Design and Performance Overview
The Festo VN-14-H-T4-PQ2-VQ3-RO2-F1A (manufacturer ID 8187685) is a T-shaped vacuum generator built around a 1.4 mm Laval nozzle. This nozzle size is a key factor in determining the unit’s suction rate and vacuum level, making it suitable for applications that require a balance between speed and holding force. The generator operates with compressed air per ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] and is not designed for oil-lubricated operation, so plan your air preparation accordingly.
With a width of 18 mm and a weight of only 36 g, the unit is compact enough for tight machine layouts. It can be mounted in any position, and both through-hole and accessory mounting options are available, giving design engineers flexibility when integrating into new or existing systems.
Key Technical Characteristics
The ejector characteristics are classified as “high vacuum standard,” meaning the unit prioritizes achieving a deep vacuum over maximizing flow. The maximum vacuum is 88%, and the operating pressure for reaching this level is 5 bar. At the nominal operating pressure of 6 bar, the generator delivers a maximum suction rate of 51.6 l/min (relative to atmosphere). The supply air consumption is not explicitly listed, but the air supply time at nominal pressure is 0.5 s, which gives an idea of the response speed.
Operating pressure can range from 1 bar to 8 bar, with the maximum suction rate achieved at 5.1 bar. This wide range allows the user to adjust performance to match the specific handling task, such as reducing pressure for porous or delicate materials.
Construction and Material Selection
The housing is made of reinforced POM, and the jet nozzle is wrought aluminum alloy. The muffler is an open type, constructed from wrought aluminum alloy, POM, and PU foam. This open muffler design helps reduce noise to 69 dB(A) at nominal operating pressure, which is beneficial for worker comfort in frequent-cycle applications.
Seals are NBR, and the connecting threads are POM. All materials are RoHS-compliant. The corrosion resistance class is CRC 2, indicating moderate corrosion stress resistance, so the unit is suitable for typical industrial environments but not for aggressive chemical exposure.
Integration and Connectivity
Pneumatic connections are push-in fittings: QS-6 for the supply port (connection 1) and QS-8 for the vacuum port. The exhaust (connection 3) is an open pneumatic muffler, which means no additional silencer is needed. The unit includes an integrated function of an open pneumatic muffler, simplifying the exhaust path.
Mounting is straightforward with through-holes or optional accessories. The maximum tightening torque is 0.5 Nm, so care must be taken not to over-torque during installation. The T-shape design allows for compact inline routing of supply, vacuum, and exhaust lines.
Application and Environmental Considerations
The VN-14-H-T4-PQ2-VQ3-RO2-F1A is suitable for a range of vacuum handling tasks, such as pick-and-place operations, packaging, and material handling. Its high vacuum capability (88%) makes it effective for holding non-porous workpieces, while the adjustable operating pressure allows adaptation to different surface conditions.
Temperature range for both medium and ambient is 0°C to 60°C, which covers most indoor industrial settings. The unit meets LABS (PWIS) conformity VDMA24364 zone III, which is important for paint shops and similar applications. Additionally, it is declared suitable for Li-ion battery production, with the restriction that metals containing more than 1% copper, zinc, or nickel are excluded from use (except for nickel in steel, chemically nickel-plated surfaces, circuit boards, cables, connectors, and coils). This makes the generator a viable option for battery manufacturing lines where material purity is critical.
When selecting this vacuum generator, verify that your air supply is dry and clean per ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] and that the operating pressure is set to achieve the desired vacuum level. The unit’s compact size and flexible mounting make it a practical choice for OEMs and end users alike.