Solenoid Design - SMC
SMC produces relatively inexpensive solenoids built in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Of all the other manufacturers out there, SMC provides more valves for more markers than any other manufacturer.
The only real disadvantage to the SMC solenoid is that it's a bit larger than other indirect-acting counterparts. The valve section itself is the same size, but the electromagnet section is a lot taller and can interfere with making a small, compact marker. Dye contracted a special solenoid to be made specially smaller as a result of this size issue. Smaller SMC solenoids exist however they are usually too small to adequately transfer enough air volume to be useful. Some are extremely compact but aren't the most relaible or high-flowing things available.
SMC uses a different way to arrange the internals, however the specifics of the operation are the same. The difference is the large, vertical pilot activator that is connected to the electromagnet and vents under the base of the solenoid. This type of solenoid can be found in three-way and four-way, base-mount or threaded, and several other options are also available (such as the use of venting and exhaust, and other options)
