SMC AS-R and AS-Q flow and pressure valves

SMC AS-R and AS-Q flow and pressure valves are designed to reduce energy consumption in air systems by cutting internal air consumption by up to 25% when using the AS-R pressure valve and an AS-Q flow valve on their cylinders.

The valves help to shorten the response time of the return stroke and harmonises stroke movements to prevent a harsh jerky start.

SMC’s range of pressure and flow valves includes six AS-R and five AS-Q models. SMC supplies these in R1/8, R1/4, R3/8 and R1/2 connection sizes and for hose diameters ranging from 6 to 12 mm.

Users are able to choose between the latest AS-R series with its fixed 2 bar supply pressure and the older AS-R valves with fixed or variable set pressures, depending on the application.

The pressure valve and flow valves are mounted together on cylinders. The AS-Q flow valve is installed on the working stroke side and the AS-R pressure valve on the return stroke side. Both valve series have similar designs: the pressure valves consist of regulator, with a check valve and a throttle check valve. The flow valves in the AS-Q series contain a quick supply valve, an exhaust valve and a throttle check valve.

The valves are recommended for cylinders with a diameter of 32 up to 125 mm bore and an inlet pressure of at least 3 bar. Efficiency increases with larger cylinders or higher air consumption levels, and larger pressure differences between the working and return strokes.