NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

In a pneumatic system, what device performs the actual work?

1. Compressor

2. Actuator

3. Regulator

4. Reservoir

The correct answer is: Actuator

In a pneumatic system, the device that performs the actual work is the actuator. Actuators are responsible for converting the energy from compressed air into mechanical motion, allowing for tasks such as moving, lifting, or positioning objects. They can include components like cylinders or motors that utilize the pneumatic energy to create linear or rotary motion. Understanding the role of other components in a pneumatic system helps clarify why the actuator is the correct answer. The compressor generates compressed air but does not perform any physical work on the load. The regulator controls the pressure of the compressed air to ensure it is within the desired range for safe and effective operation but does not directly impact the mechanical work being done. Lastly, the reservoir stores the compressed air, providing a supply to the system, but it too does not contribute to performing any physical tasks. The actuator is essential because it directly translates the energy from the pneumatic system into usable work.