What is the main advantage of using pneumatic systems over hydraulic systems?

The primary advantage of using pneumatic systems over hydraulic systems is that pneumatic systems are generally considered safer and cleaner. This is largely due to the medium they use for power transmission—compressed air—compared to hydraulic systems, which rely on liquid fluids that can potentially leak or pose hazards.

In pneumatic systems, if an air line fails, the consequences are typically less severe, as air dissipates quickly and does not create messy spills, unlike hydraulic fluid, which can be harmful to the environment and can create slipping hazards. Additionally, pneumatic systems do not require the same levels of stringent safety precautions as hydraulic systems since air is not a flammable substance and does not pose the same risks in terms of pressure buildup and leakage.

This safety aspect makes pneumatic systems attractive for many applications, particularly in environments where cleanliness and rapid operation are essential, such as in food processing and packaging industries.