New valves embrace global standards

Dec. 8, 2005
The new Isysnet fieldbus system and corresponding line of Isys plug-in pneumatic valves are based on international standards, making them suited for OEMs in the automotive, material handling, consumer equipment, medical, and other industries with global reach.

Isys plug-in valves are based on ISO standards that cover most pneumatic applications.


The valve line, developed by Parker Hannifin, Cleveland (parker.com), uses ISO-15407 and 5599 dimensional and electrical standards as its foundation.

While ISO-standard valves have been available from many manufacturers, these were traditionally too large and expensive for most pneumatic applications, according to John Garbarino, Parker's valve product manager. ISO standards now cover valves from 0.5 to 1.0 Cv — a range that addresses more that half of all installations, he explains. These typically power cylinders with 4-in. bore and 12-in. stroke, and smaller.

The company has also redesigned its ISO Size 1, 2, and 3 valves conforming to ISO 5599-1 (nonplug-in) and 5599-2 (plug-in) with flows ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 Cv. These typically drive cylinders with diameters 4 in. and larger.

Parker is embracing the ISO footprint as its flagship, general-purpose industrial pneumatic valve and shifting focus from its proprietaryfootprint valves by the end of February, says Garbarino. Parker believes end users gain more flexibility, freedom, and control when specifying valves, he says.

The Isysnet system incorporates four protocols compatible with Isys pneumatic valves: EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, and Profibus DP. Isysnet also has "preferred compatibility" status with Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 Software. For users with Control Logix products, this speeds installation and setup, reduces troubleshooting time, minimizes software variations, and lowers technical support costs and training requirements.

The system includes more than 62 digital, analog and specialty I/O modules for a variety of applications. It accepts signals from sensors, photo eyes, limits, and other field-input devices, and controls local and remote-operating solenoid valves and other output devices. Connector options include M8, M12, and M23.

The NEMA-4 (IP65) modules mount directly on machines, often without enclosures. Latching mechanisms eliminate screw-and-drill backplates and feature built-in panel grounding, reducing assembly time. Mechanical keying prevents users from installing I/O modules in the wrong sequence. The modular components permit a wide range of manifold configurations and facilitate changes and expansions.

About the Author

Kenneth Korane

Ken Korane holds a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. In addition to serving as an editor at Machine Design until August 2015, his prior work experience includes product engineer at Parker Hannifin Corp. and mechanical design engineer at Euclid Inc. 

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