In this fairly common example, the center box indicates that there will be no air flow (and the associated cylinder won’t move) unless one of the two actuators is active. With this 3-position valve, the center flow box shows the flow path when neither actuator is active and the springs are holding the valve in the center position. In Figure 2B (a 3-position valve), the valve has both solenoids and ‘spring return’ actuators on both sides, the spring return actuators will return the valve to the center position but only IF neither of the solenoids is active: A valve can only be in one position at a given time. When the lever IS actuated, the box next to the lever shows the flow path of the valve. In the example above, when the lever is NOT being activated, the spring return actuator (right side) is controlling the valve, and the box adjacent to the spring shows the flow path. The Flow Box next to the ‘active’ actuator always shows the current flow path(s) of the valve.
![pneumatic air cylinder assembly for solidworks 2005 pneumatic air cylinder assembly for solidworks 2005](https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB12Osck2uSBuNkHFqDq6xfhVXaT/2410530/HTB12Osck2uSBuNkHFqDq6xfhVXaT.jpg)
These arrows represent the flow paths the valve provides when it is in each position. Flow direction is indicated by the arrows in each box. The number of ‘position and flow boxes’ that make up a valve symbol indicate the number of valve positions. Every valve has at least two positions and each position has one or more flow paths, thus every valve symbol has at least two Flow Boxes to describe those paths. Check out our Interactive Pneumatic Circuit Symbols here. The Position and Flow Boxes indicate how the valve functions.
![pneumatic air cylinder assembly for solidworks 2005 pneumatic air cylinder assembly for solidworks 2005](https://www.plantservices.com/assets/Media/0902/Seal1.jpg)
The Actuators are the mechanisms which cause the valve to shift from one position to another. Most valve symbols have three parts (see Figure 2A below).
#PNEUMATIC AIR CYLINDER ASSEMBLY FOR SOLIDWORKS 2005 HOW TO#
Here is a brief breakdown of how to read a symbol. Symbols show the methods of actuation, the number of positions, the flow paths and the number of ports. Pneumatic circuit symbols representing these valves provide detailed information about the valve they represent. Directional air control valves are the building blocks of pneumatic control.