Industrial Positioners: Delivering precise actuator and valve control
Positioners play a critical role in industrial automation by delivering accurate control of actuators and valves, improving overall efficiency and performance. In response to a setpoint signal, the industrial positioner modulates the valve or actuator to fine-tune flow, pressure, and other key process variables. Suitable for both demanding process environments and standard applications, positioners enhance control precision, helping to cut inefficiencies and reduce downtime.
This guide covers the functions, types, applications, and key benefits of SMC positioners, designed to provide high-performance actuator and valve control across a wide range of industries.
Positioner Types: Pneumatic and Electro-Pneumatic Options
Positioners are available in several types to meet the varied requirements of today’s industrial applications:
Pneumatic Positioners
- Use air pressure to regulate valve movement.
- Well-suited to sites where compressed air is readily available.
- Durable, cost-effective, and dependable across many industrial applications.
- Examples: IP200 Series, IP5000/5100 Series.
Electro-Pneumatic Positioners
- Use electrical signals to regulate actuator movement.
- Provide accurate, flexible performance for more advanced systems.
- Integrate with digital control platforms to support higher levels of automation.
- Examples: IP8000 Series, IP8100 Series.
Both options include capabilities such as feedback regulation and proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control, helping actuators track the setpoint with high accuracy.
Common applications for Industrial Positioners
Positioners are used in many industries, primarily to manage valve opening and closing in automated systems—supporting everything from flow control to pressure regulation.
SMC positioners are commonly used across the following industries and applications:
- Oil & Gas – Supporting flow and pressure control across pipelines, drilling operations, and refinery processes.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing – Providing stable, accurate control in reaction processes where precise valve positioning is essential.
- Power Generation – Controlling steam and gas flow across turbines, boilers, and power plant valve control loops.
- Water Treatment – Regulating valve operation in filtration, purification, and wastewater treatment systems.
- Pharmaceutical & Food Processing – Enabling precise fluid regulation and material handling in pharmaceutical manufacturing and food production.
SMC positioners are designed for high reliability in demanding environments, providing robust control solutions to meet a wide range of industrial requirements.
Why select SMC Positioners?
SMC provides high-performance positioners built for easy integration and maximum reliability. Suitable for both pneumatic and electro-pneumatic systems, they deliver precise control, long-lasting durability, and rapid response.
With decades of engineering know-how and innovation behind them, SMC positioners perform reliably in demanding environments, improving automation accuracy and overall efficiency. They also help cut downtime and maintenance spend, offering a cost-effective control solution built around precision.
From retrofitting an existing setup to designing a new system, SMC positioners provide outstanding actuator and valve control—making them a valuable choice for engineers of any experience level.
Not sure which positioner is the best fit? Contact our specialists for support in selecting the right SMC positioner for your application.
