SMC VK3120-5G-M5 Direct Operated 5-Port Solenoid Valve

A pilot-free 5-port valve for low-pressure and vacuum-side circuits

VK3120-5G-M5 is a body-ported, 2-position single-solenoid 5-port valve from the SMC VK3000 series. It is direct operated: the solenoid itself moves the poppet spool, so no pilot air is needed. The catalogue lists an operating pressure range from 0 to 0.7 MPa, which means the valve still switches on very low or zero supply pressure, something a pilot-operated valve such as the SY series cannot do (SY5000 needs 0.15 MPa minimum).

The type code reads VK3120 (body-ported, 2-position single), 5 (24 VDC), G (grommet electrical entry, 300 mm lead wires) and M5 (M5 x 0.8 ports). The base-mounted partner is VK3140. Letters not shown would add the low-wattage option Y (2 W DC), a surge suppressor S, a bracket (F) or a thread type for the 1/8 port version.

Technical specifications

Copper-free construction and 3-port use

The catalogue states that all parts in contact with fluid are non-copper materials, which suits applications where copper contamination must be avoided, such as some coating and electronics processes. The valve is also only 18 mm wide and 68 mm long, so it fits tight mounting spaces.

It can be used as a 3-port valve, normally closed or normally open, by plugging either the A or B cylinder port; the catalogue gives the instructions and a caution to check it before use. The same VK3000 valves mount on the VV5K3 manifold base, and the smaller VK300 series shares that base.

Selection and installation notes

Direct-operated valves trade flow for simplicity: the M5 version passes only 0.45 dm3/(s.bar), so it is suited to small cylinders and grippers or to vacuum-release and blow-off functions rather than large actuators. The 1/8 port version of the same series has a higher figure (0.84 in the catalogue) for the 4/2 direction. Higher DC power (4 W) than a pilot valve is the price paid for direct operation, so check heat build-up when many are energised for long periods and consider the 2 W low-wattage version.

Use filtered air; lubrication is not required, but if lubricated use turbine oil Class 1 ISO VG32 as the catalogue specifies.

Documents and quotation

The SMC VK3000 catalogue linked at the end of this page includes how-to-order, specifications, flow characteristics and dimensions. Confirm voltage, electrical entry, port and options before ordering. More valves are listed under Solenoid Valves. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact code on request.

How the VK3120-5G-M5 Works

In a pilot-operated valve, the solenoid only opens a small pilot passage and supply air does the work of shifting the main spool. The VK3000 series is different: it is a direct-operated poppet design, so the armature of the solenoid acts on the valve element itself. When the coil of the VK3120-5G-M5 is energised, the poppet shifts and port 1 (P) is connected to cylinder port 4 (A), while port 2 (B) exhausts through port 3. When the coil is de-energised, the return spring brings the valve back to its normal position: 1 is connected to 2 and port 4 exhausts through port 5. Because there is no pilot stage, switching does not depend on the supply pressure, which is why the catalogue allows operation from 0 MPa.

The poppet construction also gives a short stroke and a quick response; the catalogue gives 10 ms or less for the standard coil and 15 ms or less for the low-wattage coil at 0.5 MPa. A non-locking push-type manual override is provided so the valve can be shifted by hand during commissioning without electrical power.

Selection & Ordering Guide

The SMC VK3000 how-to-order page breaks the code down as follows. Use it to confirm that the VK3120-5G-M5 is the right variant, or to identify a neighbouring code:

• VK3120 – body-ported, 2-position single solenoid. VK3140 is the base-mounted version (Nil without sub-plate, 01 with a 1/8 sub-plate).
• Valve option – Nil is standard; Y is the low-wattage type (2 W DC), available for 12 and 24 VDC only.
• 5 – rated voltage 24 VDC. Other codes: 6 = 12 VDC, 1 = 100 VAC, 2 = 200 VAC, 3 = 110 VAC, 4 = 220 VAC, 7 = 240 VAC (50/60 Hz).
• G – grommet with 300 mm lead wires. H is a grommet with 600 mm leads, D is a DIN terminal and DO is a DIN terminal without connector.
• Light / surge voltage suppressor – Nil none, S with surge voltage suppressor, Z with light and surge voltage suppressor (DIN type D only).
• M5 – M5 × 0.8 ports for P, A and B; 01 is the 1/8 port version, where the thread type letter applies (Nil Rc, F G, N NPT, T NPTF).
• Options – F supplies a bracket (not assembled), part number VK300-43-2A; Q denotes the CE-compliant version (AC-type CE-compliant models have DIN terminals only).

Note that the product photo shows the DIN-connector version (VK3120-5D-M5). The VK3120-5G-M5 described on this page is the grommet version with flying lead wires; specify D instead of G if a plug-in DIN connector is required. Our team can help confirm the correct ordering code before you place an enquiry.

Installation & Maintenance

• Blow out piping before connection so that chips and sealant do not enter the valve; small direct-operated poppets are sensitive to contamination.
• Install a filter upstream and keep the air dry. Lubrication is not required; if a lubricator is used, use turbine oil Class 1 ISO VG32 and continue lubricating once started.
• When mounting on a VV5K3 manifold base, tighten the M3 mounting screws to 0.6 N·m and observe the mounting direction marked on the base.
• Check that the supply voltage stays within ±10% of 24 VDC. For long energised periods, consider the low-wattage Y option to reduce coil heat.
• Test the manual override and confirm actuator movement during commissioning, and periodically inspect for exhaust leakage, which can indicate seal wear or contamination.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

The VK3120-5G-M5 suits small actuators where a compact, pilot-free valve is an advantage: small cylinders and grippers on packaging and bottling lines, sorting and ejecting functions in food and beverage plants, blow-off and vacuum-release circuits on pick-and-place equipment, and test or laboratory rigs that run at low or variable pressure. Its copper-free wetted parts make it relevant where copper contamination must be avoided. In the warm climate of Oman and the wider GCC, keeping within the catalogue ambient limit of 50 °C and providing dry, filtered air are the most important points for reliable operation.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC pneumatic valves, including the VK3000 series, across Oman and the GCC. Send us the full code, such as VK3120-5G-M5, together with the quantity and any options, and request a quote. If you are replacing an existing valve, our team can help confirm the correct ordering code from the nameplate or from your drawings.