Electrical automation solutions. Motion in your power. In today's industrial landscape, electric drive technology plays a crucial role in many manufacturing and logistics processes. In recognition of this, SMC offers a comprehensive portfolio of highly adaptable electric drive components, perfect for various motions and applications. Whether it's linear motion, rotating, gripping, or stopping, our electric actuators and drives fulfil all your requirements with precision and versatility. Picture a world where every move is enhanced by electrical solutions. Are you curious about a custom electric solution tailored just for you? SMC's state-of-the-art electric actuators are synonymous for flexibility – they don’t just operate, but also transform to meet your specific needs. Take advantage of the adaptability of our electrical solutions that put you in control and where the system adjusts to your specific instructions. Advantages of SMC’s electric drive technology Our range of electric solutions features battery-less actuators with absolute encoders, eliminating the need for regular maintenance and ensuring continuous precision operation. Our motorless actuators boast a streamlined, efficient design - perfect for situations where space and energy savings are crucial. Paired with STO-enabled controllers for an extra layer of safety, our solutions go beyond adaptability – they are smartly engineered for the future. The broad array of mechanics and controllers, coupled with their unrivalled flexibility, allows us to confidently proclaim that SMC’s electric actuator solutions offer you many advantages: Perform any movement, anywhere, in any way you want – A world of motion at your disposal Control it as suits you best – Digital I/Os, IO-Link, and communication protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT®, and EtherNet/IP™ Make the safety of your machine better – Safe Torque Off sub-function with SIL 3, SIL CL and PL e certifications Smart up your factory – SMC electric solutions are Industry 4.0-friendly. Step into the future of motion control with SMC, where your power to move is limitless.

Battery manufacturing automation. Our battery of expertise for reliable battery production. The electric vehicle revolution is driving significant growth in Europe’s battery manufacturing industry – a new market for Europe but dominated by Asia. As a leading supplier of industrial automation components, Asia-based SMC is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. SMC’s expertise meets the needs of European Battery Manufacturers While Europe boasts strong automotive expertise, knowledge specific to battery production processes remains a gap. Building top-notch batteries requires a meticulous environment. Anode and cathode production, along with cell assembly, demand stringent control. Certain metals can wreak havoc, causing short circuits by clinging to the separator. That’s where SMC steps in: Our 25A product series is specifically designed for battery production. It’s copper-free, zinc-free, and uses a special non-drying grease that thrives in ultra-low dew points as low as -50°C (and even lower!). But that’s not all. SMC offers a comprehensive range of solutions for every stage of your battery production process, including: Corrosion-resistant products to shield your equipment from harsh chemicals Explosion-proof solutions for maximum safety Static-reduction products to minimize the risk of discharge Temperature control for laser applications for precise and reliable operation. The production of batteries brings customers big challenges, as ensuring high safety levels is a must, always being aware of the environmental issues. Furthermore, having the agility and speed the market is demanding is the way to ensure an optimum time-to market in such an exponentially growing industry. Ready to power up your battery production? Discover our key solutions for the battery industry. Click here

