Performance provider keeps it tight: Valve sealing series JSY3000-S with bottom-mounted connection plate and seal

The new valve island of the JSY3000-S series (here with fieldbus module EX260) impresses primarily with its compact, two-part, and protected design, making it well-suited for the food industry and wash-down applications. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Valve islands for controlling multiple pneumatic applications are a common sight in the manufacturing industry. When compact, powerful, and flexible solutions are required across various sectors, additional demands for high sealing and durability are added in the food sector. How to combine such diverse requirements is now demonstrated by SMC with the JSY3000-S series of valve islands. Thanks to the mounting plate made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel located below, along with the EPDM gasket and FDA-compliant connectors, it is ideally suited for use in wash-down applications. The high flow rates despite a compact size, flexible mounting options, and a wide range of communication protocols complete the performance package optimally.

Whether in mechanical engineering, packaging industry, or robotics: the requirements for valve islands are high—and especially in the food and beverage sector, they are increasing. On the one hand, components may come into contact with food, and on the other hand, they are usually part of wash-down applications. Therefore, corrosion resistance and sealing are indispensable prerequisites. Specifically for these particular challenges, SMC has expanded its valve island series JSY3000 with the JSY3000-S series. Thanks to the stainless steel mounting plate below, an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) gasket, and FDA-compliant connectors, it features an IP67 protection class and is also ideally suited for the food industry. In addition to its compact size, the separation between electrical and pneumatic parts provides extra protection and simplifies installation in control cabinets. Furthermore, the JSY3000-S series impresses with high flow rates combined with reduced power consumption thanks to an energy-saving circuit.

Durable and low-maintenance

The multi-connection plate made of aluminum has outlets on the bottom side mounted on a corrosion-resistant stainless steel 304 adapter plate. An EPDM gasket prevents water or dust ingress. The connectors of the KQG2-F series from SMC, made of stainless steel 316, also enable handling of food due to their FDA compliance. The JSY3000-S series thus meets the IP67 protection rating, allowing the control cabinet to be placed close to (wash-down) applications.

In addition to durable materials, the separation between electrical and pneumatic parts results in shorter maintenance times and fewer failures: the solenoid valves are protected inside, while the tubing is outside. This further simplifies and speeds up assembly, reducing not only costs but also the likelihood of leaks. Optionally, users can install a decorative cover plate that ensures a clean appearance and, in special cases, provides adequate sealing.

Compact all-rounder for various applications

In addition to enhanced protection and simplified assembly and maintenance, the separation between electrical and pneumatic parts also saves space in the control cabinet. Thanks to the overall compact design of the JSY3000-S series, space savings are further increased. This allows installation in small control cabinets—and the valve island overall leaves a smaller CO2 footprint. However, this does not compromise performance: the high flow rate of up to 640 l/min enables applications with high cycle rates, thereby increasing productivity and expanding the range of applications. When users choose the solution with an energy-saving circuit, power consumption is only 0.4 W (when switched on) or 0.1 W (standby).

Thanks to comprehensive compatibility regarding connections, fieldbus modules, and communication protocols, the JSY3000-S series is suitable for a wide range of applications. For wiring, options include D-Sub connectors, flat ribbon cables, terminal boxes, and connection cables, as well as fieldbus modules EX600, EX260, EX245, and EX250. Users can choose between protocols such as IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet POWERLINK, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DP, CC-Link, AS-Interface, and CANopen, controlling up to 16 valve stations with double wiring and up to 24 with single wiring. Finally, the thread types Rc, G, and NPT, along with various operational modes (e.g., 5/2-way mono-/bistable, 5/3-way center closed/open/damped), offer high flexibility for installation and application scenarios.