What does a 3/2 valve do in a pneumatic system?

What does a 3/2 valve do in a pneumatic system?

• A. It filters air
• B. It controls actuator direction by connecting a port to pressure or exhaust with three ports and two positions.
• C. It provides lubrication
• D. It regulates pressure

Answer: (B)

A 3/2 valve is a directional control valve with three ports and two positions that directs air to an actuator or to exhaust, controlling movement. In one position, the compressed air supply is connected to the actuator port so the actuator receives air and moves. In the other position, the actuator port is connected to exhaust, venting air to atmosphere and allowing the actuator to stop, hold, or return, depending on the cylinder setup. This is exactly what enables simple on/off control of motion in a pneumatic system by switching between pushing air into the actuator and venting it away. It doesn’t filter air, lubricate components, or regulate pressure, which are handled by separate components.

A 3/2 valve is a directional control valve with three ports and two positions that directs air to an actuator or to exhaust, controlling movement. In one position, the compressed air supply is connected to the actuator port so the actuator receives air and moves. In the other position, the actuator port is connected to exhaust, venting air to atmosphere and allowing the actuator to stop, hold, or return, depending on the cylinder setup. This is exactly what enables simple on/off control of motion in a pneumatic system by switching between pushing air into the actuator and venting it away. It doesn’t filter air, lubricate components, or regulate pressure, which are handled by separate components.