Wireless robotics: where less is definitely more. Ever yearned for a wireless communication system for your robotics? Fed up with cables and their associated breakages and disconnections? Want lower installation and maintenance costs? Well, wireless robotics is now a reality. In fact, it’s been here for some time, providing totally reliable, noise-resistant communication at a growing number of manufacturers that have adopted the completely unique Wireless Unit from SMC. To help anyone who is still hesitant about wireless communication technology, Juanjo Jubete, Wireless Unit Product Specialist, at SMC Spain, addresses a number of common concerns in this short Q&A.   By Juanjo Jubete, Wireless Unit Product Specialist, SMC Spain MARCH 2022 Q1. How can potential users overcome their fear of the unknown in terms of wireless reliability? A1. It’s a common misconception that wireless is not as reliable as wired, but how many wireless systems have we got functioning in our homes? Headsets, landline phone handsets, car keys and computer keyboards to list but a few. Wireless communication technology has become so robust that most of us take it for granted, so why not let our industrial systems take advantage too? In the seven years since the launch of our Wireless Unit, we’ve had no notable problems reported. It has even been standardised as reliable communication equipment at leading manufacturers in the automotive industry. Q2. What if my IT department is reluctant to accept the addition of new external wireless networks, thinking that they may conflict with internal network packets? A2. It’s important to note that our wireless equipment only sends information when necessary, not constantly, in very small network packets. Furthermore, the system incorporates FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology, which has been widely proven for many years to work without problems in areas where several devices transmit information in the same bandwidth simultaneously. All of these factors help to ensure robust and reliable communication. Q3. Will wireless communication equipment perform stably and reliably in environments where there is a high level of electromagnetic noise, such as spot welding? A3. The origins of the product’s development are in the automotive sector, whose natural habitat is a sea of electromagnetic noise derived from motors, inverters, heaters, spot-welding equipment, RFIDs and so on. There’s no danger of the equipment being susceptible to failure due to electromagnetic noise. In fact, we know that it’s far more immune to noise than copper communication, almost behaving like fibre optics, but without the associated high costs and delicate care requirements. Q4. What are the optimal industrial applications for wireless communications technology? A4. Although suitable for all industrial sectors, most of the applications to date have been for robots and robot peripherals. The power packs found in systems such as robots and turntables subject the communication cables they carry to extreme twists and turns, eventually causing them to fatigue and break. The result is random system stoppages that often take extensive time to identify and repair, and which will ultimately reappear as they are endemic. With wireless, we can basically eliminate any cables that carry electrical control signals. Part positioning and orientation - Pick & Place - SMC´s EX600 Wireless Unit Q5. Can you set out the most important wireless benefits? A5. Adopting a wireless solution avoids unproductive stoppages derived from loose or broken communication cables or bad contacts. It also avoids failures caused by electromagnetic noise thanks to the better immunity of wireless communication. In addition, cost savings result as there is no longer any need for ultra-flexible cables, special swivel joints, highly protected connectors and so on. SMC´s Wireless Unit – EX600-W Series  

The new Impact Blow Gun (IBG) from SMC is the most energy efficient on the market, using up to 87% less air than any other standard blowing gun. SMC is set to ‘clean up’ the blow gun market thanks to the launch of its IBG, which blows with a much shorter and stronger air pulse than existing commercial blow guns. Production in process industries with particle generation or refrigerated processes, and where noise is not an issue, such as forestry, machining and heavy industry, is optimised thanks to IBG’s performance, which is as much as 97% quicker to use than the competition. Significant energy savings are also achieved due to the small amount of air required to create a fast and stable, high pressure air blow, that will effectively clean away metal chips, dirt and water droplets. Also thanks to its built-in air tank, the IBG achieves a peak pressure that is three times greater than SMC’s previous VMG.     A spokesperson from SMC said: “We are always seeking ways to help our customers achieve greater productivity and energy efficiencies and the IBG is a fine example of our design innovation. The dirt particles generated by many industrial processes affect machinery performance and impacts productivity as stoppages are needed to clean affected components. For our customers this is a huge, time consuming and costly process. Our IBG resolves these problems by significantly reducing cleaning operation time and speeding up production.” The IBG offers flexibility as its peak pressure can be regulated with five different levels available, to meet the needs of various processes within a plant. For more information about the IBG, please visit SMC’s New Product Section at www.smc.eu

