Multitalent now also at home in the control cabinet: Valve islands from SMC

Sure, flexible, powerful for all applications: The valve islands of the SY series from SMC are specially available for control cabinet applications. They are easy to install, ensure high process safety, and meet strict protection standards. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The rougher the production conditions, the greater the demands on the plant's pneumatics. Its heart: the valve island. It must be reliably protected from contaminants such as dust or liquids, as well as from damage caused by high-pressure cleaners. "Especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, the hygiene requirements for the systems are high," says Olaf Hagelstein, Product Manager at SMC. "That's why we simply integrated our proven SY valve islands into the control cabinet."

In the control cabinet – beyond danger

The simple reason: "With the valve island in the control cabinet, we save space on the system, increase safety by separating the electrical control from the production process, and reduce installation times because far fewer cables and hoses need to be laid," explains Olaf Hagelstein.
To achieve this, the experts at SMC designed the valve islands so that they can be easily mounted inside the control cabinet – with all pneumatic connections on the outside. This not only saves on tubing but also improves the integrity of the control cabinet because expensive penetrations do not need to be made. Connections and adapter plates are also available in stainless steel. Olaf Hagelstein: "Depending on the control cabinet, we can meet the requirements up to protection class IP69K." The cabinet can thus be thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure cleaners and chemicals without damaging the valve island – an important factor in food processing.

Performance tailored to needs – easily interchangeable

Depending on the application, the SY series valve islands from SMC can be equipped with up to 16 different-sized valves. "With our three sizes SY3000, SY5000, and SY7000, we offer the right performance for every requirement, with flow rates up to 1,500 l/min," emphasizes Olaf Hagelstein. The valves can be flexibly combined, whether 2x3/2, 5/2, or 5/3-way valves are needed. Thanks to steel sliders and at least 200 million possible switching cycles, the SY valve islands also increase process safety. And if a valve needs to be replaced, it can be done easily and quickly on site.

The electrical inputs, well hidden inside the control cabinet, serve for control – compatible with all common fieldbus systems. Olaf Hagelstein: "Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, IO-Link, whatever communication protocol the customer uses, we have the appropriate connection." A wide range of options for wiring systems completes the SMC SY valve island package. And thanks to a comprehensive service and logistics network, spare and upgrade parts are quickly available worldwide.