COVAL LEMAX90X14S Integrated Vacuum Generator

Marca: COVAL (Francia). LEMAX series compact venturi vacuum generatore with built-in ASC (Air Saving Control), integrated solenoid valves, vacuum pressure sensor, silencer and blow-off function. It is an all-in-one vacuum unit widely used in automated pick-and-place applications.

1. Ripartizione del modello

2. Specifiche tecniche principali

Alimentazione elettrica: DC24V ±10%, standby current ＜25mA, max 60mA

Fornitura d'aria: 4.5～7 bar, compressed air filtered at 5μm, senza olio; blow-off pressure 3.5 sbarra

Nozzle: Ø1.4 mm

Max vacuum level: 90% (≈-900 mbar)

Suction flow rate: 70 Nl/min; air consumption 90 Nl/min without ASC

ASC energy saving: Automatically cuts off air supply once air-tight workpiece is gripped, 75%~99% compressed air saved

Porti: M8 4-pin electrical connector; vacuum port G1/4 internal thread

Classe di protezione: IP65

Produzione: Uscita di commutazione PNP, 2 configurable channels; vacuum threshold adjustable via front panel

Tempo di risposta: ＜1s; adjustable blow-off release function (auto / external signal modes available)

Rumore: ca. 68 dBA (ASC off; noise reduces significantly during ASC operation)

3. Struttura & Functional Highlights
4. All-in-one integration: Combines vacuum generation, monitoraggio del vuoto, vacuum solenoid valve, blow-off valve and silencer. No separate vacuum switch required. Can be mounted close to suction cups to shorten vacuum tubing and improve response speed.
5. ASC Air Saving Control: Once vacuum reaches set threshold, the venturi automatically cuts air supply to hold vacuum. Air supply restarts automatically if vacuum leaks, greatly reducing air compressor consumption. Suitable for air-tight parts (sheet metal, bicchiere, plastic flat panels). ASC is not recommended for porous / air-permeable workpieces.
6. Blow-off function: Short pulse of positive air after pick completes to quickly separate workpiece from suction cup and prevent sticking. Two control modes: external signal triggered blow-off / automatic timed blow-off (0~3s adjustable).
7. Digital display panel: Real-time vacuum reading, unit switchable between % / mbar / inHg. 2 vacuum thresholds configurable (grip confirmation threshold & soglia di allarme), with lock function to prevent unintended parameter changes.
8. Scenari applicativi tipici

Robotic suction cup handling: Sheet metal, bicchiere, acrylic, plastic and other air-tight workpieces

Packaging automation, injection molding part removal, carico/scarico macchine utensili, pick-and-place di componenti elettronici

Nota sulla selezione: For air-tight workpieces only. Not recommended for cardboard, fabric or other permeable workpieces. Select high-flow non-ASC or two-stage models instead.

5. Guida alla risoluzione dei problemi
6. No vacuum build-up: Pressione di alimentazione insufficiente, clogged nozzle, leaky suction cup / tubing; inspect silencer for dust blockage
7. ASC fails to save air: Workpiece is permeable with heavy leakage; vacuum cannot be maintained, ASC needs to be disabled manually
8. Workpiece cannot be released after pick: Insufficient blow-off pressure or too short blow-off duration
9. Unstable vacuum signal: Improper suction cup size, over-long vacuum tubing, incorrectly set vacuum thresholds
10. Riferimento al modello alternativo

LEMAX90X12S: 1.2mm nozzle, lower flow, for small suction cups

LEMAX90X10S: 1.0mm nozzle

LEMAX90X14V: Same nozzle, NO normally open solenoid (vacuum retention on power loss for safety-critical applications)

LEMAX90X14IO: IO-Link enabled version, supports remote PLC read/write of vacuum parameters and diagnostics

7. HS Code Reference

Vacuum generator (venturi pneumatic vacuum unit): 84148090 (other vacuum pumps. Final customs classification subject to customs broker / on-site customs ruling.)

COVAL LEMAX90X14S Working Principle

Fundamental physics: Venturi effect; Core feature: ASC Air Saving Control. Unit integrates vacuum valve, vacuum sensor, one-way pressure retaining valve, blow-off valve and silencer.

