SMC’s flow and pressure valve reduces air consumption by up to 25 percent

SMC's flow and pressure valves in the AS-R and AS- Q series once again highlights the automation specialist’s commitment to energy savings. Customers can now enjoy a cut in internal air consumption by up to 25 percent when using the AS-R pressure valve and an AS- Q flow valve on their cylinders.

Among the many tangible benefits, using these valves helps to shorten the response time of the return stroke and harmonises stroke movements to prevent a harsh jerky start. In pressing applications, these valves enable a rapid supply of compressed air at the end of the stroke while the valve bodies and plug-and- socket connections can rotate 360° to ensure fast and easy installation.

ENERGY SAVINGS IN THE COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM

SMC’s range of pressure and flow valves includes six AS- R and five AS- Q models. SMC supplies these in R1/8, R1/4, R3/8 and R1/2 connection sizes and for hose diameters ranging from six to 12 mm.

Customers are able to choose between the new AS-R series with its fixed 2 bar supply pressure and the older ASR valves with fixed or variable set pressures depending on the application where pressures are adjusted manually using a handle with a three- part scale.

The pressure valve and flow valves are mounted together on cylinders. The AS- Q flow valve is installed on the working stroke side and the AS- R pressure valve on the return stroke side. Both valve series have similar designs: the pressure valves consist of regulator, with a check valve and a throttle check valve. The flow valves in the AS- Q series contain a quick supply valve, an exhaust valve and a throttle check valve.

THE BIGGER THE CYLINDER, THE GREATER THE SAVINGS

AS-R/AS-Q valves are recommended for cylinders with a diameter of 32mm up to 125mm bore, and an inlet pressure of at least 3 bar. What’s truly of value to customers is that savings increase with bigger cylinders or higher air consumption levels, and larger pressure differences between the working and return strokes.

A WIDE RANGE OF USES

SMC’s new energy-saving compressed air valves enable machine manufacturers to make their products more energy- efficient without making any fundamental design changes. Manufacturers who incorporate this technology can enjoy a competitive edge which in-turn translates into higher revenues.