NOVI, MICHIGAN, U.S.A., September 23, 2010 – ASCO Numatics, the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, has introduced the Numatics Sentronic^D line — the first proportional valves that can be fully tuned to an application without being removed from the production process.

“With its Data Acquisition Software (DaS) and a direct-operating solenoid, the Sentronic^D valve can shave weeks off development and start-up times plus provide production systems with higher performance characteristics for greater throughput and yield,” said Robert W. Kemple, Jr., executive vice president, sales and marketing - Americas, ASCO Numatics. “Now manufacturing and control engineers can incorporate proportional valves that meet their specific application requirements, rather than sub-optimizing their application to accommodate a valve’s capability.”

The Sentronic^D valve is ideal for PET blow molding, laser cutting, paint spray, web tensioning, balancing, welding, tire industry, leak testing, and polystyrene foam molding applications where precise pressure control is required.

DaS Enables On-Machine Valve Adjustment
Users can adapt the pressure regulator to the control loop in an optimal way with Numatics’ DaS software and RS232 interface while the valve remains installed in the production machine. The scope function allows the logging and read out of the system‘s transient response in real time. Previously saved valve data can be loaded at any time and used as a reference for maintenance and error detection. In addition, the software enables direct interaction with Numatics technical support for factory diagnostics and troubleshooting.

“With DaS, the need to remove the valve for factory adjustment is virtually eliminated,” said Kemple. “For the first time, control engineers can fine tune control parameters with a laptop or netbook while the valve is on the production equipment.”

The Sentronic^D is available with an optional integrated graphic display that quickly presents key data such as outlet pressure, setpoint and pressure switch signals.

Direct-Acting Solenoid Provides Better Performance
The Sentronic^D valve incorporates a direct-acting solenoid for faster response and much higher repeatability. This technology is infinitely adjustable and minimizes resolution loss.

The Sentronic^Dvalve is part of a comprehensive family of Numatics proportional products that include the Flowtronic^D, Sentronic^PLUS, Control^D, and E-Series lines.