SMC Reveals New Digital Flow Switch and 3-Screen Monitor

SMC Corporation, a Japanese multinational company specializing in pneumatic and automation technology, has recently announced the release of its latest product addition: the PF2M7 digital pneumatic switch series and accompanying PFG 3-screen display flow monitor.

The flow monitor is configured to align with the products in the wide-range digital flow switch series. The device can monitor a wide range of flow rates with only a single product, helping to ensure customers can monitor most flow rates without the hassle of searching through product manuals for the correct flow rated monitor. The monitors can be used for dry air, N₂, Ar, or CO₂.

Get to know SMC and the world of pneumatic components. Video used courtesy of SMC Corporation of America

PF2M7 Series Flow Switch

SMC’s digital flow switch PF2M7(-L) Series has some exciting new features. The latest switch includes an improved resistance to moisture and foreign matter. The improvement is a result of a bypass construction that reduces moist air or foreign matter that comes into contact with the sensor. Reducing contact area helps to improve the reliability of the sensor since foreign matter and moisture often have a detrimental effect on sensor longevity and accuracy.

The PF2M7-(L) Series now features a smaller footprint helping it to fit into a wider range of locations. Image used courtesy of SMC

The new release is also smaller and lighter than previous generations of SMC digital flow switches. With a 27.3% reduction in weight from 55g to 40g, a height reduction of 4.5 mm and a 4.7 mm length reduction, the new addition will fit in more places than ever before. The sensors are also IO-Link Compatible giving users the ability to include the devices in their digital infrastructure as well. IO-Link enables flow rate values and device status to be figured out easily via the process data.

The product includes a flow rate valve to help users with fine tuning and valve adjustment, included in the space saving design. It also helps to reduce labor costs associated with piping. There are two different piping variations available, either one-touch fittings or female thread for NPT-type piping installations.

A flow ratio of 100:1 is possible with the smallest settable increment at 0.01 L/min, increasing up to a maximum of 200 L/min for the largest model in the series.

Display options can be changed to suit each user's specific needs. A reversible display mode allows users to flip the display over to more easily read the sensor in applications that require the sensor to be mounted upside down. Additionally, there is a “Display OFF” mode where the LEDs in the display can be shut off and then checked only when necessary, this also includes when it is used as a remote sensor.

PFGM 3-Screen Display Monitor

The latest addition to the lineup involves a remote digital flow monitor. The new monitor can be used to monitor remote lines in applications where traditional line monitoring may be difficult to achieve. It is dedicated to the PF2M7 sensor and a sensor connector cable is used to connect the two devices. The display monitor can be either horizontally mounted or vertically mounted to suit individual situations. A panel mount adapter and front protection cover are optional for situations that require the sensor to be mounted in a cabinet.

The new 3-screen display monitor can remotely monitor digital flow in remote lines. Image used courtesy of SMC

Switching and Monitoring Air Flow

Applications of air switches are numerous, including air blow-off for machining and inspection, welding, and control of branch air circuits. When monitoring is added to the device, all sorts of new possibilities are enabled, such as leak detection and vacuum verification. Innovations from SMC continue enabling air and gas control with greater precision, higher efficiency, and smaller speed than ever before.