Plumbing the Circuit

Build It on a Board First#

The Pneumatics Manual recommends assembling and testing the whole system on a bench-top board before it ever goes on the robot. You will plumb two sub-assemblies that meet at the regulator.

High-Pressure Side Build Order#

Following the Manual's documented steps:

1. Compressor + relief valve. Thread a 1/8 in hex nipple into the compressor output, add a 1/8 in union tee, attach the pressure relief valve (via a suitable adapter) directly to the compressor with hard fittings, and put a push-to-connect fitting on the remaining tee port. The relief valve must be hard-mounted to the compressor — no tubing between them.
2. Pressure switch, gauge, and vent valve. Build a small tree of union tees and hex nipples carrying the pressure switch (or analog sensor), the stored-pressure gauge, and the vent valve so you can dump air by hand.
3. Air storage tank(s). Run tubing from the compressor/relief assembly through a union tee to the tank.
4. Primary regulator. Run tubing from the tank to the inlet of the regulator; install push-to-connect fittings in the inlet and outlet, attach the working-pressure gauge, and plug any unused port. This regulator is the boundary to the working side.

Working-Pressure Side Build Order#

1. Solenoid valve. Thread push-to-connect fittings into valve ports 1, 2, and 4 and connect the valve's two wires (for a double solenoid) to the controller.
2. Actuator. Fit push-to-connect fittings to both cylinder ports.
3. Connect them. Tube from the regulator outlet to valve port 1 (supply); tube from valve ports 2 and 4 to the cylinder's two ports.

Plumbing Technique#

• Threaded joints: one wrap of PTFE tape biased toward the component, tightened with wrenches.
• Push-to-connect: cut tubing square, leave slack so joints are not strained, and push the tube fully home until it seats. To remove, press the colored collar in and pull the tube out.
• Heat management: keep tubing away from the hot compressor; the Manual suggests extra brass fittings as a heatsink near the compressor during heavy use.

Result#

When finished you have a complete loop: the compressor charges the tank toward 120 psi, the regulator delivers up to 60 psi to the valve, and the valve drives the cylinder. Next you will verify it is safe and leak-free.