SMC Pneumatic Valves
Solutions for directional and functional control of industrial pneumatic circuits
SMC pneumatic valves are a technological benchmark for controlling pneumatic circuits in industrial environments. The range covers all main control, distribution and regulation functions, with solutions designed to ensure operational reliability, modular integration and continuous operation across automated machines, production lines and industrial systems.
Fluid System distributes SMC pneumatic valves, supporting machine builders, system integrators and maintenance teams in identifying the most suitable solutions based on application requirements, operating conditions and pneumatic system architecture.
Comparison of main types of SMC pneumatic valves
| Type | Main function | Configuration | Operating pressure | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional solenoid valves | Control of sequences and pneumatic flows | 3/2 – 5/2 – 5/3 direct or pilot operated | Up to 0.7–1 MPa | Automated machines / production lines |
| Manual mechanical and shut-off valves | Local control and shut-off | Manual mechanical or pneumatic | Up to 1 MPa | Safety / maintenance / auxiliary functions |
| NAMUR valves | Direct control of rotary actuators | Standard NAMUR interface | Up to 0.7 MPa | Process valve automation |
| Manifold systems and valve islands | Centralised management of pneumatic users | Modular / serial / fieldbus | Up to 0.7 MPa | Machine panels / complex automation |
| Proportional control valves | Continuous pressure or flow control | Electronic proportional control | Variable | Process control / advanced automation |
| Quick exhaust valves and accessories | Optimisation of air exhaust and cycle times | Exhaust valves / silencers / accessories | Up to 1 MPa | Cycle time optimisation / noise reduction |
SMC Directional Solenoid Valves
Pneumatic solenoid valves designed to control single- and double-acting actuators through directional management of compressed air flow. Available in 3-, 4- and 5-way configurations, direct-acting or servo-piloted, for in-line installation or on subplates and manifold systems.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Functions: 3/2 – 5/2 – 5/3.
Actuation: direct or servo-piloted.
Operating pressure: 0 to 0.7 MPa (up to 1 MPa depending on the series).
Nominal flow rates: from compact versions to high-flow solutions for industrial automation.
Coil voltages: 12–24 V DC, 24–110–230 V AC.
Connections: threaded, ISO subplate-mounted, plug-in.
Protection rating: IP65 / IP67 depending on configuration.
Versions compliant with ISO 13849-1 available for regulated industrial applications.
Main applications
- Automated machines.
- Production lines.
- Control of double-acting pneumatic cylinders.
- Automated assembly lines.
- Packaging and end-of-line systems.
- High-cycle industrial automation.
SMC Ddirectional Solenoid Valves available for fast delivery
SY Series
High-performance modular solenoid valves for standard industrial applications and manifold systems. Available in multiple configurations and sizes for installation on multi-base systems or integration into complex pneumatic systems.
VQ / VQC Series
Compact valves with integrated multi-pin connectors for high-performance manifold systems and simplified wiring.
VQZ Series
Compact valves for subplate or in-line mounting, suitable for installations in reduced spaces.
VK / DXT Series
Compact solenoid valves for vacuum applications, low pressure or fast response times.
Special versions available to order
- High-density manifold configurations with simplified wiring.
- Integration with fieldbus and serial architectures for distributed automation.
- Configurations for functional safety requirements and regulated industrial applications.
SMC Manual, Mechanical and Shut-off Valves
SMC manual, mechanical and shut-off valves are designed for local control and isolation of pneumatic circuits in industrial applications where operational simplicity, reliability and independence from electrical signals are required.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Available functions: 2/2 and 3/2.
Manual, mechanical or pneumatic actuation.
Monostable or bistable configurations.
Operating pressure up to 1 MPa.
Body materials: aluminium, brass or technopolymer.
In-line or panel mounting.
Main applications
- Local control of pneumatic users.
- Air shut-off for safety and maintenance.
- Auxiliary functions on automated machines.
- Standard industrial pneumatic circuits.
SMC manual, Mechanical and Shut-Off Valves available for fast delivery
VM Series
Compact manual valves for direct control and shut-off of pneumatic circuits.
VZM Series
Manual and mechanical valves for auxiliary and service applications.
Special versions available to order
Configurations for specific application requirements, special materials and integration into complex pneumatic systems.
SMC NAMUR Valves
SMC NAMUR valves are designed for direct control of rotary pneumatic actuators, thanks to the standardised NAMUR interface, which enables direct mounting on process valves and actuators without brackets or adapters.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
NAMUR-compliant interface.
Functional configurations: 3/2 and 5/2.
Compatibility with single- and double-acting actuators.
Operating pressure up to 0.7 MPa.
Electrical or pneumatic actuation depending on the series.
Compact design for direct installation on the actuator.
Versions available for regulated industrial applications.
Main applications
- Control of rotary pneumatic actuators.
- Process valve automation.
- Automated industrial systems.
- On/off control systems in process lines.
