The new BackPack valve actuator from EFD is for improving productivity of EFD dispense valves. The new actuator claims to enable the production of more products in less time by making it possible to cycle select the company's valves faster than previously feasible. The faster valve actuation also enables to produce the smaller fluid deposits required in the assembly of many products, such as medical devices and portable electronics.
Incorporating advanced miniature solenoid technology, the actuator mounts the solenoid used to open and close the valve directly on the valve's air cylinder, rather than on a separate fixture. The company states that this makes it possible to achieve valve actuation speeds as short as 5 to 6ms and cycle rates as high as 800 per minute. In contrast, typical valve actuation speeds and cycle rates are 15ms and 400 cycles.
The dispense valves are used on automated production lines to apply adhesives, lubricants and other assembly fluids in accurate, repeatable amounts. Major applications in the life science, electronic and automotive industries will benefit from the new actuator.
