1. Fragile and Transparent Object Detection in Blister Packaging Lines
The Festo FVS-3-1/8 whisker valve is deployed alongside the conveyor as a mechanical limit switch. Its flexible whisker actuator operates with exceptionally low force, sensing the passing of transparent blister packs without causing damage. Upon actuation, the 3/2-way normally closed (NC) valve opens, utilizing the 3.5 to 8 bar operating pressure and 146 l/min nominal flow rate to directly pilot a G1/8 pneumatic sorting cylinder. The poppet seat design and soft NBR seals ensure a fast, leak-free response, while the internal pilot air supply guarantees reliable pneumatic switching.
Problem SolvedOptical sensors frequently fail to accurately detect transparent blister packs, while standard mechanical roller lever valves require too much physical force, resulting in crushed or dislodged lightweight packaging.
Whisker actuation3/2-way NC valve146 l/min nominal flow rate3.5 to 8 bar operating pressureG1/8 pneumatic portPoppet seat designNBR soft seals
2. Irregular Workpiece Sensing in Automated Chute Feeds
By integrating the FVS-3-1/8 whisker valve at an automated chute exit, the highly flexible whisker accommodates varying actuation levels and right-angle contacts, successfully detecting dissimilar workpieces regardless of precise orientation. Once a part deflects the whisker, the mechanically actuated valve triggers a pneumatic signal. The mechanical spring quickly resets the monostable valve to its closed state after the part passes. The anodised aluminium housing and CRC 2 moderate corrosion resistance provide highly durable operation even when exposed to abrasive unmachined parts.
Problem SolvedAutomated assembly chutes handling dissimilar, irregularly shaped parts (like unmachined castings or mixed-size materials) cause rigid limit switches to miss detections or jam due to unpredictable part positioning.
Monostable mechanical spring resetAnodised aluminium housingCorrosion resistance class CRC 2Right-angle whisker actuationMechanical actuation type3.5 mm nominal size
3. Web Sag and Tension Loss Detection in Paper Manufacturing
The Festo FVS-3-1/8 is positioned slightly beneath a high-speed material web. If machine tension drops and the web sags, the material rests against the whisker, cleanly actuating the valve despite thick airborne paper dust. Because it functions as a 3/2-way closed, monostable valve, this mechanical actuation opens the pneumatic circuit, allowing up to 8 bar of compressed air (filtered to ISO 8573-1:2010 standards) to flow out of the G1/8 port and immediately engage an air-actuated machine brake to halt the rollers. The valve flawlessly handles the ambient factory temperatures ranging from -10 °C to 60 °C.
Problem SolvedIn continuous web processing, sudden loss of tension can cause catastrophic machine jams, but heavy airborne dust and fibers quickly blind the optical sensors conventionally used to monitor web sagging.
3/2-way closed monostableCompressed air to ISO 8573-1:20108 bar maximum operating pressureAmbient temperature -10 °C to 60 °CInternal pilot actuatedThrough-hole mounting
