<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The <strong>Fabco-Air 18PMD-3-R</strong> is a compact, manually actuated pneumatic directional control valve designed for reliable on/off flow direction switching in pneumatic systems. Part of Fabco-Air’s proven 18 series, this valve features a red phenolic push-button with detented actuation, spring return to neutral, and aluminum body construction. The 18PMD-3-R is ideal for applications requiring simple manual control of air direction without the complexity of solenoid actuation.</p>
<h2>Key Features</h2>
<ul>
<li>3-way, 2-position normally closed (3/2 NC) directional control</li>
<li>Red phenolic push-button with detented (push-pull) operation</li>
<li>Spring return to neutral / normally closed configuration</li>
<li>Three 1/8″ NPT threaded female ports (standard porting)</li>
<li>Operating pressure: 100 PSI (max 150 PSI)</li>
<li>Lightweight aluminum body with nitrile rubber (NBR) seals</li>
<li>Compact footprint for space-constrained installations</li>
<li>Suitable for vacuum applications (directional flow only, not holding)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Technical Specifications</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Valve Type:</strong> 3-way, 2-position directional control (3/2 NC)</li>
<li><strong>Actuation:</strong> Manual push-button, detented, spring return</li>
<li><strong>Port Configuration:</strong> 1/8″ NPT threaded (female) × 3 ports</li>
<li><strong>Operating Pressure:</strong> 100 PSI (nominal) / 150 PSI (maximum)</li>
<li><strong>Flow Coefficient (Cv):</strong> 0.27</li>
<li><strong>Seals:</strong> Nitrile rubber (NBR)</li>
<li><strong>Body Material:</strong> Anodized aluminum bar stock</li>
<li><strong>Button Material:</strong> Red phenolic with plated steel rod, brass bushing</li>
<li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.40 lbs (approx. 180 g)</li>
<li><strong>Series:</strong> Fabco-Air 18 Series</li>
</ul>
<h2>Typical Applications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Manual directional control in pneumatic cylinder circuits</li>
<li>Operator-controlled air flow switching on production equipment</li>
<li>Laboratory and test pneumatic systems</li>
<li>Machine tool applications requiring manual directional selection</li>
<li>Vacuum system applications (directional flow control)</li>
<li>General pneumatic system troubleshooting and commissioning</li>
</ul>
<h2>Compatibility & Replacements</h2>
<h3>Compatible With</h3>
<ul>
<li>Standard 1/8″ NPT pneumatic tubing and fittings</li>
<li>Any pneumatic system operating 50–150 PSI</li>
<li>Fabco-Air 18 series cylinders and accessories</li>
<li>ISO 4401-01 (CETOP-01) ported cavity blocks and manifolds</li>
<li>Both compressed air and nitrogen media</li>
</ul>
<h3>Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For</h3>
<ul>
<li>18PMD-3 (black button version)</li>
<li>18PMD-3-V (vacuum option variant)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Works With</h3>
<ul>
<li>Open-loop pneumatic control systems</li>
<li>Manual pneumatic directional control networks</li>
<li>Standard industrial air compressors and regulators</li>
<li>Fabco-Air compact pneumatic cylinders (all displacements)</li>
<li>ISO 4401-01 manifold systems</li>
</ul>
