FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Domestic dealers and agents are informed from the sales office.
Please contact your nearest sales office.
Please visit the link below to locate PISCO sales offices within Japan.
PISCO sale representatives will inform you with our domestic dealers and distributors.
PISCO Sales offices in Japan
Basically, you can use any tube fitting from any series as long as the tube diameter is right.
*For Compression Fitting series, both the tube O.D. and tube I.D. must be applicable.
Please check the specification and characteristics of each tube fitting and tube such as fluid medium, maximum operating pressure, operating temperature range, materials of parts and so forth to select the most suitable ones for your applications.
Example: For Tube Fitting PL6-01, a tube with Φ6 mm O.D. (UB0640..., NA0640..., etc.) is suitable.
Please utilize a search feature on the product list page of PISCO website to narrow down the suitable product by specifying detailed conditions such as specifications, characteristics, and materials of parts, etc.
If the tube diameter doesn’t match, we have a reducer, which we call "Unequal Plug-in Straight" (PGJ), that can change the tube diameter to fit a tube fitting of your choice. Please contact PISCO sales office in your region for details.
Also, please keep in mind the following.
<Cautions>
Since the flame-retardant outer cover of Anti-spatter Tube must be peeled off the tip for connection, the outer diameter (O.D.) of the inner tube, not the inner diameter (I.D.), is specified in the Model Designation.
Although the tube O.D. will be larger with the flame-retardant cover included, please select the tube fitting based on the O.D. of the inner tube.
Example: For FB0640-20, choose a tube fitting with an applicable tube O.D. of Φ6 mm (such as KC6-01).
*Be sure to peel off the outer cover when inserting the tube into the tube fitting. Otherwise, the tube may burst.
FB0640-20
When inserting Vacuum Tube (UD) into Push-in Fitting (excluding Minimal Fitting and Compression Fitting), be sure to use Insert Ring.
What differs is the direction in which the air is controlled.
Meter-out Control
For the meter-out control, PISCO Speed Controller ha a letter "A (A□)" engraved on the needle knob, and its lock nut color is silver.
It is primarily used to control the speed of double-acting cylinders*.
It is called "meter-out control" because it regulates the air flow exhausted from the cylinder to control the cylinder speed.
Meter-in Control
For the meter-in control, PISCO Speed Controller has a letter "B (B□)" engraved on the needle knob, and its lock nut color is black.
It is primarily used to control the speed of single-acting cylinders*.
It is called “meter-in control” because it regulates the air flow supplied to the cylinder to control the cylinder speed.
*Double-acting cylinders and Single-acting cylinders
A double-acting cylinder is designed to supply air pressure to both ends of the piston to move it in a reciprocating motion. By attaching a meter-out control type (A) to both ports of the cylinder, you can independently regulate the speed of extension and retraction.
A single-acting cylinder is designed to supply air pressure to only one port of the piston. It uses the force of the load itself or the internal spring for retraction. It is often used with a meter-in control type (B) attached to the supply port of the cylinder to control the cylinder speed in one direction.
Generally, meter-out control provides more stable movements than meter-in control.
Meter-in control adjusts the air flow supplied to the cylinder. In this circuit, as the exhaust side is at atmospheric pressure, the cylinder’s internal pressure gradually increases from atmospheric level, causing instability.
As to meter-out control, compressed air fills the supply and exhaust ports of the cylinder separated by the piston, thereby stabilizing the movement of the cylinder.
[Video] Meter-out & Meter-in Control
PISCO Throttle (Needle) Valve series and Speed Controller series are both in the control valve categories, and they have similar appearances.
Differences in usage and purpose
Speed Controller: Its purpose is to control the speed of an end actuator (primarily a cylinder).
Throttle (Needle) Valve: Its purpose is to control the air flow rate at various points of the piping.
Speed Controller is used primarily to control the air speed, whereas Throttle (Needle) Valve is used to control the air flow rate.
How to distinguish Speed Controller and Throttle (Needle) Valve
No side groove on the needle knob >>> Speed Controller
Side groove on the needle knob >>> Throttle (Needle) Valve
Differences in function
Speed Controller: It houses a needle valve and a check valve and controls only the air flow in a fixed direction (Air flowing in the reverse direction will be free flow).
Throttle (Needle) Valve: It does not have a check valve. It has only a needle valve and controls the air flow rate in whichever direction the air is supplied.
[Video] Differences between Speed Controller and Throttle (Needle) Valve (in Japanese only)
"A" indicates meter-out control, and "B" indicates meter-in control.
For the differences between meter-out and meter-in control, please refer to the FAQ on control equipment: "How do the meter-in and meter-out control of Speed Controller differ?" on PISCO Website.
Using PISCO tubes is basically recommended.
*Please see the question, "Are PISCO products compatible with tubes or tube fittings of other brands?”
Please make sure that the tube's cutting plane is right angled and three is no scratches, stain or foreign substances present on the tube.
PISCO indicates the orifice diameter for some product types, while using the effective cross-sectional area for others.
Both measurements serve as a reference to show how much air can pass through the pneumatic equipment. Generally, a larger size allows for greater air flow.
1. Orifice diameter (Unit: ø mm)
The orifice diameter is the innermost (narrowest) width of a restriction within a fluid path, where the length of the restriction is relatively short compared to its cross-sectional dimensions.
It is expressed as a diameter.
This dimension determines the air flow rate. When the orifice is elongated, the flow can become choked.
2. Effective cross-sectional area (Unit: mm2)
When air passes through an orifice (restriction), its flow is reduced relative to the actual cross-sectional area of the orifice.
This reduced area is defined as the effective cross-sectional area.
It is calculated based on the actual air flow rate and serves as a key indicator of valve performance.
Both types indicate the valve position when not actuated (normal position).
Normally closed type (N. C.)
The normal position is in its closed state. The valve opens when it is actuated or energized.
Normally open type (N. O.)
The normal position is in its open state. The valve closes when it is actuated or energized.
The inlet and the outlet are in an electrically conducting state without actuation of the valve.
Nylon Tube (NA) or Soft Nylon Tube (NB) can be used for heat medium oils (with some conditions*).
More expensive fluoropolymer tubes such as SFT and SET series are available as well.
Oils are composed of various elements and may require evaluation on actual operating conditions.
The related FAQ
We have Hand Valve and Ball Valve, which are shut-off valves, to stop the air. We also have Cap (PPF) that plugs the tip of an unused tube.
Similar to PISCO Push-in Fitting, simply insert the tube into Cap. This will prevent airflow.
Since PISCO Push-in Fitting is designed to seal the tube’s outer diameter with an elastic sleeve (seal rubber), a several factors can cause leakage, such as scratches or deformation of the tube and jamming of contaminants.
After all, it is manufactured for use with pressurized air piping systems. It cannot be used in the circuits of gas or liquid that can pose a danger in the event of a leak, nor for inspection equipment that could easily be affected by the slightest leak.
FAQ
The above is a list of the most frequently asked questions from our customers. Please take a look before making an inquiry.
Contact
It is also possible to suggest products suitable for various conditions such as applications and functions. Please feel free to contact us or visit the nearest sales office.
CAD data can be obtained from the download page. Please use the form to request products CAD data that is not listed on the site. Before requesting data, please enter the desired product model code in the "CAD Data Search" and check the availability of the data.