Compact energy saver

The new vacuum generators on the left for single devices (Series ZK2-A-X188) or on the right for multi-connection plates (Series ZK2-A-X211) impress with their small size and weight, ensure high process safety thanks to the supply valve in NO design, and save both your wallet and the environment with a digital vacuum switch with energy-saving function. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The new vacuum generators on the left for individual devices (Series ZK2-A-X188) or on the right for multi-connection plates (Series ZK2-A-X211) impress with their compact size and weight, ensure high process safety thanks to the supply valve in NO design, and save both your wallet and the environment with a digital vacuum switch featuring an energy-saving function. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Whether for Pick-and-Place, packaging and palletizing, or conveyor lines: vacuum generators are used in many applications. Engineers are always faced with the challenge of ensuring high performance and process safety, as well as a space-saving and lightweight machine design and low energy consumption. To meet these requirements, SMC offers an efficient and economical compact actuator with the ZK2-A-X188 series as a single unit and the ZK2-A-X211 series for multi-connection plates. Thanks to the integration of all components of a vacuum generator into a single unit, the solution impresses with features such as a digital vacuum switch including energy-saving function, a NO supply valve for increased process safety, and at the same time, it is a true lightweight.

From the automotive, food, and packaging industries to general automation and manufacturing industries, as well as the printing industry and the life sciences sector: a wide range of applications exist across industries that rely on vacuum generators, which are increasingly being subjected to higher demands. With the ZK2-A-X188 series as a single unit and the ZK2-A-X211 series for multi-connection plates, SMC provides process engineers with suitable solutions. The particularly compact and lightweight vacuum generators from the specialist in pneumatic and electrical automation feature, among other things, a supply valve in NO design, allowing the vacuum to be maintained even in the event of a power outage. Additionally, they are equipped with a digital vacuum switch with energy-saving function, which also enables fault detection visually and via the PLC, a powerful muffler for increased operational safety, and control with an integrated pilot valve.

Light and Safe

Whether as a single unit with the ZK2-A-X188 series weighing only 200 g or the ZK2-A-X211 series for multi-connection plates weighing from 345 g (1 station) to 2320 g (10 stations): SMC's vacuum generators are true lightweight solutions, suitable among other things for robot applications. Installing up to 10 units on a multi-connection plate with DIN rail mounting not only enables use in highly dynamic and flexible processes but also provides high transparency regarding processes and energy consumption in the smart factory. It additionally saves space and allows for the construction of smaller and more cost-effective machines.

Thanks to the NO supply valve (nominal voltage of 24 VDC), the vacuum is maintained even if the power supply is interrupted. This prevents workpieces from falling and needing to be repositioned when operating pressure remains unchanged (within 0.15 to 0.6 MPa)—a clear advantage in process safety. A maximum vacuum of -91 kPa can be generated. Additional safety is provided by the optional exhaust throttle for the blow-off pulse, which not only reduces component damage but also ensures more precise part handling through individually tuned settings. Additionally, cables can optionally be fitted with sheathing to increase their resistance.

Efficient and Quiet Energy Saver

The built-in digital vacuum switch with energy-saving function reduces air consumption by up to 93% by shutting off the compressed air supply once the desired vacuum is reached. Control is performed with built-in pilot valves (supply/ventilation valve), with air consumption depending on the series and configuration, ranging between 24 and 90 l/min (ANR). Engineers can thereby reduce energy costs and achieve greater efficiency through shortened cycle times. They also gain additional security in their applications, as faults are quickly detected via integrated sensor monitoring. Maintenance and checks can also be performed remotely—making the ZK2-A-X188 and ZK2-A-X211 series suitable for Industry 4.0 applications. Venting is additionally carried out via powerful mufflers, ensuring a quiet working environment and enhancing occupational safety.