Solenoid Recommendations

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by 3175student17

Also, have the return port of the cylinder simply be open, because gravity will just pull it down and force the air out of the bottom once the solenoid switches back to vent.

The pneumatic rules this year allow for check valves as long as the they don't prevent all pressurized air from being released when the main vent valve is opened.

R77 G. Check valves, provided that the requirements of R89 are still met

Something like this would allow you to still return the cylinder using air pressure from the other side of the solenoid but have the advantages of release the air to atmosphere instead of returning it to the solenoid exhaust port. This may not be quiet as fast as just venting to atmosphere but it should be close.

From the product spec sheet.

NITRA pneumatic push-to-connect in-line quick exhaust valves
have a technopolymer body and nickel-plated brass valve insert,
with a range of 7 to 150 psi. Normal flow is from inlet to outlet
ports. Reversing flow from outlet is directed to exhaust port. These
valve are ideal for use with pneumatic actuators that require a
very fast stroke speed.