Pneumatic products provider SMC Pneumatics has modified its ZH body ported-type vacuum ejector so that it is more compact, lightweight and easy to mount. It also has an improved maximum suction flow rate, improving its overall effectiveness and functionality.

The ejector is more compact in design, is adaptable and can be used for a wider number of applications. It offers an improved maximum suction flow rate, while being 74% lighter than the original series, delivering space savings and fewer inert moments when mounted in mobile applications, such as robot arms. It also comes with four mounting options – direct, standard bracket, L-bracket and DIN rail – giving customers greater choice and flexibility.

These modifications make the ZH suitable for a range of applications, such as packaging, palletising, materials handling, automatic assembly, automatic transport or pick and place in the semiconductor, electrical, automotive, food and medical industries.

“We are always striving to offer the very best solutions to our customers and the ZH is no exception. This latest design gives customers working in manufacturing and assembly equipment several enhancements, including greater suction capacity and adaptability for different conditions, by offering a combined one-touch and screw-in connection,” says SMC.

Additional features include an optional silencer and standard brackets, as well as different-coloured release buttons for metric or inch types, making the product easy to identify.

Meeting International Safety Standards
Manufacturing safety is a global concern for all operators and designers, with ISO 13849-1 setting the standard. SMC is helping its customers meet this standard with the launch of its latest three-port solenoid valves. The VP-X555 and X585 join the existing range of safety valves – the VP-X536, VP-X538 and VG-X87 – already available in response to ISO 13849-1.

Adhering to international machine safety standards is a must for manufacturers and designers following the introduction of ISO 13849-1. Working in partnership with its customers and understanding their challenges mean that SMC is continuously seeking safety solutions to help achieve those outlined by ISO 13849-1. The standard sets out safety requirements and guidance on the principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems, including the design of software.

Responding to ISO 13849-1, SMC provides a range of safety components, including a series of single and dual residual pressure release valves. The two new valves feature an integrated soft start-up function that gradually builds the pressure of the pneumatic system, delivering performance consistency and excellent safety. They also have two stations, so, if one fails to operate, residual pressure is released by the remaining valve to maintain the safety function.

“We understand that manufacturing safety is a key consideration for all system operators and designers, so, at SMC, we are constantly looking at ways to support our customers in terms of providing safety components, equipment and reliable data about our products. “These valves are the latest in a series of components where safety is key to their design,” says SMC.

Further features of the VP-X555 and X585 include a selectable throttle and fixed orifice that allows the pressure to be easily adjusted. In addition, they come with IP65 enclosure protection, a choice of safety limit switches and the ability to connect to modular-type FRL units, offering superb flexibility and versatility and allowing the valves to be used across a broad range of applications.