1. Basic Venturi Vacuum Generation Principle

Compressed air flows into the built-in Ø1.4mm nozzle. Air accelerates sharply at the venturi throat, static pressure drops and negative pressure is created. The G1/4 vacuum port connects to suction cups, evacuating air from the cup cavity to form vacuum for workpiece gripping. Mixed exhaust air discharges through the silencer.

Insomma: High-speed compressed air jet entrains and removes air from suction cup side to generate negative pressure. No moving mechanical pump, only pneumatic circuits.

2. Ciclo operativo completo (3 Fasi, ASC Energy Saving Cycle)

Palcoscenico 1: Workpiece Gripping (Vacuum Build-up)

PLC sends vacuum command → built-in NC vacuum solenoid energizes and opens. Compressed air enters venturi nozzle to generate vacuum.

Vacuum sensor monitors vacuum level in real time:

Vacuum reaches L1=65% → PNP signal “workpiece gripped” produzione, PLC permits robot movement / gestione

Vacuum rises further to L2=75% → ASC system shuts off vacuum supply solenoid directly, compressed air consumption stops

The internal one-way retaining valve closes, holding workpiece by negative pressure inside sealed tubing without continuous air jet.

Palcoscenico 2: Handling & Vacuum Hold (ASC energy saving phase, core of LEMAX)

For air-tight workpieces with minor leakage only, vacuum slowly decays:

Vacuum drops back to 65%: Vacuum solenoid opens briefly, venturi restarts air supply to replenish vacuum

Vacuum rises back to 75%: Air supply cuts off again, air consumption stops

This cycle repeats. Compressed air is consumed only during short vacuum replenishment pulses. 75%~99% air saving achievable for air-tight workpieces.

⚠️ For permeable workpieces (cardboard, fabric), heavy leakage prevents vacuum retention, ASC becomes ineffective and generator runs continuously. ASC function needs manual disable in such cases.

Palcoscenico 3: Workpiece Release (Blow-off / Vacuum Break)

When target position is reached, PLC sends release command:

Vacuum solenoid remains closed; blow-off solenoid opens. Positive compressed air feeds directly into suction cup tubing, pushing open the one-way retaining valve and breaking negative pressure by forward air blast to eject workpiece. Blow-off flow and timing are adjustable on front panel.

Blow-off completes, blow-off valve closes and waits for next gripping cycle.

3. Function of Internal Components
4. 1.4mm Venturi Nozzle: Core element to generate negative pressure
5. Vacuum Solenoid Valve (NC, Versione S): Controls air supply to venturi; vacuum generation stops when de-energized
6. One-way Pressure Retaining Valve: Locks vacuum cavity after target vacuum achieved, prevents fast vacuum decay; critical for ASC hold function
7. Digital Vacuum Sensor: Real-time vacuum measurement for ASC closed-loop control, plus 2-channel switching output
8. Blow-off Solenoid + Flow Regulator: Forward positive air blast for fast workpiece release
9. Straight-through Silencer: Discharges venturi exhaust, reduces noise and mitigates dust clogging
10. Electrical Control Logic (S version NC Normally Closed)

Vacuum command=ON: Vacuum solenoid energized → air supply on, vacuum generated; auto valve shut-off for vacuum hold once threshold reached (ASC)

Vacuum command=OFF: Vacuum solenoid de-energized, vacuum generation stops

Blow-off command=ON: Blow-off valve opens, forward air blast to release workpiece

5. Key Limitations
6. ASC only works for air-tight workpieces. Porous/permeable parts cannot use energy saving mode.
7. Max vacuum 90% is relative vacuum vs atmospheric pressure, not absolute vacuum.
8. Vacuum retention relies on one-way valve instead of continuous air jet. Minor leakage triggers intermittent air top-up.

LEMAX90X14S Application Scenarios (Premessa fondamentale: for air-tight workpieces with ASC energy saving; porous/permeable parts not recommended)

Product positioning: Compact all-in-one vacuum generator mountable directly on robot end effector near suction cups for short tubing and fast response. Equipped with built-in vacuum monitoring and adjustable blow-off, ideal for medium & small payload air-tight workpiece handling.

