Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Fast switching valves open up new applications", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322bad.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Fast switching valves open up new applications
Keywords: Pneumatics, Festo
Festo has launched a new range of fast switching solenoid valves aimed at high-speed applcations in the food and packaging industries (Plate 4).
Response times for the new Fast Switching Valves (type MHE) are an impressive 2 milliseconds. This exceptional speed allows short cycle times and rapid reaction in applications like sorting and ejection systems to improve productivity. In addition to pure speed, the new solenoid valves feature very low power consumption and compact dimensions.
Plate
4 One of Festo's new record-breaking, fast switching solenoid valves aimed
at high-speed applications in the food and packaging industries
The valve mechanism is a pressure-relieving poppet valve with actuation times down to 2ms at 24 volts, repeatability less than ±10 per cent, and no external overexcitation required. New technology inside the valve includes a horseshoe magnet to maximise both the flux area for fast actuation and the surface area for efficient cooling, complemented by integrated electronic power control circuitry. Here, the actuation current pulse peaks to drive the solenoid, then rapidly decays to hold the actuation state, reducing power consumption and preventing heat build up.
Installation is also simplified as the new valves feature integrated pre-assembled cables that can connect directly with remote I/O modules. Festo can deliver up to 10 valves, pre-assembled and tested, as a sub-assembly solution offering high packing density with a minimal footprint.
As few conventional PLCs can cycle at rates down to 2ms, most Festo Fast Switching Valve applications will require a special Schrnitt Trigger controller to match the rapid response characteristics. These fast switching applications include sorting, ejecting, glueing, labelling, dosing, dispensing and handling. Productivity can be improved in applications where the actuation speed reduces product wastage, such as in ejection systems, and where accurate repeatability enables consistent and reliable operation, such as high-speed labelling equipment.
Nicola Meadway, Festo Ltd, Automation House, Harvest Crescent, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hampshire, GU13 8XP, UK. Tel: 01252 775000; Fax: 01252 775001; E-mail: nicola-meadway@festo.com