SHPI SC Series Pneumatic Flow Control Valves — Speed Controllers for Pneumatic Cylinders
by SHPI (Taiwan) are precision pneumatic fittings with One-Touch push-in
connection for accurate control of pneumatic cylinder rod speed. Mounted directly into
the cylinder or directional valve port. Available for tubes from 4 to 12 mm
and threads from M3 to PT 1/2″.
What Is a Pneumatic Flow Control Valve and How Does It Work
A pneumatic flow control valve combines two functions: a needle valve
restricts air flow in one direction, while a built-in check valve
allows unrestricted air flow in the reverse direction. By turning the adjustment screw,
the engineer sets the exact speed of the cylinder rod — from slow, smooth travel to
fast working strokes.
The One-Touch collet mechanism connects the tube with a single push,
no tools needed. The swivel body (360° rotation) lets you orient
the tube outlet in any direction even after the threaded section is already tightened
into the port.
How to Select an SC Series Flow Control Valve: Buyer's Guide
Step 1 — identify the cylinder port thread size
Measure or check the thread of the port in the cylinder end cap.
Small cylinders typically use metric M5 thread
(SC 06-M5).
Medium and large cylinders use tapered pipe PT 1/4″
(SC 08-02),
PT 3/8″ or PT 1/2″.
Step 2 — identify the tube outer diameter
The first two digits in the SC part number = tube OD:
04=4mm, 06=6mm, 08=8mm,
10=10mm, 12=12mm.
Step 3 — choose the control type
For double-acting cylinders — always Meter-out (blue).
This ensures smooth, stable stroke. Meter-in (red) — only if your circuit
design specifically requires it.
Complete SC Series Reference Table (for ordering)
| Model | ØD (mm) | Thread (T) | L MAX (mm) | H Hex (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC 04-M3 | 4 | M3×P0.5 | 38.5 | 8 |
| SC 04-M5 | 4 | M5×P0.8 | 37 | 8 |
| SC 04-M6 | 4 | M6×P1.0 | 39.8 | 8 |
| SC 04-01 | 4 | PT 1/8 | 41 | 12 |
| SC 04-02 | 4 | PT 1/4 | 48.5 | 14 |
| SC 06-M5 | 6 | M5×P0.8 | 38.5 | 8 |
| SC 06-M6 | 6 | M6×P1.0 | 39.8 | 8 |
| SC 06-01 | 6 | PT 1/8 | 41 | 12 |
| SC 06-02 | 6 | PT 1/4 | 48.5 | 14 |
| SC 06-03 | 6 | PT 3/8 | 54 | 19 |
| SC 06-04 | 6 | PT 1/2 | 60 | 24 |
| SC 08-01 | 8 | PT 1/8 | 41 | 12 |
| SC 08-02 | 8 | PT 1/4 | 48.5 | 14 |
| SC 08-03 | 8 | PT 3/8 | 54 | 19 |
| SC 08-04 | 8 | PT 1/2 | 60.5 | 24 |
| SC 10-01 | 10 | PT 1/8 | 41 | 12 |
| SC 10-02 | 10 | PT 1/4 | 48.5 | 14 |
| SC 10-03 | 10 | PT 3/8 | 54 | 19 |
| SC 10-04 | 10 | PT 1/2 | 61.5 | 24 |
| SC 12-02 | 12 | PT 1/4 | 48.5 | 14 |
| SC 12-03 | 12 | PT 3/8 | 54 | 19 |
| SC 12-04 | 12 | PT 1/2 | 60 | 24 |
Why SHPI: Taiwanese Manufacturing Quality
- Pre-applied PTFE thread sealant — instant leak-free seal on all tapered PT/NPT threads without tape or liquid sealants.
- One-Touch collet — tube connects with a single push, no tools needed.
- 360° swivel body — the elbow body rotates freely around the threaded section, allowing tube routing in any direction.
- Material — nickel-plated brass + POM (polyoxymethylene). Corrosion resistant, up to 150 PSI, 0…+60°C.
- Precision needle — stable flow setting that does not drift due to vibration.
Applications for SC Series Flow Control Valves
Industrial automation and robotics — speed control for grippers, pushers and rotary actuators on production lines. SC with M5 thread is ideal for miniature cylinders in pick-and-place systems.
Packaging and filling machines — precise synchronisation of conveyor actuator movements and packaging cycle timing.
Woodworking and furniture production — pneumatic clamps, lifts and pneumatic vices on CNC machining centres.
Medical equipment — compact dimensions and high connection reliability. SC 06-M5 with M5 thread is used in compact medical devices.
General mechanical engineering — any pneumatic system with cylinders requiring rod speed control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pneumatic Flow Control Valves
What is a pneumatic flow control valve and what is it used for?
A pneumatic flow control valve regulates air flow and cylinder rod speed. It contains a needle valve (restricts flow in one direction) and a built-in check valve (free flow in reverse). Mounted directly into the cylinder or valve port.
How do I select an SC series valve by tube size and thread?
Part number pattern: SC [tube]-[thread]. Tube: 04=4mm, 06=6mm, 08=8mm, 10=10mm, 12=12mm. Thread: M3/M5/M6 metric; 01=PT1/8, 02=PT1/4, 03=PT3/8, 04=PT1/2. Example: SC 06-M5 = 6mm tube, M5 thread.
Is PTFE tape required during installation?
No. Tapered PT/NPT threads have pre-applied PTFE sealant. Instant seal without tape.
Can SC valves be used with oil or water?
No. The SC series is for compressed air only, 0–150 PSI, 0–+60°C. For liquids, use hydraulic flow control valves.
