A pneumatic solenoid valve works by using electricity to control the flow of compressed air in a pneumatic system. When an electrical signal is applied to the solenoid coil, it creates a magnetic field that moves a small metal plunger inside the valve. This plunger either opens or closes the air passages, allowing or stopping the flow of compressed air through the system. When the power is turned off, a spring pushes the plunger back to its original position, returning the valve to its normal state. This simple yet powerful mechanism allows pneumatic solenoid valves to automatically control air direction, pressure, or flow with high speed and accuracy.
There are two main types of pneumatic solenoid valves — direct acting and pilot (indirect) acting. In direct acting valves, the magnetic field directly moves the plunger to control air flow. In pilot acting valves, the solenoid controls a small pilot flow that operates a larger valve piston. Valves are also classified as normally open (air flows when de-energized) or normally closed (air stops when de-energized). These valves are commonly used in automation systems to control cylinders, actuators, and air tools. Since they combine electrical control with pneumatic power, pneumatic solenoid valves are ideal for industrial automation where precision, speed, and safety are critical.