At 8mm wide, the latest two-position three-way digital valve from Pneutronics is claimed to be “the smallest valve on planet earth”. Known as the X-Valve, this patent-pending valve has all functional areas incorporated into one glass-reinforced PBT (polybutylene terephalate) moulded body. This simplifies the design and reduces the number of components within the valve. This reduction in functional parts means fewer potential leak points and associated tolerance problems.
By combining the body and coil unit with the flow-through design, the X-Valve is able to handle a flow rate far in excess of other miniature solenoids in its class at pressures from up to 30lb/in2(g). It is also able to respond quicker, less than 20ms, in comparison with other valves and features include electrical and pneumatic connection with multifunction barbs designed for plumbing and electrical termination interface options. Capable of being mounted on printed circuit boards and with vertically orientated electrical pins and female receptacles so that common connectors can be used, the X-Valve is fitted with special flanges that eliminate the need for traditional gaskets and high installation force, typical of conventional manifold mount technology. The X-Valve is considered ideal for a variety of industrial medical and analytical applications and will allow OEMs to radically shrink package size.
