VM230-02-30RA: SMC VM200 Series 2/3-Port Mechanical Valve, The Flexible Control Expert for Air Systems

2026-01-09 By xyj2024 0

The VM230-02-30RA is a 2/3-port mechanical valve manufactured by SMC Japan, belonging to the VM200 series. Featuring a poppet structure, this valve is characterized by compact design, lightweight construction, and high flow capacity. It is widely used in industrial automation control systems, providing flexible and reliable control solutions for pneumatic systems.

Core Product Advantages

  1. Compact and Lightweight Design The VM200 series is significantly lighter than previous models (VM200: 90g vs. previous 111g). The optimized structural design reduces installation space requirements, making it particularly suitable for space-constrained applications.
  2. High Flow Capacity Offers excellent flow characteristics, with a Cv(P)⇒(A) of 3.7 dm³/(s·bar), b value of 0.4, and Cv value of 0.87. This ensures rapid response and efficient control within pneumatic systems.
  3. Interchangeable Installation Can be installed interchangeably with previous models, ensuring compatibility with existing systems. This facilitates equipment upgrades and replacements, lowering maintenance costs.
  4. Vacuum Compatibility Operable within a pressure range of 0 to 1 MPa, enabling adaptation to vacuum environments and meeting diverse operational requirements.

Technical Specifications

Parameter ItemSpecification ValueDescription
SeriesVM200 SeriesProduct Series
Number of Ports3 PortsFluid Control Channels
Port SizeRc1/4Port Connection
Operation MethodPoppet StructureValve Structure Type
Operating Pressure Range0 ~ 1 MPaWorking Pressure Range
Maximum Operating Pressure1 MPaMax. Working Pressure
Proof Pressure1.5 MPaPressure Resistance
Operating FluidAirWorking Medium
Ambient Temperature-5 ~ 60°COperating Temperature Range
Lubrication MethodNon-LubricatedLubrication Type
Cv(P)⇒(A)3.7 dm³/(s·bar)Flow Coefficient
b value(P)⇒(A)0.4Flow Characteristic Parameter
Cv value(P)⇒(A)0.87Flow Coefficient
Cv(A)⇒(R)3.5 dm³/(s·bar)Flow Coefficient
b value(A)⇒(R)0.1Flow Characteristic Parameter
Cv value(A)⇒(R)0.69Flow Coefficient

Model Breakdown

  • VM230:​ SMC Mechanical Valve Series Code
  • 02:​ Port Size Rc1/4
  • 30:​ Actuator Type (Push Button, Mushroom Head)
  • R:​ Actuator Striker Code (Red Push Button Knob)
  • A:​ Bracket Option (None)

Working Principle

The VM230-02-30RA employs a poppet structure. When the actuator is operated, the mechanical transmission mechanism drives the valve spool, changing the on/off state of the fluid passage. The valve body features a 3-port design: P port (pressure inlet), A port (working port), and R port (exhaust port). As the valve spool moves to different positions, it switches the fluid flow between P→A or A→R, thereby controlling the action of pneumatic actuators.

Typical Application Scenarios

  1. Pneumatic Control Systems Used as stop valves and speed control valves for actuators in industrial automation production lines, enabling intermediate stops and inching control to ensure precision and stability in production processes.
  2. Air-Liquid Circuit Control In air-liquid circuits, employed as drive valves for air motors, blow-off valves, as well as stop valves and residual pressure release valves for air lines, achieving flow distribution and pressure control within the system.
  3. Packaging Machinery Controls actions like material conveying, sorting, and marking on packaging machines. The mechanical valve enables directional control of pneumatic actuators, ensuring precision and stability in the production process.
  4. Robotics Serves within robotic pneumatic control systems to control the directional motion of pneumatic actuators, enabling tasks like workpiece gripping, positioning, and placement, enhancing the robot’s motion accuracy and efficiency.

Installation and Usage Precautions

  1. Installation Requirements The mechanical valve should be installed on a flat, stable base to ensure stable operation. Before installation, verify that the air supply pressure meets the 0~1 MPa requirement and that the air source is clean. During installation, pay attention to the valve’s port direction; the arrow on the valve body should align with the medium flow direction and must not be reversed. Supports various mounting methods: bracket mount, bottom mount, side mount, and panel mount.
  2. Operating Environment Operating temperature range is -5~60°C. Avoid use in extremely high or low temperatures. Relative humidity should be maintained within an appropriate range to prevent moisture from affecting equipment lifespan. The operating medium should be filtered before use.
  3. Piping Connections Before piping, thoroughly blow or clean out any cutting dust, cutting oil, and debris inside the pipes. When connecting pipes and fittings via threads, prevent chips from the threaded sections and fragments of sealing tape from entering the piping. If using sealing tape, leave 1.5-2 thread pitches at the end of the male thread bare.
  4. Regular Maintenance Regularly inspect the valve’s connecting piping and valves to ensure no leaks. Periodically clean the valve surface to keep it clean. Regularly check the valve’s operational performance to ensure long-term stable operation. After prolonged shutdowns, it’s recommended to perform an air purge before restarting.
  5. Safe Operation Ensure equipment is properly grounded before operation to prevent electric shock risks. Avoid contact with moving parts during operation to prevent pinching injuries. In case of equipment malfunction, stop immediately and have repairs performed by qualified personnel. Depressurize before installation to prevent injury from high-pressure medium ejection. Strictly avoid using the product beyond its rated pressure, temperature, and medium specifications.

Conclusion

The VM230-02-30RA 2/3-port mechanical valve is the “Flexible Control Expert” in the field of industrial automation. It perfectly combines compact design, high flow capacity, and interchangeable installation, providing an efficient, reliable, and convenient pneumatic control solution for various industrial applications.

Choosing the VM230-02-30RA means choosing to drive your automation system towards higher efficiency with high reliability and flexibility!

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