AirTAC Pneumatics
AirTAC 4F Series Foot Pedal Valves
The AirTAC 4F series is a 5/2 foot-pedal directional valve with a 1/4 inch port, direct acting with no pilot air or electricity, in standard, lock, guard or lock-and-guard types.
inventory_25 models availableSeries Overview
The 4F is a foot-operated 5-port 2-position (5/2) directional valve. Pressing the pedal switches the air path, so it can drive a double-acting cylinder in both directions while the operator keeps both hands on the work. It is direct acting: no pilot air and no electrical supply are needed to make it shift, so it works down to 0 MPa and starts wherever there is compressed air.
The range is a single body: 4F210 with port 08 = PT1/4". The ordering code 4F210-08{type}{thread} defines the variant. Type: blank = standard, L = latching lock, F = protective guard over the pedal, LF = both. Thread: blank = PT, G = G thread, T = NPT, all on the same body. Working pressure is 0 to 1.0 MPa (0 to 145 psi), temperature -20 to +70 C, medium is air filtered to 40 um or finer, and the pedal is aluminium.
The two options solve two different problems. The L lock latches the pedal so the valve stays switched for long holds without the operator standing on it - but the locking mechanism is a hold-position device, not built for frequent heavy impact, so it is not the choice for high-rate stamping where the pedal is struck hard cycle after cycle. The F guard is a high-strength plastic cover that stops a foot, a dropped part or a passing worker from pressing the pedal by accident.
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Typical Applications
Clamping fixtures on hand-loaded presses
A standard 4F210 lets the operator load the part with both hands and press the pedal to close the clamp or start the cycle; releasing the pedal returns the valve.
Packaging and case-sealing stations
Hands-free actuation keeps both hands free to position cartons. The L lock holds the valve switched through a long packing or sealing step without standing on the pedal.
Bench test rigs
Direct acting from 0 MPa with no electrical supply, the 4F cycles a double-acting test cylinder from a pedal, and the F guard prevents an accidental press of the fixture pedal.
Pedals beside busy walkways
On machines where staff walk past the floor pedal, the F guard cover stops a foot dropped on the pedal or a falling part from switching the valve unintentionally.
How to Choose the Right Model
With one port size, the real decision is the type code. Momentary duty - press to run, release to return - takes the standard valve. A long hold takes L, keeping the impact caveat in mind: latch it for hold-position duty, not for rapid hard pedal strikes. Where the pedal could be pressed accidentally, take F; take LF when you need both. Match thread to the fittings already on site: PT, G or NPT.
Step out of the series when the job needs a different valve. If you only need a single-acting cylinder or a simple 3-port on/off, the normally closed 3-port foot valves 3F210 (aluminium pedal, 1/8" or 1/4") or 3FM210 (mini, plastic pedal, M5, 1/8" or 1/4") are the right parts. If the same switching must be done electrically, the equivalent is a 4V solenoid valve. Before ordering, confirm five points: valve function (5/2 for double-acting), type code (standard/L/F/LF), port and thread (08 = 1/4", PT/G/NPT), pressure and media fit, and upstream filtration to 40 um or better - fit a GF or GFR filter ahead of the valve.
Quick checklist
- ✓ Required force at your working pressure
- ✓ Stroke and available mounting space
- ✓ Port / thread type (PT / NPT / G)
- ✓ Sensor / magnet option (-S)?
- ✓ Side load — consider a guided model
Frequently Asked Questions
The 4F is a 5-port 2-position (5/2) foot pedal valve, direct acting, in one size: 4F210 with port 08 = PT1/4". Working pressure is 0 to 1.0 MPa (0 to 145 psi), temperature range -20 to +70 C, and the medium is air filtered to 40 um or finer. Because it is direct acting there is no minimum operating pressure.
Standard for momentary duty: press to run, release to return. L adds a latching lock so the valve stays switched during long holds without the operator standing on the pedal - but the lock is not built for frequent heavy impact, so avoid it on high-rate stamping where the pedal is struck hard every cycle. F adds a high-strength plastic guard against accidental pressing; LF combines both.
No - the 4F is 5-port 2-position, made for double-acting cylinders. For a single-acting cylinder or a simple on/off function, the normally closed 3-port foot valves 3F210 (1/8" or 1/4") or 3FM210 (mini, M5, 1/8" or 1/4") are the correct parts. If the same switching must be triggered electrically instead of by foot, the equivalent is a 4V solenoid valve.
AirtacDistr is an authorized export seller of genuine AirTAC parts, and every 4F carries the AirTAC ordering code (for example 4F21008, 4F21008L, 4F21008LF). The catalogue publishes no flow (Cv) figure for this series, so confirm it from the datasheet before sizing. All four types are listed and orderable; lead time is confirmed on request.
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