better suited for fixed range movements (e.g. lowering a ramp, tipping...) - here they are even more practical as linear actuators, bc. you don't need to stop the input axle to avoid the horrbile cracking of the clutch
I would really like it if someone made a n adjustable suspension with hydrolique pistons
i did not no this thank you for making this video😀
Glad I could help!
the thing i like about pneumatic system is that you can use them as shocks
Can you make a video showing how to use a barometer please
I had the original Lego pneumatics back in the 80s and after a couple of years, they would lose their seal and stop working.
Bring back pneumatics !! I f***ing miss it !! I had many pneumatic sets when I was young in the late 80's and it was sooooooo fun to build and play with !! Which Lego should always be about !! Having great fun building stuff and having even more fun playing with the stuff you just made !!
I think that pneumatic cylinders are great for learning and linear actuators are best for more advanced builds
I agree
I like pneumatics for everything, especially maybe engine builds^^
Having two inputs does not make the pneumatics better, but it does make them cooler.
I don't have any pneumatics, are they faster?
I would like to have them since it's really interesting how they work.
I wouldn't say they're faster, but they're cooler! Think of it like this. Linear actuators are like automatic transmissions (in terms of coolness) while pneumatics are like manual transmissions (in terms of coolness).
I think their main difference is how they are powered: A mechanical axle or a hollow tube. The rubber tubes can bend easily into any build, whilest axles are straight and solid, they also need special mechanisms to make any turns.
Plus, pneumatics require just presure to work. While the mechanical actuators need moving parts.
So mechanical actuators are precise, but pneumatics are usually simpler and more versatile. If only they didn't leak under high pressure...
(Personal experience: both my large and small pump leak after some years, at any pressure)
I have 3 small linear actuators and I'm wondering if I should get pneumatic
I’m looking for a pneumatic that when air applied goes out but returns when you release the air button. I’m using an button like on jacuzzi tubs and garbage disposals
I've loved pneumatics since I was a kid ... now I'm almost 40 and nothing has changed about it :-D
imagine a set or moc that uses both actuator and pneumatics
That would be insane
The people who are saying the pneumatics are weak have obviously never used them at 60psi.
@@terasestHammasratas
yeah they can sometimes
I have the first set you talk aboute!!
If you want my opinion btw, why not mix both ? Put a pneumatic system for playability and actuators for more precise moves !! Lego could put a motor to drive both with the GEARBOX you like sooo much xDD
Exactly! That is the one big DRAWBACK nobody ever mentions: pneumatics always go either fully extended or fully retracted.
They are great but they lack precise input control.
I prefer pneumatics mostly because their much more faster & with a few modifications they can really perform beautifully. Got my first pneumatic set when I was 10 & I became a master of, building & constructing my own high pressure air tanks, compressors, & custom control switches long before lego started making to control my heavy equipment builds. I even managed to solve alot of the issues of pressure loss & stability allowing me to lift & move insane loads. I had a massive collection consisting of some 30 thousand plus parts until loosing it all sadly 12 years ago. But atleast I still have picture's of some of my amazing creations. I do see the benefits of linear actuators, but mostly just for outriggers & stabilizers. Their just too slow
I like pneumatic ones they look nice,they don’t break and they are Easton use
Linear actuators: Precise, strong, compact
Pneumatics: More dynamic, realistic, smoother, can also be used to make very powerful engines
depends on what you're building tbh, IMO LPEs will eventually be used for the first 100% LEGO aircraft.
I like to use them with each other, pneumatics where less force is needed.
0:57 i have the arocs on my Lego shelf:)
Awesome
where can I get those?
I'd say that the pneumatics are better for playability, while the actuators are better for technical design. With the linear actuators you need to have rotary power at the actuator, which is far harder to do, running such power across your build, than simply running a bit of rubber tube to the point you need it.
What you need is the holy grail of a linear actuator which is powered by pneumatics.
0:52 dude the unimog is right behind you, it heard what you said and is angry
Each to their own pal mechanical linear actuators i prefer 👍👍👍
Nice. What’s your favorite linear actuator? Small, regular, or extra large?
This comparison was already made 13 years ago, when linear actuators appeared: www.technicbricks.com/2008/01/mechanical-muscle-mash.html
13 years ago u say 🤔.. ah well it was certainly missing a few of the parts included in this video then 🤦♂️
I like pneumatics, But sometime i use Linear actuators.
Hi. Did u get the LEGO Land Rover. What’s your opinion on the set thanks.
