1. Confirm the specifications.
Products represented in this manual are designed only for
use in compressed air systems (including vacuum).
Do not operate at pressures or temperatures, etc., beyond
the range of specifications, as this can cause damage or
malfunction. (Refer to the specifications.) Please contact
SMC when using a fluid other than compressed air
(including vacuum). We do not guarantee against any
damage if the product is used outside of the specification
range.
2. Actuator drive
When an actuator, such as a cylinder, is to be driven using
a valve, take appropriate measures (such as the
installation of a cover or the restricting of access to the
product) to prevent potential danger caused by actuator
operation.
3. Intermediate stops
For 3-position closed center , it is difficult to make a piston
stop at the required position accurately due to the
compressibility of air.
Furthermore, since valves and actuators are not
guaranteed for zero air leakage, it may not be possible to
hold a stopped position for an extended period of time.
Please contact SMC if it is necessary to hold a stopped
position for an extended period of time.
4. Effect of back pressure when using a manifold
Use caution when valves are used on a manifold,
because actuator may malfunction due to back- pressure.
Especially when using a 3-position exhaust center valve,
a double check valve, or a single acting cylinder, take
appropriate measures to prevent malfunction by using it
with an individual EXH spacer assembly or a back
pressure check valve.
5. Holding pressure (including vacuum)
Since the valves are subject to air leakage, they cannot be
used for applications such as holding pressure (including
vacuum) in a pressure vessel.
6. Not suitable for use as an emergency shutoff
valve, etc.
The valves listed in this manual are not designed for
safety applications such as an emergency shutoff valve. If
the valves are used for the mentioned applications,
additional safety measures should be adopted.
7. Release of residual pressure
For maintenance and inspection purposes install a system
for releasing residual pressure. Especially in the case of
3-position closed center valve, ensure that the residual
pressure between the valve and the cylinder is released.
8. Operation in a vacuum condition
When a valve is used for switching a vacuum, take
measures to install a suction filter or similar to prevent
external dust or other foreign matter from entering inside
the valve. In addition, at the time of vacuum adsorption,
be sure to vacuum at all times. Failure to do so may result
in foreign matter sticking to the adsorption pad, or air
leakage causing the workpiece to drop.
9. Regarding a vacuum switch valve and a
vacuum release valve
If a non-vacuum valve is installed in the middle of piping
system having a vacuum, the vacuum condition will not
be maintained. Use a valve designed for use under
vacuum condition.
10. Double solenoid type
When using the double solenoid type fot the first time,
actuators may travel in an unexpected direction
depending on the switching position of the valve.
Implement measures to prevent any danger from
occurring when operating the actuator.
11. Ventilation
Provide ventilation when using a valve in confined area,
such as in a closed control panel. For example, install a
ventilation opening, etc. in order to prevent pressure from
increasing inside of the confined area and to release the
heat generated by the valve.
12. Extended periods of continuous energization
If a valve will be continuously energized for an
extended period of time, the temperature of the valve will
increase due to the heat generated by the coil assembly.
This will likely adversely affect the performance of the
valve and any nearby peripheral equipment. Therefore,
please use under the conditions that the valve is to be
energized for periods within 30 minutes at a time or that
during the hours of operation the energized period per
day is shorter than the de-energized period.
13. Do not disassemble the product or make any
modifications, including additional machining.
Doing so may cause human injury and/or an accident.
14. Resumption after a long period of holding time
When resuming operation after a long period of holding
time, there are cases in which, regardless of whether the
product is in an ON or OFF state, there is a delay in the
initial response time due to adhesion. Conducting several
cycles of running-in operation will solve this problem.
Please consider implementing this before resumption.
1. Precautions for 2-position double solenoid
valves
If a double solenoid valve is operated with momentary
energization, it should be energized for at least 0.1
second. However, depending on the condition of the
secondary load, it should be energized until the cylinder
reaches the stroke end position, since there is a
possibility of malfunction.