Festo has a new range of modular pneumatic micro valves designed to address the exacting needs of electronics and small machinery manufacturers. The new range features extremely compact dimensions and accommodates the small size requirements of many industries including manufacturers for the electronics industry. Easy installation with a wide variety of connection options make this a highly attractive range to panel builders and OEMs.
The micro valve products have been developed in collaboration with US West Coast electronics users.
The special requirements resulting from the joint development initiative include surface mount electrical connectors for direct PCB mounting with single multicore cable connection as well as a pneumatic multiconnector for easy swap-out and assembly, and a broad array of configuration options.
Festo states that the new valves are just the start of a whole new range, describing the miniature units as 'basic building blocks from Festo'.
Micro valves are available in three voltage options of 24, 12 and 5V, mount on 10mm pitch centres, and offer a flow rate of 20 litre/min.
Unit dimensions are a highly compact 10 x 30 x 30mm maximum.
For maximum mounting versatility electrical connections can be selected from above, to the rear or, by plugging into the manifold, via a D sub connector.
In addition to the various voltage, connector, access and mounting options as individual devices, Festo will offer the new micro valves to customers as part of a full solution kit, for instance with an interface to the company's acclaimed IPC@chip industrial PC controller.