Roles of solenoid valves and pneumatic valves
SMC's solenoid valves and pneumatic valves play a crucial role in your application, offering optimal solutions for controlling single or double-acting actuators, piloting another valve, or interrupting air flow in the line.
Explore our range of solenoid valves and pneumatic valves in the catalogue, providing you with products and components that empower your equipment and machinery to operate. At SMC Danmark, we offer complete flexibility as valves can be custom configured to meet your specific requirements.
Varieties of solenoid valves and pneumatic valves provided by SMC
Solenoid valves and pneumatic valves are instruments that manage the movement of fluid (such as oil, water, steam, or air) within hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They can be categorised based on their actuation method:
Pilot-operated solenoid valves and direct-operated solenoid valves
The position of the valve is altered by an electrical signal, with options including direct-operated or pilot-operated solenoid valves with 4/5 ports or 3 ports.
Air operated valves
Using air operated valves, the adjustment of the valve position is achieved through pilot air.
Mechanical valves
In mechanical valves, the adjustment of the valve position is accomplished through an operator or an object that comes into contact with the valves.
Furthermore, we can distinguish the valves according to their number of actuations:
Single valves
Single valves have a single actuation. When they stop, they return to a certain position.
Double valves
Double valves have two actuators and are those that remain in the position left, even if the actuation ceases, until a signal is given to the actuator on the opposite side.
3-port solenoid valves
3-port solenoid valves have two actuations and, when they stop actuating, they return to the centre position.
Safety in machinery with SMC valves
Valves help ensure the safety of machines and industrial processes. At SMC Danmark we offer solutions that will help you build a safer machine:
Safety valves
SMC quick exhaust safety valves are certified according to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, to be used in safety systems, in accordance with ISO 13849-1.
Safe Fieldbus system
Secure fieldbus systems exist for coded communication between the PLC and the valve block, for example via the PROFIsafe communication protocol. An example of a fieldbus system using PROFIsafe is the SMC EX260 series, a compact and easy-to-install solution.
If you need to design a safety application, you can use PneuSAFE SMC software to select and validate (TÜV verified circuits) the SMC solutions that best suit your application.
Options of Fieldbus system
Moreover, SMC offers alternatives for fieldbus systems, involving coded communication between PLC and valve manifold. Key communication protocols include:
- PROFIsafe,
- Ethernet POWERLINK,
- PROFINET,
- EtherNet/IPTM,
- EtherCAT®,
- PROFIBUS DP
- DeviceNetTM,
- CC-Link,
- CANopen,
- Modbus/TCP
- AS-Interface.
SMC goes one step further by helping you adapt your machines to the IIoT.
At SMC, our approach to industrial communication involves two aspects: assisting customers with tailored solutions and delivering cutting-edge products, such as our distinctive Wireless Fieldbus System and a diverse range of IO-Link solutions. This ensures that your factory benefits from intelligent digitalisation and automation.
Applications of pneumatic valves and solenoid valves
Applications for pneumatic valves and solenoid valves include:
- Automotive industry (paint applications, tire manufacturing, among others)
- Packaging
- Maintenance operations
- Metal cutting
- Material transport
- Product sorting
- Battery manufacturing
How to choose pneumatic valves and solenoid valves?
When selecting pneumatic valves and solenoid valves, it is essential to consider several factors related to process conditions and the application, including:
- Valve function and flow rate
- Valve response time and operating frequency
- System operating pressure and flow
- Required degree of protection for the valve
- Power supply voltage
- Degree of protection
- Strain
Additionally, it is crucial to take into account the customer's specifications, including:
- Preferred electrical connection type: single, multi-pole or fieldbus
- Security
- Installation expansion plans
- Valve accessories required
Furthermore, considering environmental factors is crucial to maximise the service life of pneumatic components. For instance, an excess of humidity, oil, and particles can lead to failures in industrial processes.
The foundation of preventive maintenance for pneumatic systems lies in optimising the quality of compressed air, following the recommendations of specialists.
Use our valve manifold configurator and other available engineering tools to design your customised valve manifold with few efforts.
Consult our experts for guidance on our valves whenever you have questions or doubts about our products. They will assist you either in Danish or English.
