Is it possible to create an air compressor that can deliver 2000lbs of force?

AI Thread Summary
Creating an air compressor capable of delivering 2000 lbs of force is theoretically feasible by using a piston in a cylinder with a large enough cross-sectional area, as force is determined by pressure multiplied by area. However, the compressibility of air leads to complications such as heating at high pressures, making it less efficient for generating such high forces compared to hydraulic systems that use incompressible fluids. While it's possible to achieve significant force with air pressure, practical applications often favor hydraulics for high-force requirements. The discussion highlights the challenges and limitations of using air for high-force applications. Overall, while the concept is interesting, practical implementation may require alternative methods.
Xyius
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Hey guys,
This may seem like an odd question but what would it entail to make an air compressor that can deliver 2000lbs of force? (I am not going to try and make one, don't worry :p ) When I say air compressor I mean any mechanism that runs on air. (Like an impact wrench) I ask this because I got a pretty cool idea that involves things running on air pressure and through back of the envelope calculations I have determined I would need an air device that can produce around 2000 lbs of force. Is this at all possible?

Thanks!
 
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A piston in a cylinder with sufficient cross-sectional area can generate whatever force you want, the force = pressure x area. However, air is compressable and will heat up at high pressures, so for high forces, almost incompressable fluids are used in hydraulic equipment.
 
Heck, you can easily generate 2,000 lb of force by blowing up an air mattress with your mouth!
 
Cool thanks guys! :D
 

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