SMC AS2201F-01-06 Speed Controller 6 mm Tube, R1/8

A meter-out elbow speed controller with a push-in fitting

AS2201F-01-06 is an elbow-type speed controller from the SMC AS series with a one-touch fitting. It is screwed into a cylinder port and a 6 mm tube is pushed straight into the other side, so the speed of the cylinder can be tuned with a needle instead of a separate fitting and flow-control valve. The elbow body keeps the tube outlet at a right angle to the cylinder port, which helps in tight machine frames.

The code decodes as follows: AS is the series, 2 is the body size for 1/8 and 1/4 ports, 2 is the elbow type (3 would be the universal type), 0 is meter-out control (1 would be meter-in), 1F is the one-touch fitting version, 01 is the R1/8 male thread and 06 is the 6 mm tube outside diameter. This code without a suffix is the previous-generation design, in which the needle is fixed with a lock nut. In the current push-lock version the code ends in A: AS2201F-01-06A (without sealant) or AS2201F-01-06SA (with sealant on the R thread).

Technical specifications

Meter-out control in practice

In a meter-out controller the needle restricts the air leaving the cylinder, while the supply air passes freely through a check valve. The piston therefore moves against a controlled back pressure, which gives a steadier speed than restricting the supply side, and it is the usual choice for double-acting cylinders. Direction of control is marked on the body, so fit one controller on each port of the cylinder and set them separately for extension and retraction.

Use the meter-in version (code digit 1) where the circuit calls for control of the supply air instead.

Installation and tube notes

Cut the tube square, push it in until it stops and pull lightly to confirm that it is locked. The catalogue warns that the maximum operating pressure must be checked when soft nylon or polyurethane tube is used, because those materials lower the allowed pressure; do not assume 1 MPa is available with every tube. Apply sealant tape carefully to the thread and leave the first thread free so that no tape enters the needle valve.

Larger and smaller bodies exist in the same family: size 1 for M5 x 0.8 and 10-32UNF ports, 3 for 3/8 and 4 for 1/2, as well as the universal type that can be turned to any angle. Order the code that matches the thread of the cylinder rather than adapting.

Documents and quotation

The SMC AS catalogue linked at the end of this page has how-to-order, flow tables, dimensions and the precautions page. Please confirm thread, tube diameter, direction of control and option letter before ordering. Related parts are listed under Automation Accessories. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact code on request.

AS2201F-01-06 and the Current Push-Lock Version

SMC has updated the AS series speed controller with one-touch fitting to a push-lock design, identified by the A at the end of the part number. For the same function as the AS2201F-01-06 (body size 2, elbow, meter-out, R1/8, 6 mm tube), the current codes are AS2201F-01-06A without sealant and AS2201F-01-06SA with sealant. Thread and tube sizes are unchanged, so the push-lock version fits the same cylinder port and tube.

• Push-lock knob: the needle is locked by pushing the knob down and unlocked by pulling it up, so no lock nut or wrench is needed for adjustment.
• Larger knob: 12 mm diameter on body size 2 with 1/8 port, for easier fine adjustment.
• Colour coding: meter-out types have a grey knob and meter-in types a light blue knob; metric tube types have a light grey release button and inch types an orange one.
• Lighter body: SMC quotes up to about 50% weight reduction versus the previous model, and lower tube insertion and removal force.
• Rotating stopper: the knob seats on a contact-face stopper when fully closed, improving flow-rate reproducibility for a given number of rotations.

AS2201F-01-06 Selection & Ordering Guide

Made-to-order options in the catalogue include -X12 (Vaseline lubricant), -X21 (grease-free with fluorine-coated seals, restrictor without check valve), -X214 (restrictor without check valve) and the 10- clean series prefix. Our team can help confirm the correct ordering code for your cylinder port and tube.

Installation & Maintenance

• Check the flow direction symbol on the body before fitting. A controller mounted backwards will not control speed and the actuator may lurch.
• Tighten an R1/8 thread with sealant to the SMC proper torque of 3 to 5 N·m; as a guide, tighten by hand and then about three more turns with a wrench. Use the wrench only on the nut of body B and rotate body A by hand to position the tube outlet.
• Start with the needle fully closed and open it slowly until the required cylinder speed is reached. Clockwise rotation closes the needle and slows the actuator; anti-clockwise opens it.
• On the push-lock version, push the knob down after adjustment and confirm it cannot rotate. Do not use pliers on the knob and do not over-rotate the retained needle.
• A speed controller is not a zero-leak stop valve. For air-blow flow adjustment, SMC recommends a restrictor without check valve (-X214 or -X21).
• Do not use the elbow body in applications with continuous rotation.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

Elbow speed controllers like the AS2201F-01-06 are fitted directly on cylinder ports in packaging, bottling, food processing, material handling and assembly machines across Oman and the GCC. Mounting the needle at the cylinder gives the most direct speed control and removes a separate flow-control valve and fittings from the circuit.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC speed controllers, fittings and pneumatic components across Oman and the GCC. Request a quote with your thread, tube size and control direction, and our team can help confirm the correct ordering code, including the current push-lock equivalent.