Since opening its doors in 2016, SMC has continuously promoted the new generation SY series of valve manifolds. A key customer benefit is short turnaround time, thanks to an easy-to-use online configurator and local assembly to individual specifications. However, the benefits of these manifolds far surpass this.
Product manager, Ernst Smith, describes how the SMC Corporation aligns itself to the bigger picture in automation. “Today, SMC’s mandate is to reduce size and increase energy savings wherever possible when designing any new product,” he says. “PLCs are the brains behind the majority of automated processes, with integrated solenoid valves and manifolds being the heart of the machine – effectively controlling the power to drive its moving parts. When a machine’s operational health suffers and downtime costs start to spiral out of control, problems can often be traced back to the solenoid valves and manifolds.”
The new SY series comes in three sizes, the SY3000, the SY5000 and the SY7000. These valve manifolds deliver a competitive advantage which is realised through the following operational and production benefits:
• They are more compact, with higher flow rates resulting in exceptional performance at reduced cost.
• Different sized valves can be mounted on the same manifold for added flexibility.
• Low power consumption with improved safety features.
• Outstanding reliability and increased lifetime performance.
The SY series also caters to the food and beverage industry. Adhering to its stringent standards, the SY5000 series includes a new IP69K manifold which is suitable for wet areas and is able to withstand washdown and cleaning.
Compact size and high flow rates with improved energy saving
The SY series has outstanding flow characteristics while maintaining a compact size. There is up to a 68% increase in flow compared to the previous SY5000 model and 44% compared to the SY3000. Improved flow rate contributes to a reduction in application cycle time, improving productivity.
The SY series is available in either rubber or in a unique metal seal version optimised for higher operating frequencies and extended lifetime performance. It boasts switching cycles of up to 200 million cycles. It also incorporates SMC’s energy-efficient V100 pilot valve, a power saving option that reduces consumption per valve coil down to just 0,1 W. There is a 29% saving in space.
Mixed mounting on the same manifold
Both the SY3000 and SY5000 or the SY5000 and SY7000 can be mounted on the same manifold so that different sized actuators with different flow requirements can be handled using the same manifold. Quick and easy valve replacement also reduces downtime. The wiring, piping and operation of the SY manifold are integrated on one side, for space saving and improved operability.
Flexible piping
Customers can configure manifolds with working ports on the top, on the side or at the bottom to assist with panel mounting, again reducing costs. Straight or elbow-type fittings can be selected for different tubing sizes.
Safety
Safety is always of the utmost concern to SMC. The SY series has a built-in back pressure check valve which can also be retrofitted. A manual pressure release valve for every cylinder can also be included. A supply shut-off spacer per valve allows the maintenance team to access part of the system while the rest of the manifold remains pressurised. A slide-locking manual override function with double action and long distance visual indication is also available.
Fieldbus system compatibility
Serial interfacing to the SY manifold series is done via SMC’s EX600 fieldbus system, which offers an array of compatible fieldbus protocols, including Profinet, Profibus, DeviceNet, CC-Link, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, CANopen, AS-Interface, Omron CompoBus/S and CompoNet.
Other features are reduced wiring time, an IP67 rating and a self-diagnosis function notifying maintenance of short circuits, open circuits and under-voltage conditions. Most importantly, a monitoring condition counter notifies the maintenance team when to take action.
Local production
SMC’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Midrand focus on cylinder production, manifold assemblies and air preparation combination sets, as well as panel building. “Our in-house production facilities have been well received by the market. We are able to configure and assemble manifolds to exact requirements in a matter of hours. This has been of huge benefit in cases such as breakdowns, as well as for those wanting larger manifolds matched to unique requirements in a hurry,” concludes Smith.
For more information contact Dave Fordham, SMC Pneumatics South Africa, +27 (0)11 100 5866, [email protected], www.smcpneumatics.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 100 5866 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.smcza.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SMC Corporation South Africa |
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