University of Cincinnati CCM Pneumatic Projects Fall 2015 (Can Crusher)

This is my Final Project for "Pneumatics for the Theater" class, Fall 2015. I am a Lighting Design and Technology student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. My name is Brendan Watts, I will graduated with my BFA in Lighting Design and Technology in 2016.

This is a step by step instructable on how to build a pneumatic can crusher.

Step 1: Gather Materials

1/4" Plate steel

• 3" x 3-1/2"
• 2x 3" x 8-1/4"
• 3" x 3"
• 3-1/2" x 5-3/4"
• 2-1/2" Diameter circle

3" x 3" Pneumatic Cylinder

5/3 Valve

Step 2: Drill Hole

Drill 1-1/2" Hole in 3"x3" Plate steel on center.

Step 3: Weld

Weld the 2 3" x 8-1/4" To the side of the 3"x3" plate.

Step 4: Continue Welding

Weld the 3" x 3-1/2" plate steel to the end of the can crusher

Weld the 3-1/2" x 5-3/4" Plate to the bottom. Make sure its butted up to the Plate with hole drilled in it.

Weld 3/4" Nut to center of 2-1/2" Circle (This is your crusher that threads on to the end of Pneumatic Ram)

Step 5: Install Pneumatic Cylinder

Insert Pneumatic cylinder collar through The Pre-Drilled hole. Install Nut to hold Cylinder in Place.

Step 6: Paint

Dissassmble And Paint

Reassemble once dry

Step 7: Plumb

Plumb the Air Lines, Along with the 5/3 Valve

Step 8: Crush Some Cans

Comments

[BeachsideHank]

This one looks like it's more fun:

[MarkF30]

Now what if that mechanical crusher was hooked up to an exercise bike, so the faster you pedalled the faster the cans were crushed.

[dough51342000]

I made one. Would like to see your video but it don't work. Your valve is that exhaust out. I was trying to make the air self contained so you don't have to keep the compressor. Would like your input.

[BrendanW7]

I believe if you wanted it to be self contained you would want to exhaust to the opposite side of the cylinder. And you would want to use a different valve with only 2 stages. This would allow it to be always in one or the other direction. The only problem I see with being self contained. Is how would you charge the system initially with out an airline from compressor. Maybe you use a really small tank. Another issue I see with self contained. Is air leaks over time.

Hope that helps.