In pneumatic systems, what component is responsible for converting compressed air into mechanical energy?

The component responsible for converting compressed air into mechanical energy in pneumatic systems is the actuator. Actuators are devices that utilize the energy from compressed air to produce movement or force. In pneumatic applications, actuators typically take the form of cylinders or diaphragms, which expand and contract in response to pressurized air. This movement can then be used to drive machinery, operate tools, or lift loads, effectively transforming the energy stored in compressed air into usable mechanical work.

While compressors are essential for generating the compressed air needed for the system, they do not convert that energy into mechanical work. Instead, they are the source of high-pressure air that feeds the entire pneumatic system. Accumulators serve to store energy and maintain system pressure but do not directly create mechanical motion. Moisture separators are designed to remove water from the compressed air, ensuring that the system operates efficiently and without damage, but they also do not contribute to the conversion of air pressure into mechanical energy.