SMC VQC4101-5 Plug-in 5-Port Solenoid Valve VQC4000

The high-flow plug-in valve of the VQC range

VQC4101-5 is the VQC4000-size, base-mounted plug-in 5-port solenoid valve from SMC, in 2-position single, rubber-seal form with a 24 VDC coil. The VQC4000 body is the large-flow member of the VQC family: its conductance of 7.2 dm3/(s.bar) is about eight to nine times the 0.85 of the small VQC1101, so it is the one used to drive larger cylinders from a manifold.

In the type code, VQC4 is the series, 1 is 2-position single (2 is double, 3 closed centre, 4 exhaust centre, 5 pressure centre, 6 double check), the first 0 is a fixed digit, the second 1 selects rubber seal (0 is metal seal) and 5 is 24 VDC. Optional letters for external pilot (R), low wattage (Y), no indicator light with surge voltage suppressor only (E) and locking manual override (B) can be appended; none are included.

Technical specifications

Manifold system and electrical kits

VQC4000 valves plug onto a VV5QC41 manifold base, with station limits that depend on the kit (the catalogue shows 1 to 12 stations, up to 16 with some kits). The how-to-order page lists kit styles F (D-sub, IP40), M (multiple connector, IP67), T (terminal block box, IP67), L (lead wire, IP67) and P (flat ribbon, IP40), with cable length options of 0.6, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 m for most. For IP67 service in a washdown or dusty area, the kit rating, not the valve alone, governs.

The catalogue also lists manifold options such as SUP and EXH block plates, throttle valve spacers, residual pressure release valve spacers and an interface regulator, which add per-station pressure control and can be combined with VQC4000 valves.

Selecting the rubber-seal single type

The rubber-seal valves have higher flow figures than the metal-seal equivalent (VQC4100 is 6.2) and tighter sealing, in exchange for a higher minimum operating pressure and slightly slower response (25 ms against 20 ms or less). Double-solenoid versions (VQC4201) respond in 15 ms or less in the catalogue table, which is relevant for high-speed cycling.

Where a cylinder has to hold position on a loss of power, a 3-position valve is the alternative; the spring return of the single valve moves the actuator to its default end on de-energising.

Documents and quotation

The linked SMC catalogue contains the how-to-order pages for valves and manifolds, specification tables, flow data and dimensions. Please confirm manifold, station count, kit type, voltage and options before ordering. More valves are under Solenoid Valves. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact code on request.

How the VQC4101-5 Works

The VQC4101-5 is a pilot-operated 5-port spool valve. Energising the 24 VDC solenoid opens a small internal pilot valve, which uses supply air to shift the main spool so that port 1 (P) feeds port 4 (A) and port 2 (B) exhausts. When the coil is switched off, the single-solenoid valve returns to its normal position and the flow paths reverse. The rubber (elastic) seal spool gives the highest flow in the 2-position VQC4000 range: at 0.6 MPa inlet and 0.1 MPa pressure drop, SMC quotes about 2002 l/min (ANR) from 1 to 4/2, and the catalogue states that the VQC4000 can drive cylinders up to Ø160 mm at an average speed of 200 mm/s.

As a plug-in unit, the valve has no individual electrical connector: when it is fitted to the manifold, its contacts engage with the printed circuit inside the base, so wiring is done once at the kit connector or serial unit.

Key catalogue data for the 2-position single types

VQC4101-5 Selection & Ordering Guide

• VQC4 – VQC4000 series
• 1 – 2-position single
• 0 – plug-in body for the manifold (no individual sub-plate)
• 1 – rubber seal
• Function – blank = standard 0.95 W; Y = low-wattage 0.4 W; R = external pilot
• -5 – 24 VDC coil (6 = 12 VDC)
• Suffixes after the voltage: E for no indicator light, and B or C for locking manual overrides; blank = light/surge suppressor fitted and non-locking push-type override

A single valve can also be supplied on an individual sub-plate with 1/4 or 3/8 ports and Rc, NPT, NPTF or G threads, but for a VV5QC41 manifold the plain plug-in valve is used. The manifold is ordered with its kit type, station count, cylinder port size and thread type, and the valves are listed per station.

Installation & Maintenance

• Supply clean, dry air within 0.2 to 1.0 MPa, and use dry air when operating at low temperatures to prevent condensation. Lubrication is not required.
• If a coil is to be energised continuously for long periods, check the specific product precautions in the catalogue before choosing the standard or low-wattage type.
• Isolate air and power before pulling a valve from the manifold, and check that cylinders cannot move unexpectedly.
• Use exhaust silencers and keep exhaust ports free; contamination on the spool is a common cause of sluggish response.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

The VQC4101-5 suits machines that need large flow from a compact valve island: palletisers, bag and carton handling, large-bore cylinders on presses and gates, and process plant actuators. In the hot and dusty conditions of many Oman and GCC facilities, IP67-rated S, T, L or M kits and good upstream filtration help maintain reliable operation.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC VQC valves, manifolds and serial units across Oman and the GCC. Request a quote with your manifold or valve part number, and our team can help confirm the correct ordering code.