Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Digital revolution for pneumatic valves", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321caf.013
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Digital revolution for pneumatic valves
Digital revolution for pneumatic valves
Keywords: New product development, Norgren
Leading pneumatic components and automation systems manufacturers, Norgen, has launched the world's first completely digital proportional valves.
The new valves – designated VP51 and VP60 – represent the next generation of proportional valve. Circuit board technology and a digital display allow the user, for the first time, to program the unit to exact specifications offline, so no time is lost to setting-up after fitting to the machine or subsequent maintenance. In addition fine-tuning can be carried out online (see Plate 13).
A signature, unique to each unit, enables each valve to be identified, its settings recorded and its performance monitored. High performance LEDs provide instant notification of tolerance limit settings and changes in outlet pressures. The valves can be linked to a fieldbus system and the data displayed on a PLC.
Plate 13
VP51, from Norgren - one of the world's first completely digital proportional
valves. Circuit board technology and a digital display allow the user, for the
first time, to program the unit to exact specifications offline
Engineers can choose which of any five languages – English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian – they want to use on the menu structure. They can also specify that either imperial or metric measurements be used.
Digital electronics ensure that the valves operate accurately at speed and in any position. The valves boast rapid response times of <100ms for a 10-90 per cent step change. They are, therefore, ideal for use at any point in the production process where accuracy and high speed changes are needed, and are particularly designed for printing, packaging, textiles and adhesive applications.
"They combine the existing high performance specifications of our existing analogue VP50, VP21 and VP22 proportional valves. like stability control and pressure feedback, with new features and increased flexibility", says Sean Toomes, Norgren's international marketing director.
The digital family is available in nominal diameters 4, 8 and 16 for pressure control (VP51), and 12 for flow control (VP60).
For further details contact: IMI Norgren Ltd, PO Box 22, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6SB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1543 265000; Fax: +44 (0)1543 265811; Web site: www.norgren.com