I compete in VURC. My team doesn’t use non-SMC pneumatics due to reliability concerns, so I’ve gotten pretty familiar with the SMC series catalogs. Looking through these, I noticed a strange issue that I don’t think anyone else has pointed out.
All of the part numbers listed in the V5 legal pneumatics page use M5 threads for fittings that are meant to screw into the SMC NCJ2D10-200 pneumatic cylinders. The NCJ2 series catalog clearly states that the port size on these cylinders is No10-32UNF. I’m inclined to trust that document, so why does vex use KQ2S04-M5A fittings instead of the proper KQ2S03-32A fittings? The correct fittings aren’t even technically legal in V5RC.
If this is the case, it isn’t a huge deal, but it’s terrible practice to mix fittings like this. You can’t trust pressure ratings on these. You can’t trust them not to damage the aluminum threads of these expensive cylinders. I know that M5 threads are really close in to 10-32, but that doesn’t excuse mixing them. Is there anyone who could provide an actual explanation for this?
For other VURC team members reading this, I strongly urge you to do your own research when purchasing pneumatics. My personal favorite KQ2 series fitting for 10 & 16mm bore NCJ2 pneumatics is the KQ2H03-32A1. it’s the same as the other one I mentioned, but hexagonal and with the oval type button.
I haven’t figured out the AS series flow meters completely yet so I can’t supply a corrected model number for that yet. If anyone else finds the correct 10-32 equivalent, then I’d appreciate them sharing the model number.