MEC 125 - Pneumatics I

3 Credit(s)

Prerequisite(s): RD 90 and WR 90 or WR 91 (WR 91 substitutes for both RD 90 and WR 90), and CIS 120 (formerly offered as CS120), or document proficiency, and MTH 63 and MEC 102.

Recommended Prerequisite(s): MFG 116

Course Description: Prepares learners to work intelligently in industry with pneumatic applications. It introduces pneumatic power and takes learners through key topics and skills in pneumatic power and safety, pneumatic circuits, pneumatic schematics, the principles of pneumatic pressure and flow, and pneumatic speed control circuits. It covers pressure regulation, air filtration, how to connect pneumatic circuits, pneumatic cylinders, valves, and actuators, a wide array of pneumatic applications, pressure and cylinder force, pneumatic leverage, pressure and volume, and air flow resistance.

Course Level: Career/Tech Preparatory

Course Learning Outcomes:

CLO#1: Describe and explain pneumatics, pneumatic safety, pressure regulators, filter function, circuit connection, branch circuits, and basic cylinders.
CLO#2: Explain single acting cylinders, basic pneumatic motor circuits, and pneumatic circuit schematics.
CLO#3: Calculate force output. Measure force, calculate retraction force, pressure and volume. State Boyle’s law, calculate pressure and volume, air flow and resistance, and delta P pneumatic resistance. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
CLO#4: Explain air flow control and measurement. Define flow rates, flow control valves, actuator loads, speed control, and exhaust ports.
CLO#5: Discuss cam valves and cam-operated DCVs. Explain rapid traverse-slow feed and two-way valves.
CLO#6: Describe externally-piloted valves and pneumatic DCV construction. Introduction to air logic. Describe the operation of air logic cylinder sequence circuit. Describe the shuttle valve and reciprocating cylinder.