Air Compressor and Pneumatic FAQ

What pneumatic products do you use in your animatronics?

We “generally” stick to SMC for our valves, flow controls, and fittings, and Bimba for cylinders, and mounting hardware. This does not guarantee those suppliers as specific props may require different parts.

Can I run your mechanisms off of CO2?

Possibly, but due to legal reasons we will not answer this question.  We do not recommend nor will assist in any way as it has legal implications that we do not want to be part of as well as this air-source has inherit problems, hazards, and added expense. If you do choose to use compressed air, DO NOT ASK US FOR ASSISTANCE, and please note your warranty will be instantly void.  Please consult with a professional in that field and acquire regulators that do not allow an excess of 120 PSI output.

What size air compressor do I need to run your mechanisms?

For single props, we suggest a compressor that has a 3-5 gallon reservoir and ability to maintain a 80-120 PSI pressure. For multiple prop setups, 20-60 gallon compressors are suggested.

 

How many props can I run off of a 5 gallon compressor?

The amount or frequency relies solely on the size of your cylinders. Each trigger dumps and fills the cylinder volume, so calculation of individual cylinders, airlines, CV factors, compressor volume, and PSI is needed to estimate volume displacement and frequency of refill.  DC will not calculate this for you. 

 

What compressors do you recommend? 

Please note DC is not affiliated nor receives any form of compensation from the following companies/products nor do we vouch for their current quality or longevity.  We will not be held responsible for anything related to your product choice and will not reply to any request for additional information - please contact the manufacturer directly.  That noted, the following are compressors (maybe not this specific model as they frequently change) that we have used and can recommend for their desired purpose. 

Small:
Harbor Freight 5gallon

Harbor Freight 10 Gallon

California Air 4.5 Gallon

Medium: 

Husky

Dewalt

Ingersol Rand - Garage Mate Vertical (our favorite)

Ingersol Rand - Garage Mate Horizontal (our second favorite)

Large / Industrial 

Ingersol Rand 80 gallon

Husky

Ingersol Rand Rotary

What Airline & Quick Disconnect fittings do you use and recommend?

Tubing/Airlines:

Merlin Poly
Merlin Rubber
Flexzilla 1/4 & 3/8 Flex tubing (or favorite)

 

Should we use air regulators and water traps?

  • ABSOLUTLY!!! We recommend a pressure regulator on every prop and set it to the minimal pressure needed to optimize your props performance.  Remember, the lower the PSI the less strain and the longer your props going to last.   

    As for water traps, these are a must if your compressor is running for long periods and the air is hot.  Heat results in moisture and your compressor will fill up and transfer thru every hose, valve, and cylinder.

  • Also remember to drain your compressor's drain valve and all water traps daily - we also like to drain our hoses by hanging then at year end to allow the water to drip out - remember to insert a quick disconnect nipple into the female end so the water doesn't pool at the coupler.