SMC customers can feel the full force of its electric actuator range thanks to ongoing investment in its product portfolio that now delivers total movement and control for any application. SMC has stepped up a gear to give its customers freedom of movement and control with its wide range of electric actuators and controllers that now offer a total solution and greater adaptability across a variety of applications. Workpieces can be moved in any direction and at a variety of speeds and loads thanks to the full range of mechanics and controllers available from SMC. “At SMC we work closely with our customers and respond to their needs.  Today, we offer a complete series of mechanics and controllers so our customers have the freedom of choice to move workpieces in any which way they need.  Importantly, they don’t have to adapt to our products; our products are designed to adapt to their needs,” said a spokesperson from SMC. SMC’s series of mechanics have been developed for environmental resistance, and include basic designs to those that are built to cope with specialist conditions, such as, clean room specifications, dust-tight/water-jet-proof or secondary battery compatible. Further flexibility is achieved with the introduction of SMC’s LE motorless, which is ideal for operators who require the mechanics but prefer to use their own motors.  Alternatively, operators can opt for a pre-configured and fully-equipped solution that, with just one part number, gives them a complete package featuring all the essential components from mechanics and control to wiring. Handing total control to customers, SMC has also developed a range of controllers to complement the mechanics on offer.  The portfolio offers digital I/O commanded controllers, whereby operators can achieve direct parametrization at the controller, and the choice of DC servo/step, with programless or step by step programming, or AC servo motors. Taking its controllers to the next level to give additional direct network connectivity to a range of protocols, including the key players EtherNet/IP™, PROFINET and ETHERCAT, SMC has introduced the JXC*1 and JXC*3 fieldbus command controllers. Whilst the JXC*1 controls one actuator, the JXC*3 can control up to four devices and allows for synchronization or arc/linear interpolation. The JXC*3 offers two models – one commanded by parallel digital I/O and the other commanded by Fieldbus technology and compatible with EtherNet/IP™. This combined advanced functionality and remote control and diagnosis, means that SMC’s electric actuators are the ideal partners for the Industry 4.0 scenario, helping customers to deliver the smart factory concept.  “There is no doubt that, for those who are moving towards Industry 4.0, SMC offers the smart solutions for smart factories.  We work in partnership with our customers and our electric actuator and controller range has been developed to meet their requirements and give them the freedom of movement and control they require.” concluded SMC spokesperson. To find out more about SMC’s electric actuator and controller range visit www.smc.eu.

Leading industrial automation and IIoT specialist SMC is addressing the need to reduce CO2 emissions and cut energy consumption with the release of its latest innovation, the AMS20/30/40/60 Series compressed air management system. By adopting this revolutionary new air management unit, any company that deploys pneumatic processes can gain from reductions of up to 62% in compressed air consumption, benefiting both the environment and bottom line profitability. Energy waste at manufacturing and process plants is largely attributable to factors that include poor control of air consumption, undetected leaks and processes which are un-optimised for standby and shutdown times. The consequences include increased costs, as well as unexpected problems due to insufficient maintenance planning and actions. Problem-solving technology SMC’s next-generation AMS20/30/40/60 Series addresses these issues with its combination of regulator, wireless hub and residual pressure relief valve. In addition to monitoring air consumption, which can help to identify excessive usage and anomalies, those investing in the new air management hub can also monitor the pressure and temperature of their air lines to establish baseline parameters for machines and factories. The analysis of high-resolution data collected by the AMS20/30/40/60 can form the basis for defining preventative actions and maintenance tasks. This is important as maintenance teams often find it hard to collect specific air-line data, leading to insufficient maintenance actions and unexpected failures or energy consumption peaks. Both predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring strategies can benefit from AMS20/30/40/60, as data collection helps to detect leaks and provide a digital fingerprint of preferred operating conditions. The system also monitors the status of the equipment to analyse variations and subsequently reduce downtime, waste and the need for corrective actions. Higher efficiency, less CO2 Via programmable automatic pressure reduction and shut-off times, AMS20/30/40/60 permits users to reduce both compressed air and energy consumption, improving process efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions generated by the production of compressed air. Along with improved maintenance capabilities, users also gain from a digitalised installation for higher levels of control. This capability leverages the advantages of innovative wireless technology, which is easy to integrate and avoids the need for communication cables. Wireless capability is highly beneficial as it negates the need for electrically complex solutions with too much wiring and the potential for errors when making cable connections. Wired systems also add complexity to device configuration tasks and require a PLC or edge server, while communication over long distances can be slower. In contrast, AMS20/30/40/60 promotes both time and cost savings through less installation and commissioning, less wiring, and fewer connectors and rotary joints. The decentralised system is compatible with OPC UA for direct data communications connection without the need of a PLC, as well as Ethernet I/P, Profinet and IO-Link devices. Using a single AMS20/30/40/60 hub, customers can connect up to 10 remote units with a maximum communication distance of 100 m radius. Sustainable solution The AMS20/30/40/60 Series is a global, sustainable solution that will benefit any user of compressed air, regardless of whether the application is general manufacturing, automotive, machine tools, electronics, packaging, textiles, food, forestry/paper or life sciences. The AMS20/30/40/60 system has an environment protection rating of IP65 or IP67 depending on the type of regulator deployed.