I never got that set, but I do think that it is an awesome off roader for $200. You get the same building experience and mechanisms for like $160 less than the supercar sets
Thanks for the info. Can’t wait to get more info on the summer sets
I really really wanted the new Technic Ferrari but after seeing it I can’t get myself to spend the money so I went with the Land Rover. If they ever lower the price on the Ferrari maybe I’ll get it. That set is really horrible and I feel LEGO really short changed us.
Agreed with Unbrickme... I got it for that reason - it has a complex gear switching mechanism just like the supercars, despite being almost half the price.
Pneumatics because it doesn't take ages for them to go up and down
*01:03* i took mine apart for the parts, unfortunately.
But its another form of recycling, i suppose...
9.April.2021
No gearboxes? Hmm Then only 4 of 5 is given to this video:) Can you or the community suggest me a bigger set to buy? I have the big red crane(my favorite), the 6x6 volvo(your favorite, still in the box; bought because you told so much good about it, cant wait to build it), volvo zeux, new mixer, Liebherr, Sián, Chiron, Land Rover. I missed two decades and just started collecting again 3 months ago, so feel free to suggest an older set if its still possible to buy even for higher price. Thanks and keep up the good work.
I should’ve included gearboxes in this video :) Yeah sure I can suggest a bigger set to buy, and I can also post a related community post about it. May I ask, what is your budget range? Example: $150 - $250
@@Unbrickme no real limit
@@Unbrickme I was thinking about the bucket wheel excavator but I dont know every sets thats why I asked. Maybe You can tell me a better choice
One of my main suggestions is the 8043. But it’s close to $450 on bricklink sealed. I think a nice, large set, but also not terribly expensive would be the class xerion tractor from 2016. Awesome mechanisms, 3 modes of steering, and included power functions
@@Unbrickme Thank you very much. I know the tractor and its on my list and I will check on the 8043.
But these too systems can be used and can opperate as 1 unit because linear can like push a switch or Or Pneumatic pistons.Mofified Pneumatic pistons can e used for lego engines so we can make an engine and use linear as gearbox or steering system.Now if i woul choise what would i choise i would rather Pneumatic becaude they are more simple and dont requer any axels or gear.plus i would not risk twisting axels becase of comprasion.Since Mottor would push and start to twist the axel if it cant move.but if linear can stay longer.Linea reminds me on eletric engines and Pneumatic on fosile engines.
I prefer linear actuators over pneumatics because with linear actuators I can make cranes and lifts
I have all three linea actuators but sadly no pneumatic's
which of the three linear actuators is your favorite?
I like the large actuators most but the other 2 are also good
i love his big fat mic 😆
Glad you like it
I have 12 linaer acurautors
I have technic liebher excevator 421000 and all terain craen
Plus, you can make an air powered engine out of Lego pneumatic cylinders
Even if the pneumatic cylinders did not leak they would still be springy because air is compressible. That wouldn't happen with hydraulics.
Hydraulics use oil, and which liquid is not compressible
Big brain
puneumatic is back in 2021!
Yep, pneumatics will be back in 2021
@@Unbrickme the brickq prime
You forgot about the air tanks.
I just wish I could afford the pneumatic stuff, looks so damn cool, but cant afford it
But I don’t know witch one is one I just like the one that’s grey
I have all of those!!!!!!!!! except the 40 pink tooth
I don´t think the pneumatic cylinders are leaking air. The air is just getting compressed more under heavy loads. That´s why real machines use liquid inside their cylinders. Liquid never compresses
It does but way less
Maybe water doesn't but oil does.
@@pixeltoxa9284 All liquids do compress a little, just much less than gases
I mean, I leave my pneumatics under pressure and in an hour the crane comes back down, so it does leak air
@@Unbrickme ok, that's possible
hello
I have never used a pneumatic cylinder yet
I want to try a pneumatic cylinder once
It would be nice to move smoothly.
The EW160E or the forest harvester are good starter pneumatics sets
@@Unbrickme Thank you for recommending the product.
최진유LEGO story no problem
Pneumatics are better, I don’t think you can make a engine from a linear actuator
I like pneumatics
I can make engines, cranes, trains and more
The Pneumatic cylinders are powered by air. But I think the Linear Actuators are powered by gears
Pneumatic is more amazing, we can make pneumatic engines with lego pneumatics
So what we need now is real lego hydrolics
I agree!
