Alternative to Pneumatics

[mvshabeer]

Dear all

Just saw this video

I think this is a fantastic alternative (and cheap) to lego pneumatics (which is not smooth).

Anybody tried with lego?

Edited November 24, 2014 by mvshabeer

[M_longer]

You are aware that those cylinders are made of syringes?

Hydraulicaly operated cylinders will always work more smoothly, because they use medium that is less squishable than air.

And I don't like idea of using non-LEGO parts where official parts can be used.

[TheRacker]

Linear actuators are smooth, strong, and don't need tubing/pumps. That is the perfect alternative to pneumatics.

[Milan]

Linear actuators are smooth, strong, and don't need tubing/pumps. That is the perfect alternative to pneumatics.

Better not to bring LAs to this post (it will just ignite pneumatic vs la discussion again)

[Balrog]

Hydraulics is just the same as pneumatics. The only real difference is the medium that is used to create force. For hydraulics this is usually oil whereas pneumatics work with air.

There have also been discussions about the use of hydraulics in the past, even about converting pneumatic cylinders to work with oil or water instead of air. Just use the search function.

[torso]

Works with compressed air too. Lego pneumatic elements have too much friction though.

[Rockbrick]

syringes are great in schools for showing the principle of how master/slave cylinders work and basic hydraulics

and its great to see technic compatible connectors for the syringes

problem is if you add a compressor and pump away happily - the syringes will shoot out as they have no stoppers

[mvshabeer]

Works with compressed air too. Lego pneumatic elements have too much friction though.

That's really smooth. What is used there for hydraulics/pneumatics

[9v system]

Linear actuators are smooth, strong, and don't need tubing/pumps. That is the perfect alternative to pneumatics.

I've never used a la I prefer pneumatic pistions with drilled out inputs