The new JSY & ZK2-A valve and ejector combination manifold from SMC not only simplifies pneumatic systems in applications requiring both positive and negative pressure (vacuum), it also reduces wiring requirements, provides complete compatibility with multiple fieldbus communication protocols and eliminates pressure fluctuations. Until now, if a customer needed both positive and negative pressure, it was necessary to mount two different manifolds: one for the valves controlling the pneumatic actuators and another for the vacuum ejectors and pads. Now however, SMC has combined two proven products – its compact JSY series 5-port solenoid valve manifold and ZK2-A vacuum ejector manifold – into a single unit. Less wiring, more space Easily adaptable to all installation types, the principal benefit is a reduction in wiring as there is only one electrical entry for the entire manifold. This concept not only reduces cabling cost and connection time, but also saves valuable space within moving systems such as robots and reduces the number of modules to connect/disconnect. In addition, the total manifold length is shorter than that of the separate manifolds despite providing up to 32 outputs combined (2 to 24 valve stations, and 1 to 8 ejectors). Fieldbus-compatible With the JSY & ZK2-A there are more fieldbus communication protocol options for the remote control and monitoring of manufacturing processes, as users can take advantage of the serial interface units that go with the JSY series to provide simultaneous control of the vacuum ejectors. It therefore becomes possible to control both valves and ejectors with up to 15 protocols - including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT and IO-Link - as well as SMC’s wireless system. Keep calm under pressure Compared with the very few combination products available on the market, SMC’s JSY & ZK2-A offers a notable difference. The unit connects the valve manifold and vacuum ejector manifold using a special end plate, allowing users to take advantage of a separate system for the supply and exhaust of each part of the unit. This configuration contrasts to competitor solutions where the same supply and exhaust serve both valves and ejectors. The benefit of SMC’s JSY & ZK2-A is that it negates pressure fluctuations and unstable valve operation as each product has its own independent supply and exhaust structure. As a point of note, there is no compromise in vacuum pressure, suction flow or responsiveness. Thanks to the valve's impressive flow-size ratio (up to 567 l/min flow rate), users can reduce total process times and boost OEE, while the vacuum manifold system with up to eight ejectors provides a highly flexible solution for design engineers. Reduced installation time and less maintenance add further to the list of advantages available with SMC’s new JSY& ZK2-A. The product is set to benefit a multitude of assembly, transfer and material handling applications, including the transportation of workpieces with holes, irregular surfaces or complex shapes, as well as cardboard box forming processes.