1. Injection Molding Industry (Applicazione più comune)
2. Injection molding robot part removal: Hard plastic housings, clear acrylic, PET/PP plastic covers, bottle preforms, cosmetic plastic bottles demolded and transferred to conveyor / parts bin.

Vantaggi: ASC reduces air consumption significantly during long vacuum hold; adjustable blow-off solves part sticking issue; IP65 tolerates minor oil mist near molds.

2. Secondary transfer of molded parts: Sorting and palletizing of plastic panels & decorative trims.
3. Automotive Components
4. Handling of small sheet metal parts: Loading/unloading of thin door sheet metal, brackets, decorative covers and stamped air-tight sheet metal parts.
5. Automotive interior parts: Robotic transfer & assembly pick of hard plastic interior panels, instrument panel plastic substrates (excluding porous foamed sponge parts).

Restrizione: Foam sponge, felt and other porous interior materials cannot run ASC and consume excessive air, this model is generally not recommended.

3. Electronics Industry
4. Flat panel / display industry: Cleanroom robotic handling of glass cover plates, LCD panels, backlight sheets, oil-free exhaust avoids workpiece contamination.
5. Rigid PCB (bare boards with few/no holes), phone midframes, metal back covers, notebook housing pick, palletizing and loading/unloading at inspection stations.

⚠️ Perforated / hollow PCB boards are not suitable for ASC; energy saving function must be disabled.

4. Industria dell'imballaggio
5. Pick, box filling, palletizing and sorting of rigid boxes, plastic medicine bottles, cosmetic bottles and aluminum cans.
6. Transfer of rigid plastic blister trays (air-tight trays); not for regular corrugated cardboard (permeable).
7. Macchina utensile / Lavorazione dei metalli
8. Loading/unloading of thin steel sheets, aluminum sheets, stainless steel sheets for CNC lathes and machining centers; robots feed metal sheets into machine tools.
9. Workholding vacuum clamping: Temporary vacuum fixturing of small air-tight workpieces for short-cycle clamping.
10. Medico & Camera bianca
11. Automated packaging and transfer of rigid single-use medical consumables (hard plastic shells, clear medical covers); compatible with Class 100,000 cleanrooms. Oil-free exhaust prevents workpiece contamination, meets GMP cleanroom requirements.
12. Other Industries

Glass processing: Handling of flat glass, mirrors and small tempered glass sheets.

General robots / collaborative robots: End effector integration, multi-suction cup modules (multiple LEMAX units paralleled as vacuum islands). Independent vacuum monitoring for each suction cup; leakage alarm for individual channels without disrupting other stations.

✅ Recommended Workpiece Materials

Sheet metal, aluminum plate, acciaio inossidabile, float glass, acrylic, hard plastic, PET bottles, rigid molded plastic parts, sealed solid wood panels with closed surface pores

❌ Not Recommended Workpieces

Cardboard, tessuto non tessuto, sponge, foam, felt, textiles, porous ceramics, heavily perforated / porous workpieces. Heavy leakage keeps ASC continuously topping up vacuum, energy saving benefit lost. Use LEM+ high-flow non-ASC series instead.

Linee guida per la selezione

1.4mm nozzle, max suction flow 70 Nl/min, adatto per piccoli & medium suction cup combinations: single cup or 2~4 small suction cups. Select larger nozzle models for big suction cups and high flow demand.

S suffix = NC normally closed solenoid: vacuum stops on power loss, for standard pick applications. Select V suffix NO normally open for safety applications requiring vacuum retention on power failure.

Multiple LEMAX units can be assembled into vacuum islands sharing one compressed air supply. Each generator has independent vacuum monitoring and blow-off, ideal for robot grippers with multi-cup independent supervision.

Typical Working Example

Collaborative robot picks acrylic cover plate, handling cycle 3~5 seconds. After vacuum reaches setpoint, ASC cuts air supply; air only turns on briefly to compensate minor leakage, reducing compressed air consumption by over 80%. At target station, timed blow-off releases workpiece quickly to avoid sticking. PNP vacuum feedback signal sent to PLC for workpiece presence detection.