The pressure in the system is often not a factor in the failure of pneumatic actuators in robot use. The failure is caused by the speed the piston is moving at when it hits the end stop.

As such, whether the actuator is open to vent gas or not, is not a real factor in the potential failure of the system.

Although the vacuum tubing is potentially a good idea, the burst pressures of such tubing is unpredictable and likely much higher than thought. Standard 6mm nylon tubing is usually good to at least 1500psi and when used with compression fitting will go much higher.

Sodastream type cylinders must not be refilled by the end user. As this is normally stamped on the cylinder or label, you cannot legally refill a sodastream cylinder.

You should only be refilling bottles that are designed to be refilled by the end user.

(Message edited by kane on September 20, 2006)