Low Pressure Pnumatic Ram / parts

Ive started to create a compressor system for my new robot, but at the moment it only has a foot pump cylinder and some push-fit plastic connectors. does anyone have any low pressure Rams and fittings that i could buy??

Are we to assume that this is for a featherweight? If so Dave Moulds still has some rams left, im sure he will pick this up soon, if not email or pm me from my profile and I will pass it on to him.

i have a wide selection of rams .......
email me what you are looking for ...
bore / stroke ...
i will check and see what ive got ...

pete....

email on profile

I have a few too, Plenty of people will have them so lots of choice. You going to any upcoming events?

id probably need something around 30-40mm bore - any higher and i probably wouldnt get enough power from the compressor for it to work properly.

id also need either a pressure relief valve or a pressure switch, but i dont know which would be best to use.

Later in the year i may also be looking to upgrade to CO2 - as this is my first flipper robot i dont want to go straight into the deep end! id prefer a ram that could be compatible for both systems but it doesnt really matter if not...

Unfortunately the first event i am going to this year is Brugess Hill, where id want to be competing with the robot

What stroke you wanting?

Probably nothing over 80mm - otherwise the compressor wont be able to fire it effectively & id have to go straight to CO2...

As much as i dont want to go for a CO2 system just yet, is it the only option to make a desent LP system??

The only other way i can think of is using two compressors linked to a buffer tank of some discription. As this is for a featherweight, i probably wont have the room or the weight left to do this.

(Message edited by Adam Stevens on January 30, 2009)

Adam theres no real need for dual compressors. aslong as the one can fill your buffer tank quickly enough- so you dont want a buffer thats to big.. but you dont want one thats too small in comparrison to your rams. With LP equipment you will find that flowrate is a big factor.. i.e. flow from the buffer.. into your valve.. then into your rams. Anything before that in a compressor system isnt to important i found as your bound more by the flow of the compressor then the flow of your pipework. The buffer im supplying took about 20seconds to fill.. but thats from the second you put the robots link in and its generaly atleast 1min after you put your link in until the fight comenses.. and it will probably turn itself on for about 6seconds between each flip pressuming you have no leaks. You can however still use ur weapon while the compressor is on..it just wont be as effective as if you wait.
anyhows, i just replied to your PM- ill sort some stuff out for you tomorow.

Thanks for your help Dave - PM Sent

Hi guys, I thought I'd drag this thread up again instead of starting a new one.

I'm looking to build a LP compressor flipper system for a featherweight and could do with some advice/parts. If anyone could give me some answer I'd be grateful.

Firstly, I've got a double acting 40mm bore 100mm stroke ram, and have a bimba buffer tank 2.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall, so the buffer has just over twice the capacity of the ram. Is this big enough, or will I need a bigger buffer? If so, what do people suggest?

Second, what kind of connectors do most compressors have, is it 1/4, 1/8 or something else?

Also, does anyone have a suitable pressure switch, or can someone recommend a decent one?

Cheers!

Sounds like your buffer will be ok, the bigger the better. it will be one of those things to test with your compressor see how long it takes to get the system up to pressure. Hook it up to the ram, fire and retract the ram once then switch on the compressor timing how long it takes to get back up to pressure. see circuit

Dump Valve & PRV
|
Compressor - Buffer - valve (5/2 probably) - ram
|
Pressure Gauge

I think that the compressor fitting is 1/8 BSP