Pneumatic energy saving solutions

November 2016 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

As part of SMC’s constant pursuit for customer satisfaction achieved by listening and responding to customer’s needs, SMC has modified the 3-port 3-position power valve VEX3, used to control actuators. These modifications allow for improved cost savings and versatility by offering greater energy efficiency and added handling flexibility thanks to the addition of new manual override options.

The new 3/3 way VEX3 series features additional benefits to the existing conventional 2/2 way, 3/2 way and 5/3 way power valves. Compared to its predecessor, the VEX3 is not only smaller, but when added to the existing benefit of fewer components required per circuit, it delivers on both space and cost savings.

Achieving a flow rate of up to 3300 l/min, the VEX3, with its three positions, makes it possible to perform intermediate stops of cylinders up to 125 mm bore size, or to change the speed of cylinders up to 200 mm bore size. Also, two valves can now be connected to a double acting cylinder, controlling speeds, slow stopping and acceleration and deceleration with nine different valve position combinations.

SMC Pneumatics product manager Brian Abbott elaborates: “While the functions of the VEX3 can be performed by an electric actuator, this new power valve offers our customers greater force and flexibility while being more cost efficient to purchase and operate. It is another great example of the SMC team working closely with its customers to deliver a product that improves productivity and reduces overall production costs.”

Further savings are achieved in vacuum applications when suction or release of the work piece is not required, as the power valve can be set to the intermediate position where there is no air movement and therefore energy is not being wasted.

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