Leading industrial control and automation solutions specialist, SMC, is adding a new range of pinch valves to its expansive offer for medical device and food system OEMs. With the new LPV series valve, fluid does not come into contact with any moving parts, avoiding the potential for contamination. Moreover, by simply discarding the tube after use, there is no longer any need for a washing process, ensuring good hygiene. SMC’s energy-saving LPV pinch valve is suitable for controlling a wide range of analytical, medical and food industry fluids. With no direct contact between the fluid and the valve, users experience unobstructed flow and minimal pressure drop. Pressure drops are problematic as they can sometimes lead to equipment malfunction. No direct contact between fluid and valve also means no approvals are required, helping to provide a cost-effective solution for design engineers. Zero dead volume A major feature of the new SMC LPV pinch valve is zero dead volume, which makes for easy cleaning routines. Dead volume is common in some valve types, leading to difficulties in cleaning the valve flow path and, subsequently, potential contamination of samples, SMC’s compact LPV valve (20mm wide) is ideal for devices such DNA analysers and blood analysers (waste liquid line), as well as bacteria identification and inspection systems. Designers of liquid filling devices in the food and beverage industry will also benefit from the new valve. As a point of note, the valve offers the potential to reduce energy consumption thanks to a built-in power-saving circuit. Power consumption is just 2W. Less tube damage A further important advantage is that users of SMC’s LPV pinch valve will experience less tube damage due to the arc shape of the tube clamp, facilitating low maintenance and TCO (total cost of ownership). Furthermore, the presence of a U-shaped slot makes tube replacement easy and quick. As a final point, with panel mounting, OEMs can easily avoid electrical issues due to the dispersion of liquid between the flow and coil sides of the valve. Direct mounting from the front is also possible, providing designers with flexible options.

Ensure a clean and safe working environment. Dust collectors are essential to ensure a clean and safe working environment through air filtration. With our pulse valves, sensors, FRLs, valves and cylinders, your dust collector systems will offer high performance and longer equipment life cycles with less maintenance, as well as lower power and compressed air consumption. Specific answers for dust collectors can be found below.

Static electricity is an invisible but costly problem for manufacturers that can cause both production issues and lower quality products. This issue can only get worse as winter sets in and temperatures plummet, warns SMC. However, the company is offering customers a cure for the winter blues with a series of ionizers to neutralise the build-up of static.   Cold air holds less water vapour, which means the atmosphere is less conductive and encourages static electrical conditions.  In response, SMC has developed a full suite of ionizers that not only offer antistatic solutions, but are also suitable for dust removal and dust collection leading to reduced production costs, improved performance, increased efficiency and improved safety.  A spokesperson from SMC said: “Poor static control is still an issue for many operators who lose out financially due to high levels of rejection rates, poor product quality and unreliable processes.  Cooler winter conditions can make this problem worse, and we’d encourage customers to take preventative action now. “Our ionizers offer simple solutions that deliver effective static control for numerous applications.  “Thanks to SMC’s global reach, our clients benefit from complete and specialist solutions, so they can concentrate on more pressing production needs.”  SMC’s antistatic products include the bar type IZS that remove electrostatic from both flat and remote surfaces.  Available in three different models, the IZS40 is very simple to use with an ON/OFF only power function.  The IZS41 has a feedback sensor that features both an energy saving and continuous neutralisation run mode.  The Dual AC type IZS42, has reduced potential amplitude of 25 V or less.  It’s easy to adjust and reduces maintenance time thanks to an auto balance sensor that is built-in as standard.  For those seeking a handheld fan type ionizer, the IZF is designed to operate without the need for compressed air supply. The IZF21/31 has an ion balance of ±5 V and an optional adjustable louver to change the static neutralisation area.  It’s highly functional, with the option for automatic cleaning and flow rate adjustment.  A filter can be added to prevent foreign matter from entering the motor that helps avoid a short-circuit occurring between emitters.  A quiet alternative is the IZF10, which includes a low noise model of just 48 dB(A) and an electrode needle contamination detector. Operators working in confined spaces or on small pieces can opt for the IZN nozzle type that removes both electrostatic and dust.  There are various nozzles to choose from for different applications, ranging from standard to high flow. Finally, SMC also offers a fully integrated solution that allows operators to box up their dust and static issues.  The ZVB Box manages static neutralisation, dust removal and dust collection in a single box by using nozzle type ionizers.  Other outstanding features include emitters that are easy to remove, replace and clean and an optional photoelectric sensor reflecting plate for automatic workpiece detection. SMC is the world leading expert in pneumatics and offers over 12,000 basic products with over 700,000 variations. The company has a diverse customer base covering all automation industries. For more information, please visit www.smc.eu