SMC Speed Controllers
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 2:45:12 PM America/New_York
Pneumatic machines can be finicky. Pneumatic cylinders can sometimes be hard to control, may lunge or even more erratically. Having the ability to control the speed and operation of your pneumatic actuators is a necessity to keeping your machine operating smoothly and efficiently. If you can accomplish this, your machines will produce consistent results and last longer due to smooth, consistent, and efficient movement.
Speed controllers (also referred to as flow controls) are small valves used to reduce the flow rate from a pneumatic actuator. Speed controllers decrease the operational speed of a pneumatic actuator in one direction – opposed to a needle valve that controls air flow in two directions (in and out of the actuator). The benefit of a speed controller is that it enables the cylinder to have a controlled movement in one direction, but full flow and speed in the opposite direction.
Speed controller work by having a threaded adjustment that allows for gradual and easy adjustment of the quantity of air that can pass through the valve. There are two types of speed controls that are used in pneumatic installations:
- Meter Out Valve – This type of valve controls the exhaust air that is released from the actuator. The valves are commonly used for double acting cylinders and are advantageous to control the speed of the actuator due to the natural compressibility of air
- Meter In Valve – This type of valve control is used to restrict the flow to the actuator itself. The valves are commonly used to control the speed of a cylinder that has only one pressure supply. For example, if an actuator uses a spring to extend or retract the actuator automatically. These valves are also referred to as reverse flow control valves.
SMC has improved on the design of their speed controllers by adding speed indicators allowing you to accurately set the flow of the air into or out of the pneumatic actuator. There are several benefits to having indicators on your speed controls:
- Allow for tighter control of your systems. For example, any adjustments to the flow of the cylinders would be obvious allowing for quicker troubleshooting of issues.
- More efficient machines. Using an SMC speed controller can reduce air consumption by 25%.
- Reduce stroke pressure
- Allows operators to control supply and exhaust avoiding sudden piston extension and delay in pressure changes.
- Reduce wear and tear on pneumatic cylinders for longer lifespans and reduced operating costs.
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