Airtac 3V Series Direct Acting Solenoid Valve: Precise Control with "Small Size, Big Power"

Introduction

In precision instruments and micro-automation equipment, solenoid valves not only need to meet the requirement for "small space installation" but also must achieve millisecond-level precise control. The Airtac 3V Series Direct Acting Solenoid Valve is designed precisely for these applications. As a representative of the direct acting structure, the 3V series is renowned for its "small size, fast response, and high control accuracy." Covering models such as the 3V100 and 3V200, it plays a core role from medical devices to electronic testing instruments. This article will detail the technical highlights and application scenarios of the 3V series, introducing you to this "small size, big power" precision control tool.

I. Direct Acting Structure: Unveiling the Principle of 3V Series Precise Control

The core advantage of a direct acting solenoid valve lies in "direct drive"—when the coil is energized, the generated electromagnetic force directly pulls the spool to shift, eliminating the need to rely on the pressure differential in the pipeline. This structure offers two major benefits:

  1. Zero Pressure Start: The actuation pressure can be as low as 0 MPa (vacuum state), making it suitable for vacuum adsorption and low-pressure precision control scenarios. In contrast, pilot-operated solenoid valves typically require an actuation pressure of $\geq 0.15 \text{ MPa}$.

  2. Millisecond Response: The spool stroke is short (only $2 \text{ to } 3 \text{ mm}$), with an opening/closing time of $\leq 0.03$ seconds, which is $40\%$ faster than pilot-operated valves. This makes it ideal for high-frequency, high-precision motion control.

The 3V series adopts a miniaturized design, with a maximum external dimension of only $45 \text{ mm} \times 25 \text{ mm} \times 30 \text{ mm}$ (3V100-06 model) and a weight of $\leq 100 \text{ grams}$. It can be integrated directly onto small actuators, saving $90\%$ of installation space.

II. Core Advantages of the 3V Series: Four Key Features for Precision Applications

1. Normally Closed/Normally Open Dual Modes: Matching Control Logic on Demand

The 3V series provides two basic models: Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO). Some models support multi-function shifting (e.g., 3V210-08), allowing control modes to be switched via wiring. The NC model is suitable for "power-off pressure retention" scenarios (e.g., airflow cutoff in medical devices), while the NO model is suitable for "power-off pressure relief" needs (e.g., emergency exhaust in safety circuits), flexibly meeting different control logics.

2. Multi-Voltage Adaptation: Compatibility with Various Control Systems

It supports full voltage specifications including $\text{AC}220\text{V}$, $\text{AC}110\text{V}$, $\text{AC}24\text{V}$, $\text{DC}24\text{V}$, and $\text{DC}12\text{V}$. The coil power consumption is as low as $1.5\text{W}$ ($\text{DC}12\text{V}$ model), adapting to micro-PLCs, microcontrollers, sensors, and other small control units. DC models feature polarity protection, so wiring reversal will not burn out the coil—only the indicator light will fail to illuminate, reducing the risk of installation errors.

3. High Protection Level: Adaptation to Complex Environments

The valve body is made of anodized aluminum alloy, and the coil protection rating reaches IP65, resisting dust, low-pressure water spray, and slight corrosion. Performance remains unattenuated within the operating temperature range of $-20^\circ \text{C} \text{ to } 70^\circ \text{C}$, fitting both constant-temperature laboratory environments and temperature fluctuations in industrial workshops.

4. Precision Sealing: Eliminating Micro-Leakage

The valve spool uses ceramic material (in some high-end models) paired with FKM (Fluororubber) seals, achieving "micro-level" sealing accuracy. Under a pressure of $0.1 \text{ to } 0.6 \text{ MPa}$, the leakage rate is $\leq 1 \text{ mL/min}$, making it suitable for precise control of various media such as gas and liquid (e.g., gas sampling, quantitative liquid delivery).

III. Typical Application Scenarios of the 3V Series: From Small Devices to Precision Systems

1. Medical Equipment: The "Safety Valve" for Life Support Systems

In ventilators, the 3V100-06 model controls the proportioning and delivery of oxygen and air, with a response time of $\leq 0.03$ seconds, ensuring airflow output is precisely synchronized with the patient's breathing rhythm. In infusion pumps, high-frequency shifting (5 times/second) achieves quantitative drug delivery, with near-zero leakage to prevent medication waste and safety risks.

2. Electronic Testing Instruments: The "Control Hand" for Micro-Components

In semiconductor chip testing equipment, the 3V210-08 controls miniature pneumatic claws to gently pick up chips without damage, with a positioning accuracy of $\leq \pm 0.02 \text{ mm}$. In electronic blood pressure monitors, precise control of the air pump for inflation and deflation enables rapid blood pressure measurement, with an error of $\leq \pm 3 \text{ mmHg}$.

3. Small Automation Equipment: The "Power Core" of Desktop Machinery

In desktop 3D printers, the 3V100-06 controls the airflow cooling of the nozzle, ensuring printing accuracy. In small labeling machines, it drives the rapid extension and retraction of the labeling head, achieving a labeling efficiency of 120 times/minute, with a positioning error of $\leq \pm 0.5 \text{ mm}$.

4. Vacuum Systems: The "Precision Switch" for Adsorption Control

In vacuum adsorption equipment, the 3V series can directly control the on/off state of the vacuum circuit. Its zero-pressure start characteristic ensures stable shifting even in high-vacuum environments ($\leq -0.09 \text{ MPa}$), making it suitable for the adsorption and transfer of thin workpieces like chips and glass substrates.

IV. 3V Series Selection Guide: Avoiding Key Mistakes

  1. Media Compatibility: For gaseous media, select the "Air Dedicated Model." For liquid media, choose the "Waterproof Seal Model" to prevent seal swelling and subsequent failure.

  2. Pressure Matching: Although zero-pressure start is supported, the recommended long-term working pressure should be controlled between $0.1 \text{ to } 0.6 \text{ MPa}$. Overpressure (maximum withstand pressure $1.2 \text{ MPa}$) will shorten the seal life.

  3. Flow Demand: The effective cross-sectional area is small (approx. $4 \text{ mm}^2$ for 3V100 series, approx. $8 \text{ mm}^2$ for 3V200 series). It is only suitable for small actuators; large flow applications require the selection of the 4V series.

Summary

The Airtac 3V Series Direct Acting Solenoid Valve utilizes "direct drive, miniature size, and precise control" as its core competitive advantages, perfectly resolving the pain points of "limited space and high control requirements" in precision equipment. From life support in medical devices to micro-manipulation in electronic testing, from desktop automation to vacuum systems, the 3V series unleashes "big power" from its "small size," making it the preferred choice for precision control applications.

If you need to select a solenoid valve for small equipment or a precision system, you are welcome to contact the Airtac technical support team for one-on-one adaptation solutions. Contact us to download the "3V Series Product Specification Sheet" for more technical details.

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