Pneumatic Solenoids

[GeeTwo]

We used the VexPro solenoids this year, two singles and a double. The manifold-based system did save a good bit of space over separate units.

In addition to using a modest amount of thread tape on fittings without washers, make sure that the tubing is cut perpendicular to the length. Beveled tubing cuts lost us a lot of air in our early years.

[s5511]

Are there any other manifold-based systems other than the VexPro line? I've seen teams using other ones, but I'm not sure what they are called or where they are buying it from.

[spebow]

Team 2877, the Ligerbots, We use a manifold for most of our solenoids. It saves a ton of space and makes everything easier. Also, if you are worried about space, we have found that wiring cylinders that act together up to one solenoid helps a lot. Our gearbox shifters, opening and closing our intake, and our double CDF/Portcullis wedges all used one solenoid each even though each of them used two cylinders. http://www.vexrobotics.com/solenoids-and-manifolds.html. This is the link to the solenoid and manifold that we use. In addition, this year we used a high flow cylinder for our pneumatic catapult shooter from McMaster Carr.

[RoboChair]

Originally Posted by spebow

http://www.vexrobotics.com/solenoids-and-manifolds.html.

+9001

[adciv]

If we need high flow rate, we use the ones from Automation direct.
If we need compact ones we use TDKs or Festos.
If we need bulk we use SMCs (see VexPro) on a manifold.

[timytamy]

One little tip, while it may be tempting to go with single (sprung) solenoids only (to save on channels) think about what happens in an e-stop/disabling.

If you use a single acting solenoid on a large arm or mechanism, then disabling can result in that solenoid shifting back into it's default position, and it's arm/mechanism flying back as well. This can pose a hazard :O

People expect a robot to stop moving when it's disabled, not all the pneumatics to retract.

We do however use single solenoids on internal mechanisms that are either low risk (eg shifters), or stay in one state for the majority of the time (eg latches).