Working Principle and Maintenance Guide for pneumatic hammers

Working Principle and Maintenance Guide for pneumatic hammers

2026-01-22

Introduction of pneumatic hammers

The pneumatic hammer is a familiar piece of equipment in open-die forging. When operational, compressed air from the compression cylinder enters the working cylinder, driving the hammer ram to perform reciprocating up-and-down movements. This action enables the hammer head to forge workpieces. By manually moving and rotating the workpiece, all sides deform freely, ultimately shaping it into the desired product. Pneumatic hammers perform tasks like cutting, punching, and forging, making them widely applicable in various forging productions .

The C41A series air hammer is mainly composed of the frame, transmission mechanism, compression cylinder, working cylinder, compression piston, falling parts, air distribution mechanism, and anvil block, among other components. It is suitable for various free forging operations such as drawing out, upsetting, punching, shearing, forging welding, twisting, and bending. Various open-die forging operations can be performed using bolster dies .

Working Principle of the Pneumatic Hammer

The motor drives the compression piston in the compression cylinder up and down via a reduction mechanism, crankshaft, and connecting rod, generating compressed air . When the upper and lower air passages of the compression cylinder are open to the atmosphere, the compressed air does not enter the working cylinder; the motor runs idle, and the hammer head remains inactive .

To initiate striking, the operator manipulates upper and lower rotary valves via a handle or foot lever . This directs compressed air into the upper or lower part of the working cylinder, pushing the working piston up or down. This action drives the hammer head and the upper anvil to rise or fall, performing striking motions . The rotary valves allow four different connections between the cylinders, enabling four actions: lifting the hammer, continuous striking, pressing down, and idling .

Maintenance and Care Guidelines for Air Hammers

To ensure your air hammer operates efficiently and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips :

  • Monitor Oil Levels: Regularly check the oil level in the gearbox beneath the piston cylinder. Ensure gears are adequately lubricated during operation.
  • Use Appropriate Lubricant: Select the correct oil viscosity based on ambient temperature changes.
  • Prime the Oil Pump: Before starting the hammer, ensure the oil pump contains sufficient oil, with the level not below the lower mark. Pull the oil pump handle several times to circulate oil into the cylinders before operation, significantly reducing initial wear.
  • Check for Leaks: Periodically inspect the oil lines for leaks. Observe the oil drip from the cup at the top of the oil pump to ensure it is normal.
  • Pre-Operation Check: Before forging, inspect the anvil blocks, guides, and other components for any looseness.
  • Post-Operation Check: After forging, check all exposed bolts for tightness and tighten any that are loose.
  • Regular Oil Changes: Depending on usage, change the gearbox oil every 3 to 6 months.

Why Choose AYANK FORGING?

AYANK FORGING is a Chinese manufacturer with a history of continuous air hammer production for over 60 years. It is an enterprise whose air forging hammers have been awarded the National Silver Medal for Quality​ in China .

As a specialized air hammer manufacturer, AYANK FORGING produces a wide range of models including 15KG, 25KG, 40KG, 55KG, 75KG, 110KG, 150KG, 250KG, 400KG, 560KG, 750KG, 1000KG, and 2000KG hammers. Based on specifications and applications, these are categorized into large industrial air hammers (primarily for industrial forging) and small air hammers (mainly for artistic iron forging).

AYANK FORGING's pneumatic forging machines are highly regarded globally, with their large industrial air hammers and small artistic iron air hammers exported to 74 countries and regions, including Germany, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom .

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