Miniaturization Enhancing Growth Opportunities for

Pneumatics Solution Providers

Development of miniaturization in pneumatics:

Across diverse industries, manufacturers are constantly seeking components that are smaller and
weigh less. “Compactness with optimum efficiency” seems to be the maxim on everyone’s mind.
In such a scenario, has the pneumatics industries responded in tandem with the other industries?
Well, the answer is a firm Yes! While this demand for miniaturization persists in terms of both the
individual products as well as the size of the overall package, end-user companies are not
forthcoming with compromising on the functionality aspects of the vast number of components
coming under the pneumatics umbrella. Miniaturization in pneumatics translates into decrease in
both size and weight. This reduction in size of the individual components would necessarily lead
to decrease in the dimensions of pneumatic systems at large. It has to be kept in mind that these
pneumatic systems can then be fitted along with a wide variety of equipment.

The easiest way in which weight saving can be achieved is through using lighter materials that
offer optimum strength. This aspect takes a greater significance in case of applications that
require a minimum amount of inertia as witnessed in on-board applications and particularly in
industrial applications in which even a slight saving in weight can enhance the capacity to carry a
greater weight. Furthermore, weight and space savings would also mean economic advantages
such as savings in energy consumption. For instance, in the case of transportation industries
making the supporting structures less heavy would make a significant difference. When the mass
to be carried becomes lesser, the energy consumed in moving it is also reduced. Moreover,
miniaturization also offers benefits in terms of lesser impact on the environment through reduction
of raw materials that in turn decreases the pollution and contamination associated with the
manufacturing processes. This aspect is more significant in the present times where regulations
have become more stringent. Increasing usage of miniaturization can also play a role in
facilitating recycling of products at the end of their work span.

The significant contribution for the miniaturization is expected to come from end-user areas such
as biomedical, analytical instrumentation, packaging, material handling, and food processing
industries. In areas such as biomedical and analytical instrumentation where there is a greater
degree of emphasis on highly specialized and effective components with minimum leaks and
failure rates, the appeal and lucrativeness of mini-pneumatics is expected to heighten
considerably in the coming years. In these segments, compliance with strict regulations has
resulted in a need for greater innovation and developments in mini-pneumatics, which in turn
have resulted in enhanced revenue potential.

Chart 1.1 depicts the key facets of Miniaturization in Pneumatics

Presently, biomedical is the largest end-user segment for mini-pneumatic components. This
sector is likely to generate 20.0 percent of the market revenues for miniaturized products by the
year 2010, while the contribution from the analytical instrumentation segment is also likely to
substantially increase. Miniaturization also finds a greater degree of acceptance from the
automotive segment, which uses it as a tool to reduce the labor-related costs. In addition to the
aforementioned segments, miniaturization also finds application in areas such as conveyor
systems, transportation, automotive, plastics, chemicals, oil and semiconductors, and high tech-
industries. The rising penetration of mini-pneumatic components in areas such as robotics,
aerospace and defense, and other industrial manufacturing sectors vindicates the rising
popularity of mini-pneumatic components.

For their part, manufacturers of pneumatic units are focusing on understanding the specific end-
user needs before coming up with competitive pneumatic solutions. Initiatives in these lines are
aiding the mini-pneumatic component manufacturers in meeting end-user needs that were
previously fulfilled by the medium and large components. The manufacturers have been able to
do this without sacrificing simplicity and low costs that have traditionally been the hallmark of
pneumatic components. The sincere attempts of pneumatic component manufacturers in
maintaining a competitive pricing structure, while continuing to offer advantages such as lower
installation costs, lesser replacement prices, and optimum displacement rates are likely to enable
these manufacturers to maintain a competitive advantage over the electric and hydraulic
alternatives.

End-user companies for their part have responded by converting to smaller bore-size pneumatic
automation solutions, which would definitely boost the opportunities for the mini-pneumatic
components. The avenues presented by the rise in mini-pneumatics have allowed both the niche
market participants and the established ones to sustain their revenues. As an ample justification
for their heightening interest in mini-pneumatics, companies are coming up with projects related
to miniaturization and power minimization required for pilot control of valves. Achieving this
through traditional pneumatic solutions is proving to be tough as there seems to be a saturation in
options in that area. This is encouraging vendors across end-user segments to look at micro-
mechanical components with a greater degree of interest. An example of an offshoot of this is the
development of grippers and artificial robotic hands through the miniaturization of drives and on-
off valves.

While focusing on reduction in the size, manufacturers are simultaneously looking at design
enhancements aimed at improving the compactness and versatility of the product. For instance, in
certain applications such as high-speed robotic motion systems, higher-volume slitting functions
and tougher customer-cutting operations, valves are required to be placed at a greater proximity.
Companies across the diverse end-user segments have realized that higher dimensions, such as
a greater port size, do not necessarily mean a greater output. The transition to smaller port sizes
began in mid-1990s, and at present, increasingly more industries are following suit.

Overall, the consumer demand for mini-pneumatic components is expected to rise, as more end
users recognize that smaller units can meet efficiency needs less expensively than the full-size
products they are designed to replace. The decrease in price is driving unit sales, proving that
miniaturization is a positive move toward long-term success.