@@Unbrickme apparently it now exists, just not official lego ua-cam.com/video/-tg_jcrZal4/v-deo.html
Mechanical linear actuators
I wish we got a bit more sizes of the linear actuators
It is a shame that small me tore appart all my sets after a month
They where so expensive but I liked building other things I only owned small pneumatic cilinders
I also had a digger (the remote control one)
And all the other legendary ones I spendt all my money on it when I was small
I can sent you a picture of my collection of instruction books hahha
I really like your video’s btw
@@julianmeijer6324 Thank you very much! Which remote control digger did you have? The Volvo l350f wheel loader?
I had set 42030 and 8043 and a lot more
Julian Meijer the 8043 is the best technic set!
yes it is but mine is in parts spread througt pulitple creatitios
Which do you prefer, the arocs or the unimog?
They’re both amazing sets! I think I personally prefer unimog due to the nostalgia
'Pneumatic actuators' and you did not mention your "no pressure" phrase? hahaha
Talk? I figured we can continue talking about technic summer 2021 like yesterday.
Daniel sure
@@Unbrickme ok so would you be very disappointed if the bulldozer only had 4 motors and still be priced at $450?
Daniel yes but I investigated this rumor and it turns out it came from a satirical post to poke fun at the cancellation of the toy fair this year, Thai post claimed that the d11t would have more than 6,000 pieces which is false
@@Unbrickme you didn’t finish
Daniel actually I wrote everything I wanted to in the reply
Please look right in to the camera!!!
Thank you very much for your feedback! I will look more directly into the camera in future videos
I much prefer pneumatics. They are realistic and can move much faster than linear actuators. Real excavators can also move surprisingly fast so that makes pneumatics more realistic in their movement as well. The realism of pneumatics makes it feel like you are operating a real machine, linear actuators just feels like a cheap toy to play with. Linear actuators are always slow which makes motorised models boring and manual models tedious to play with. Pneumatics can also be very powerful, as strong as linear actuators, and they can be ganged together, you can have an unlimited number on one motor and lift anything, even me if you had enough of them. Linear actuators however quickly reach a limit to how many can be run off one motor due to increased friction. As for precise control, linear actuators might be a better choice if you are building a CNC machine. But for everything else like diggers, bull dozers, front loaders and so on pneumatics are precise enough if you employ a little bit of skill to how you operate the valves, which again makes it more like the real machine which requires a skilled operator. This need for a little skill also adds to the fun of playing with pneumatics. Imagine playing a computer game that required no skill at all. That would be boring and no fun at all. That's what linear actuators are like. No skill needed and boring. Pneumatics can also give you motorised functions anywhere you like without any losses from friction in long drive trains, where as linear actuators are quite limited and quickly run into problems with friction and power loss from long drive trains. The outriggers of 42009 bearly have enough power to even move, let alone lift the vehicle off the ground which pneumatics could easily do. This is why linear actuators might be a bit more powerful in an isolated test, but when actually in use inside a model pneumatics are usually far more powerful. As for RC comparability, I've seen RC pneumatic MOCs that work just as well as any official set (with no problems dropping too fast, precise and fast controls for digging and so on) but with much more realistic speed, power and fun! Search for "1:13 tracked excavator - kobelco SK210 HLC" on eurobricks for an example) Most fans have not seen them though and so think RC pneumatics can't work. Well they can.
So yes, in every way pneumatics are far better than linear actuators. Not saying linear actuators should never be used, but linear actuators are all we ever get, hardly any pneumatics, and that sucks.
I do agree that linear actuators require far less skill and are much more boring than pneumatics. It's a lot like manual transmissions vs automatic transmissions in cars. Manual transmissions are a lot like pneumatics. They're much more interesting and they require much more skill to use than automatic transmissions. For many, manual transmissions can also be a lot more fun. Automatic transmissions are a lot like linear actuators, they require basically no skill to operate and they're much more boring when driving. Pneumatics in lego technic do have tons of potential. Maybe if LEGO can bring a pneumatic air compressor, a barometer, and improved cylinders into an official lego technic set, then that would be absolutely epic and possibly even for practicality RC vehicles pneumatics will outperform linear actuators.
@@Unbrickme Many would probably laugh at me for saying pneumatics have the potential to be better even for RC than linear actuators, so thank you for not laughing at me! But yeah, I think linear actuators have pretty much reached their potential in RC, they don't have much else to show. But with much better motorised air compressors and RC valves and so on, pneumatics can use their increased speed, sense of fun to play with and ease of positioning anywhere in the model to overtake linear actuators IMHO.
The cylinders can make LPEs they better
I Had 8069 but i Used it for parts🤣
With linear looks model better
I think it's subjective, I personally prefer the aesthetics of linear actuators
Your hands kid built like Lego
thanks