Introduction to Pneumatic Symbology and Pneumatic Basics (4 hours)

This introduction covers I.S.O. and A.N.S.I. symbol recognition and interpretation. Understanding the nomenclature and graphical symbols that describe the function of each component opens the door to an understanding of pneumatic schematics and helps the technician to grasp overall machine function. (# 10.0)

Four Way Solenoid Valves and Air-Piloted Valves for Cylinder Control (8 hours)

This class teaches the students how and why certain valves are used for pneumatic actuator control. Differences in solenoid valve construction and usage are covered. An in-depth discussion of the five major solenoid valve types will foster an understanding that not all double solenoid valves are created equal. Covered are single solenoid, double solenoid two position, and three position double solenoid valve usage. The concepts discussed are reinforced with hands-on demonstrations and circuit assembly. The students build their own reciprocating circuits to demonstrate the concepts covered. (#11.0)

Four Way, Three Position Valves for Stop Jog and E-stop (advanced) (4 hours)

This segment of the curriculum explains how to attain stop and jog motion of air cylinders and pneumatic actuators. The use of various three position valves within circuits are covered including the implications of each during loss of electricity and loss of compressed air. (#12.0)

Pneumatic Safety, Lockout Tag Out for Pneumatics (4 hours)

Topics covered include the importance of pneumatic and electrical lockout and how one discerns if a system is really safe after lockout tag-out. Circuit re-design and modification of existing systems is covered to attain the highest level of safety in pneumatic systems. (#13.0)

Electrical Relays and Timers 101 (4 hours)

Basic electric relay control circuitry for automation is discussed. Understanding the intricacies of relay control opens the door for all other electrical automation control including the understanding of plc ladder theory. Topics covered include voltage controlled relays, holding circuits, on delay timers and off delay timers. (#14.0)

PLC Basics for Automation Control part 1 (8 hours)

Once students understand the basics of relay control they are ready for an introduction to plc ladder logic. The concepts of PNP and NPN circuitry are discussed and implemented. Hands-on modules allow the student to wire programmable controllers in both PNP and NPN configurations. Students learn how to formulate projects using I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and use real world devices to build simple automated projects. (#15.0 and #16.0)

PLC Basics for Automation Control part 2 (8 hours)

This segment of the curriculum uses the concepts developed in the previous session to allow the student to write their own plc code for pneumatic and electric control of basic automated systems. Several solenoid directional control valves are used to drive pneumatic actuators along with cylinder position sensors to complete a simulated automated machine. (#17.0 and #18.0)

Specialty Pneumatic Components and Their Uses (8 hours)

There is a plethora of pneumatic devices available to achieve unique control of systems. Covered topics include but are not limited to piloted check valves, servo pneumatic concepts, pneumatic timers, pressure switches and sensors, shuttle valves, and electronic pressure regulators. (#19.0)

Vacuum for Factory Automation (4 hours)

The concept of vacuum for factory automation is explored and demonstrated. Topics included here include calculating vacuum force and evacuation times using venturi generated vacuum for pick and place operations. Compressed air optimization and utilization is stressed and illustrated. (#20.0)