Vacuum Control Units for Vacuum Pumps and Presses

How Vacuum Pump Control Units Work

A vacuum control unit monitors the vacuum level in the connected system and controls the operation of the vacuum pump according to the selected switching range. When the vacuum falls below the defined level, the pump is activated. Once the required vacuum level is reached, the controller switches the pump off.

This type of automatic control is useful in vacuum presses, vacuum stations and other systems where a defined vacuum level must be maintained during operation.

Choosing a Control Unit for Single-Phase and Three-Phase Pumps

The control unit must match the electrical characteristics of the connected vacuum pump. Our range includes controllers for both single-phase and three-phase systems.

• single-phase control units — suitable for vacuum pumps operating on 240 V AC;
• three-phase control units — designed for industrial vacuum pumps operating on 400 V AC.

Motor current is another important selection criterion. Depending on the model, control units are available for output currents from approximately 2.5 to 10 A. Before selecting a controller, check the pump voltage, motor current and electrical connection to ensure that the control unit is suitable for the connected equipment.

Festo VPEV, SPAN and SPAU Vacuum Control

Different VLCU control units use different Festo vacuum control devices depending on the required switching method, adjustment and indication.

• Festo VPEV — electromechanical vacuum switching for straightforward automatic pump control;
• Festo SPAN — digital pressure and vacuum monitoring with electronic switching;
• Festo SPAU — digital vacuum monitoring with configurable switching parameters and vacuum level indication.

This makes it possible to select a control unit according to the electrical configuration of the pump and the required level of vacuum monitoring and adjustment.

Vacuum Level and Switching Range

The switching range determines when the vacuum pump starts and stops. Depending on the control device and model, the vacuum level can be adjusted within the operating range specified for the individual control unit.

Control units equipped with Festo VPEV devices use an adjustable switching range for automatic pump control, while digital SPAN and SPAU versions provide electronic vacuum measurement and more flexible control settings.

Applications in Vacuum Presses and Vacuum Systems

Vacuum control units can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, including:

• vacuum membrane presses;
• vacuum bag systems;
• veneering and laminating equipment;
• thermoforming systems;
• vacuum stations;
• custom industrial vacuum installations.

Automatic vacuum control helps maintain the required vacuum level during the production cycle and can reduce unnecessary continuous pump operation once the selected vacuum level has been reached.

Selecting the Right Vacuum Control Unit

When selecting a controller, consider the pump voltage, motor current, required vacuum range and preferred control method. Single-phase and three-phase systems require different electrical configurations, while analog and digital control devices provide different options for adjustment and vacuum level indication.

If you are unsure which control unit is suitable for your vacuum pump or press, send us the pump model, voltage, motor current and required vacuum range. We can help you select the appropriate VLCU control unit for your system.