METAL Work Pneumatic has introduced the Clever Multimach valves which can be used to form autonomous and intelligent valve island subsystems.
According to the company, each valve has a microchip which performs a series of functions connected with the operation and dialogue with the other valves in the terminal.
Additionally, the units have a diagnosis system which detects electrical faults, and a LED indicates energised pilot, interrupted contacts, or short circuits.
The products communicate with each other through serial transmission, utilising a communication protocol patented by the company. The manufacturer claims the protocol is a field-bus in its own right, designed for control of islands of pneumatic solenoid valves.
The units can also communicate with the PC/PLC via multi-core cables, eliminating the use of other field-buses or master and slaves.