VG342-3D-10FA: Pilot Operated 3-Port Solenoid Valve, The Precision Control Core for Industrial Automation

The VG342-3D-10FA is a pilot-operated 3-port solenoid valve produced by Japan’s SMC Corporation, belonging to the VG342 series. This solenoid valve features a pilot-operated poppet structure, characterized by low power consumption, no lubrication requirement, and usability under vacuum or low pressure. It provides an efficient and reliable air circuit control solution for industrial automation systems.

Core Product Advantages

1. Energy-Efficient Operation Utilizes a pilot-operated design where the solenoid force only controls the pilot valve, and the main valve is driven by the medium pressure differential. Power consumption is as low as 4W (standard type), offering significant energy savings.
2. Excellent Vacuum/Low-Pressure Compatibility Can operate in vacuum or low-pressure environments, with a minimum operating pressure down to -101.2 kPa. It is particularly suitable for applications like vacuum systems and low-pressure pneumatic circuits.
3. Versatile Function Switching Can be easily configured for Normally Closed (N.C.), Normally Open (N.O.), or external pilot supply modes. In the external pilot configuration, it can also function as a selector valve or a shut-off valve, offering high application flexibility.
4. Maintenance-Free (No Lubrication Required) Employs an elastic seal structure designed for non-lubricated operation, reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Item	Specification Value	Description
Valve Series	VG342	Series specification
Rated Voltage	AC110V 50/60Hz	Standard industrial power supply
Port Size	10mm	Rc thread
Operating Pressure Range	0.1 ~ 0.9 MPa	Working pressure range
Maximum Operating Pressure	1.0 MPa	Maximum allowable working pressure
Operating Fluid	Air	Compatible medium
Ambient Temperature	-10 ~ 60 °C	Operating temperature range
Flow Characteristic	Cv ≈ 2.0*	Flow capacity
Power Consumption	4W (Standard) 1.8W (Low Power)	Energy-saving design
Vacuum Compatibility	-101.2 kPa	Suitable for vacuum environments
Seal Method	Elastic Seal	No lubrication required
Lead Wire Connection	DIN Socket-type	Easy connection

*Note: C value 38 dm³/(s·bar) is approximately equivalent to a Cv of 2.0.

Model Number Breakdown

• VG342: Series model, indicating a pilot-operated 3-port solenoid valve.
• 3D: Valve body specification, indicating an internal pilot-operated design.
• 10: Port size of 10mm (Rc thread).
• FA: Functional configuration, representing N.C. (Normally Closed) function, standard type.

Working Principle

The VG342-3D-10FA utilizes a pilot-operated solenoid valve structure. When the solenoid coil is energized, the electromagnetic force opens the pilot orifice. The pressure in the upper chamber rapidly decreases, creating a pressure differential (low above, high below) around the main sealing element. The fluid pressure pushes the element upward, opening the main valve. When de-energized, the spring force closes the pilot orifice. The inlet pressure quickly fills the chamber through a bypass passage, creating a pressure differential (low below, high above) around the sealing element. The fluid pressure pushes the element downward, closing the main valve.

Typical Application Scenarios

1. Industrial Automation Production Lines Used for controlling pneumatic actuator movements (e.g., cylinder extension/retraction, clamp opening/closing) in automated production lines for automotive manufacturing, electronics assembly, etc., improving production efficiency.
2. Packaging Machinery Controls air circuits for actions like marking, cutting, and lid opening in packaging machines, ensuring precision and stability in the production process.
3. Vacuum Systems Used for controlling vacuum/vent cycles in equipment for vacuum packaging, vacuum handling, etc.
4. Food Processing Equipment Applied in pneumatic systems for food processing equipment, controlling material conveying, packaging, and other stages, ensuring food safety and production efficiency.
5. Chemical Industry Used for pneumatic control in chemical production processes, regulating pressure in reactors, pipelines, etc., ensuring production safety.

Installation and Usage Precautions

1. Installation Requirements The solenoid valve should be installed vertically on a horizontal pipeline. The medium flow direction must match the arrow on the valve body. An air filter and oil mist separator should be installed on the inlet side to ensure clean air supply.
2. Power Supply Requirements Use an AC110V 50/60Hz power supply. The allowable voltage fluctuation range is ±10% of the rated voltage to ensure proper valve operation.
3. Environmental Requirements Valves operating in environments with chemical solvent vapors should have external materials made of metal, not plastic. Valves with plastic external materials should avoid direct sunlight exposure.
4. Regular Maintenance It is recommended to periodically inspect the filter element and clean contaminants promptly, typically every 2-3 months. Regularly check the operating performance of the solenoid valve to ensure long-term stable operation.

Summary

The VG342-3D-10FA pilot-operated 3-port solenoid valve is the “precision control core” in the field of industrial automation. It perfectly combines low power consumption, vacuum compatibility, and versatile function switching, providing an efficient, reliable, and energy-saving air circuit control solution for various industrial applications.

Choosing the VG342-3D-10FA means choosing high reliability and low power consumption to drive your automation system towards greater efficiency!

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