Low Cost 3D Printed Pneumatic Linear Actuator

3D printing has become increasingly widespread in recent years, but a few pneumatic application were developed up to now. A linear pneumatic actuator was designed with the aim of obtaining a low cost actuator, almost completely 3D printed with biological or recyclable material and customized dimensions. Various prototypes were then printed with different materials and printing machines. Experimental tests on three prototype are here presented and compared. A final prototype with low leakage and good performance is finally presented, with PLA cylinder, piston and head and a net force of 40 N at 0,2 MPa of supply pressure.