Futuristic solutions for tomorrow's medical technology: SMC presents a comprehensive product portfolio

The new compact cooling and temperature control devices of the INR-244-831 series save space and also protect the environment thanks to their refrigerant-free Peltier design and quiet construction. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Energy, resources, and space saving – the ongoing trends in industry have also been relevant for Life Science and Medical Technology for years. Additionally, the sector has particularly high hygiene requirements. International manufacturers and experts in medical technology and related industries use the global leading trade fair Compamed 2021 in Düsseldorf as an information and communication platform for the latest developments. SMC, the leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electric automation technology, will also present its comprehensive product range for demanding applications from November 15 to 18. In Hall 14 at Stand 14A36, SMC experts will showcase innovative products for cooling and temperature control, precise flow regulation, and handling aggressive media.

Stable cooling and temperature performance with low noise levels

In many areas of a high-performance industry like Life Science, perfect cooling and temperature regulation are essential in the production and processing of sensitive products. With the INR-244-831 series, SMC offers a cooling and temperature device for circulating media that operates extremely energy- and resource-efficiently and can be adapted to many applications. With compact dimensions of only W130 × D150 × H210 mm and its low weight, this powerhouse can be conveniently installed directly on the machine or on workbenches in tight spaces. Here, the INR-244-831 series fully demonstrates its advantage of quiet device construction: even at high performance, the device has a low noise level of only 58 dB, optionally equipped with an additional quiet fan, even as low as 45 dB. The INR-244-831 series also allows maintenance-free and environmentally friendly operation in the refrigerant-free Peltier version.

Robust, process-safe, and quick to install

In analysis or diagnostic devices, where aggressive media are used on one hand and contamination of the medium must be prevented on the other, only valves with media-separated design are suitable. For the compact and directly operated 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves of the SMC LVM series, the actuator housing of the coil is separated from the media area by a membrane in all variants. In this isolated construction, both the membrane and the flange seal or O-ring are made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber), FKM (fluororubber), and Kalrez® (fluoroelastomers), making them chemically inert. The lower housing part or housing plate is made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone), which has high chemical resistance. SMC has now expanded the LVM series with a new pipe variant and two additional flange options. Besides lower power consumption and reduced reagent use, they offer visual inspection of the valve status, quick wiring, and very easy mounting or disassembly.

Switching between different media

Many medical or pharmaceutical applications require speed and precision. Mobile devices also need space-saving, high-performance, and energy-efficient components. To control the flow of media such as air or inert gases, small and powerful directly operated solenoid valves are used. With the SX090 series, SMC now expands its SX90 series with a 3/2-way version of the miniature solenoid valve. In addition to the general advantages of the series, such as compact design, low weight, fast response time, and low power consumption, the new valves of the SX090 series also feature the ability to switch between different media, such as switching the flow from compressed air to an inert gas like nitrogen.