Metal Work Pneumatic is continuously active in the development of automation components and has recently released a series of interesting innovations that allow us to expand our automation solutions to our customers.
(See Metal Work at MachineBuilding.Live, 2 October 2024, on stand 120)
For example, the expansion of the EB 80 family, particularly the BOXI Series, should be highlighted. A few years ago, Metal Work introduced the modular EB 80 solenoid valve system into its range, allowing for the creation of islands composed of a very high number of solenoid valves (up to 128), controllable in multipolar or via the main fieldbuses available on the market, with input/output signal modules, both analogue and digital, and advanced diagnostics.
Over time, the system has been expanded with new Industry 4.0 functionalities, multifunction modules, intercept valves, and high-flow valves.
Proportional pressure regulators, both with analogue control and fieldbus control, have also been introduced in the EB 80 islands. This expansion allows for electronic pressure regulators to be controlled via all the main field buses available on the market. The EB 80 is essentially a complete, modular and expandable electropneumatic system, capable of meeting the most demanding requirements.
For those needing simplicity and lightness, Metal Work has also developed EB 80 BOXI, so far available in a compact module capable of housing up to 4 valves.
With BOXI, there are significant reductions in size and weight (about 40% with the same functionality), thus facilitating use in confined spaces or mounting on moving parts, such as pick and place systems.
Despite its simplicity, BOXI contains all the innovations that have made EB 80 a successful system: power consumption reduced to only 0.3W per valve, which allows for significant energy savings and minimal heating; free supply voltage between 10.8 and 31.2 Volts for various industrial applications where the narrow range (24 VDC +/-10%) normally required by common solenoid valves on the market cannot be guaranteed; IP65 protection for harsh environments with dust and moisture; diagnostics also present with a multipolar power system; valves with every type of pneumatic function and with a flow rate up to 1,250 Nl/min; circuit selector valve, which allows rapid discharge of the downstream system.
EB 80 BOXI is available with either a 9-PIN electrical connector or IO-Link control. BOXI is designed to be mounted directly on a DIN rail, thanks to the particular shape of the base, or on a wall using three metal brackets included in the supply.
Given the success on the market, Metal Work is now expanding the range with the new EB 80 BOXI islands with 6, 8, and 12 positions for monostable or bistable valves, available in six versions to meet different application needs. For uses with single solenoid pilot valves (for example, 5/2 monostable valves), there are 6-position and 6-command, 8-position and 8-command, or 12-position and 12-command versions (more economical solutions). For those needing to use double solenoid pilot valves (for example, bistable valves), there are 6-position and 12-command, 8-position and 16-command, and 12-position and 24-command versions.
The new BOXI range maintains all the technical characteristics of the 4-valve version and allows for the order of islands with or without valves. Additionally, with the 6, 8, or 12-position islands, it is possible to request a supplementary pneumatic power and exhaust module, which, inserted downstream of the solenoid valves, ensures the proper air flow even in applications requiring higher consumption.
With the evolution of its valve manifold portfolio and Metal Work Pneumatics' continued commitment and investment developing high quality, innovative and forward-thinking solutions, the company delivers optimised technology and first-class service to become a true partner to customers.