SMC NAMUR Valves available for fast delivery
VFN Series
NAMUR solenoid valves for direct control of rotary actuators, available with G 1/4 or NPT connections for process automation applications.
Special versions available to order
Versions designed for functional safety requirements, regulated industrial environments and integration into complex automation systems.
SMC Manifold Systems and Valve Islands
SMC manifold systems and valve islands enable centralised management of multiple pneumatic users, reducing connections, simplifying wiring and improving integration within machine panels and industrial automation architectures.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Modular structure for multiple valve stations.
Expandable configurations depending on the number of users.
Common or separate pneumatic supply.
Installation on machine panels or directly on machinery.
Integration with traditional electrical systems or serial architectures.
Compatibility with industrial fieldbus systems.
Diagnostic functions and simplified maintenance.
Main applications
- Machine panels for industrial automation.
- Automated lines with multiple actuators.
- Complex and distributed pneumatic systems.
- Automated cells and modular plants.
Configurazioni espandibili in funzione del numero di utenze.
SMC Manifold Systems and Valve Islands available for fast delivery
SY Manifold Series
High-performance modular systems for centralised management of pneumatic users in standard industrial applications.
Special versions available to order
Custom configurations with fieldbus integration, high-density station solutions and systems designed for advanced automation architectures.
SMC Proportional Control Valves
SMC proportional valves and regulators enable continuous control of pneumatic variables through analogue or digital electrical signals, ensuring precise pressure control in industrial automation systems.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Continuous pressure control.
Analogue or digital electrical input.
High accuracy and repeatability.
Fast response times.
Stable performance under load variations.
Compatibility with industrial automation systems.
Main applications
- Pressure control in pneumatic processes.
- Dynamic force control on actuators.
- Advanced automation and process control.
- Applications requiring precise adjustment.
SMC Proportional Control Valves available for fast delivery
ITV Series
Electro-proportional regulators for continuous pressure control in pneumatic systems.
ITVX Series
Advanced version of SMC proportional regulators for applications requiring high stability and precise control.
Special versions available to order
Configurations designed for applications requiring precise control of pressure or flow rate, with selection of control range, input signal and integration into the automation system.
SMC Quick Exhaust Valves and Exhaust Accessories
SMC quick exhaust valves and exhaust accessories are used as complementary components in pneumatic circuits to improve actuator dynamics and optimise system operating conditions. They do not perform an independent control function but support solenoid valves and pneumatic actuators.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Rapid air discharge near the actuator.
Increased actuator speed.
Reduced pressure losses during exhaust.
Silencers available for noise reduction.
Compatibility with SMC pneumatic components.
Main applications
- Cycle time optimisation.
- Noise reduction in industrial systems.
- High-speed automation applications.
- Integration into existing pneumatic circuits.
SMC Quick Exhaust Valves and Exhaust Accessories available for fast delivery
Standard solutions for immediate integration into industrial pneumatic systems.
AQ Series
Quick exhaust valves designed to increase the movement speed of pneumatic actuators by reducing pressure losses and optimising cycle times.
Application codes and recurring configurations
When selecting or replacing pneumatic valves for industrial automation, codes such as SY3120-5LOU-C4, SY5120-5DOU-C6, SY7120-5LOU-02, VQC2100, VQC1100-51 and AS2201F-01-06S are frequently searched, often also entered as SY31205LOUC4, SY51205DOUC6, SY71205LOU02, VQC-2100, VQC110051 and AS2201F0106S. These codes refer to directional solenoid valves, manifold bases and complementary SMC components used for control and functional management of pneumatic circuits in industrial applications.
Why choose Fluid System SMC pneumatic valves
– Selection of products with high industrial reliability and compliance with international standards.
– Specialised technical support in identifying the most suitable solutions.
– Effective integration into machines, industrial systems and complex applications.
– Operational continuity, range consistency and long-term availability of compatible configurations.
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Each pneumatic application has specific requirements. Contact Fluid System to receive support in selecting the most suitable SMC pneumatic valves based on pressure, flow rate, duty cycle and system architecture.
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FAQ — SMC pneumatic valves
The SMC range includes directional solenoid valves, pneumatic and manual valves, NAMUR valves for rotary actuators, manifold systems and valve islands, as well as proportional control valves for continuous pressure and flow control.
SMC directional solenoid valves are used for automated sequences and remote control of actuators. SMC manual and pneumatic valves are used for local control, shut-off and safety or maintenance functions.
SMC NAMUR valves are designed for direct control of rotary pneumatic actuators, particularly on process valves. The standardised interface enables compact installation and fast integration into automation systems.
SMC manifold systems enable centralised management of multiple pneumatic users, reducing wiring and space requirements. They are ideal for machine panels and complex systems where modularity, organisation and integration with PLCs and fieldbus systems are essential.
SMC proportional control valves are used when continuous and precise control of pressure or flow is required, for example in actuator force regulation or dynamic control of pneumatic processes.
