AirTac Pneumatic Product Selection Guide: Parameter Matching, Industry Adaptation, and Risk Avoidance (Part 1)

1. Core Product Technical Parameter Analysis and Matching Logic

The key to selecting AirTac products lies in a closed-loop process of "Work Condition Requirements → Parameter Anchoring → Series Filtering." You must first lock in the critical technical parameters and then match them to a specific product series.

(a) Solenoid Valves: Selecting Based on Three Dimensions—Port Size, Response, and Protection 

As the "switching core" of a pneumatic system, the parameters of a solenoid valve directly impact airflow control accuracy and lifespan. You need to focus on the following key metrics:

• Effective Area (Cv Value / Flow Rate)

  • Definition: The volume (or mass) of fluid that passes through the valve per unit of time. This is the core parameter for matching the valve to the required pipeline flow.

  • Matching Logic: Calculate the Cv value based on the maximum flow rate your system needs. The formula is Cv=Q×P/ΔP (where Q is flow rate, ρ is fluid density, and ΔP is the pressure difference across the valve).

  • Corresponding AirTac Series:

    • Miniature Valves (CPV10/CPV15 Series): Cv values of 0.014-0.08, suitable for low-flow control (e.g., vacuum suction circuits in 3C equipment).

    • General-Purpose Valves (4V200/4V300 Series): Cv values of 0.5-1.2, suitable for conventional pneumatic actuators (e.g., driving small cylinders).

    • High-Flow Valves (6V/7V Series): Cv values of 2.5-5.0, suitable for large-bore cylinders (e.g., >50mm) or circuits with multiple parallel actuators.

• Response Time and Operating Frequency

  • Definition: Response time is the time from when the coil is energized to when the valve's position is fully switched. Operating frequency is the maximum number of times it can switch per unit of time.

  • Industry Adaptation:

    • High-Frequency Conditions (e.g., electronic component sorters, with an operating frequency ≥10 times/second): Prioritize direct-acting structures (e.g., the 3V100 series), which have a response time of ≤7ms. This avoids delays caused by air lag in pilot-operated valves.

    • Low-Pressure Conditions (≤0.2MPa, e.g., medical equipment): Select pilot-operated + direct-acting assist structures (e.g., the 4V2M series), which balance low-pressure activation with high-frequency response.

• Protection Rating (IP Code) and Media Compatibility

  • Protection Rating: IP65 (dust-tight + protected against water jets) is suitable for general workshop environments (e.g., machining). IP67 (dust-tight + protected against short-term immersion) is suitable for damp/dusty conditions (e.g., food processing wash-down areas). IP68 requires a custom solution (e.g., for outdoor metallurgical equipment).

  • Media Requirements: Standard solenoid valves are compatible with dry compressed air (dew point ≤-20℃, oil mist concentration of 5-50 mg/m³). If the medium contains corrosive gases (e.g., in a chemical plant), you must use a stainless steel valve body (e.g., Airtac's ESV Series ISO standard valves, with a 304 stainless steel body).

(b) Cylinders: Locking in Key Parameters Based on Load, Precision, and Environment

As actuators, cylinders must be selected by balancing load capacity, motion precision, and environmental resistance. The core parameters include:

• Bore Size and Stroke: The Core of Load Calculation

  • Load Matching Formula: $F\ge K\times (F1+F2)$ (where F is the cylinder's theoretical thrust, K is the safety factor, F1 is the working load, and F2 is the friction resistance).

  • Theoretical Thrust Calculation: $F=P\times S$ (where P is the working pressure, and S is the effective piston area, S=π×(D/2)2, and D is the bore size).

  • Corresponding AirTac Series:

    • Miniature Cylinders (MI Series): Bore sizes 6-20mm, suitable for light loads (≤50N, e.g., lens adjustment in 3C devices).

    • Standard Cylinders (SI Series): Bore sizes 25-125mm, suitable for general loads (50-1500N, e.g., robotic arm gripping).

    • Heavy-Duty Cylinders (SC Series): Bore sizes 160-320mm, suitable for heavy loads (≥2000N, e.g., machine tool door drives).

• Cushioning Method and Positioning Accuracy

  • Cushioning Methods:

    • Rubber Cushioning (e.g., SI Series): Suitable for low-speed (≤0.5m/s), low-impact conditions (e.g., pushing materials).

    • Adjustable Air Cushioning (e.g., SE Series): Suitable for medium-to-high speeds (0.5-1.0m/s) and medium impacts (e.g., press-fitting in assembly lines).

    • Hydraulic Cushioning (e.g., SH Series): Suitable for high-speed (≥1.0m/s) and high-impact conditions (e.g., auxiliary cylinders for stamping equipment).

  • Positioning Accuracy: Standard cylinders have a repeat positioning accuracy of ±0.1mm. If higher precision is required (e.g., for electronic component welding), select a series with a magnetic ring and position sensor (e.g., the SI-M Series). When used with an Airtac D-A93 sensor, the positioning accuracy can reach ±0.05mm.

• Ambient Temperature and Material Selection

  • High-Temperature Conditions (80-150℃, e.g., automotive paint lines): Select cylinders with high-temperature resistant seals (e.g., FKM), such as the Airtac ST Series, which can withstand up to 180℃.

  • Low-Temperature Conditions (-40-0℃, e.g., cold chain equipment): Select cylinders with low-temperature flexible seals (e.g., EPDM rubber), such as the Airtac SC-L Series, which can withstand temperatures as low as -40℃.

  • Corrosive Environments (e.g., electroplating workshops): Select all-stainless-steel cylinders (e.g., Airtac's SS Series, with 316 stainless steel barrels and end caps).