Power Tools and Machines

Although hand tools are often used in produc­tion, most companies prefer power equipment. It is usually faster and more efficient. Power tools are usually hand-held and port­able. Being portable means they can be carried around. Power machines are usually larger and stationary. This means they cannot be moved easily. Power equipment usually falls into three main categories based on the power used. These categories are electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Modern tech­nology has added two new categories: computer-controlled machines and lasers.

Tools and machines that run on electric power have motors. The motor changes the electricity into a force that can do work. Many of these tools and machines are used to separate materials. They include saws, drills, and grinders. Today, electrically powered robot arms are commonly used in production.

Hydraulicpower comes from pressure applied to a liquid, usually oil. Pressure pushes the liquid through hoses to the area where the force is needed. Hydraulic power is usually slow and steady. Hydraulically powered machines are used in many areas of production. Forming metals is an example. Large hydraulic presses form such things as car fenders. In construction, backhoes and bull­dozers rely on hydraulics. Robotic arms are often controlled by hydrau­lics. Hydraulic pressure moves the arm up and down. It also opens and closes the grippers at the end of the arm. Robotic arms now do many of the manufacturing jobs humans used to do.

Pneumatics is similar to hydraulics. Pneumaticpower comes from air pressure. Pressurized air is provided by an air compressor. The force of air moves the parts of the tool or machine. Air-operated machines can move more quickly than those using hydraulics. The steady, rapid force of a jackhammer comes from pneumatic power. Manufacturing systems use pneumatic tools and machines to assemble products. Many portable tools, such as drills, screw guns, and ratchet wrenches rely on air pressure.

Hydraulic power	гідравлічна енергія
Liquid	рідина
Pressure	тиск
Hose	шланг
Forming	формування
Car fenders	крило автомобіля
Backhoes	екскаватор
To rely on	покладатись
Gripper	захват (механізм)
Pneumatics	пневматика
Jackhammer	відбійний молоток
Quick-acting	швидкодіючий
To assemble	збирати, монтувати
Drill	бур, бурав
Screw gun	розбірна зброя
Ratchet	храповик
Wrench	ключ

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16