Fast-switching valves feature long operational lives

July 2001 Valves, Actuators & Pump Control

Experience from Formula 1 motor racing has proved that only a combination of maximum speed and stamina makes a champion. Just like the new high-speed valves Type MH...2- from Festo. Fast switching times of as little as 2 ms and a high flow rate, together with compact dimensions and long service life - even in three-shift operation.

This new generation of directly-controlled pressure-relieved 24 V d.c. poppet valves with a flow rate of 100 l/min and switching times of 2 to 6 ms provide extremely short cycle times or, alternatively, productivity reserves. In conjunction with their high repetition accuracy, with deviations of less then 0,2 ms from 1 Hz onwards, this specification makes the valves suitable candidates for fast-moving applications such as ejection, sorting, adhesive-bonding, dosing, packing, handling and also vacuum applications.

The switching times of less than 2 ms can be achieved with 24 V d.c. without the need for external over-excitation. An internal electronic unit reduces the power supply after a few milliseconds to the normal internal level of 12 V d.c. This means that the valves can be controlled simply and directly via the 24 V d.c./1 A standard outputs of a PLC. Even with continuous running and three-shift operation, the switching-time deviation remains below 0,2 ms - well suited, for example, to adhesive bonding or for the precise dosing of pharmaceutical products.

Thanks to its flexible connection concept, featuring completely separate, semi-in-line and sub-base variants, MH...2- can easily be retrofitted to existing systems or installed in new systems. In its sub-base variant, the valve has a very slim design with a width of 10 mm, allowing highly compact assemblies. The valves are also available as pre-assembled, fully tested PRS manifolds with up to 10 valves.

The valves' operating pressure range is -90 kPa to 800 kPa (-0,9 to 8 bar), and they are available with the functions 3/2-way normally closed and normally open, and 5/2-way. Variants of the 3/2-way version will soon be available with maximum flow rates of 200 and 400 l/min. A 2/2-way variant, normally closed or normally open, can be produced by blanking off port 3, with no change to switching times. The possible sizes of the working ports are M7, G 1/8, G 1/4 or QS4, 6 or 8.

The design and installation work has also been made fast: Special simulation software ensures precise and speedy dimensioning. Installation times can also be drastically reduced by using pre-assembled cables with IP65 degree of protection or alternatives with M8 and M12 plugs for multiple connectors, or with plug pattern MCZ for the KMYZ-3-24...-B cable with a metric screw.

Festo

(011) 971 5500

[email protected]

www.festo.com

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Valves, Actuators & Pump Control

Fast-switching valves feature long operational lives

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