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  5. Directional control valves

Directional control valves

Electrically and pneumatically actuated directional control valves

A directional control valve is used to change, open or close the flow direction of a medium in a hydraulic or pneumatic system. For this purpose, compressed air or a hydraulic fluid is normally used as the fluid in pneumatic actuators. The valves differ in terms of the design of their control element, the number of switching positions and flow paths as well as in the type of actuation: There are mechanically operated directional control valves, pneumatically or electrically operated directional control valves.

Function of directional control valves

Directional control valves are used to block, open or change the flow direction of a medium. For the respective working outputs, directional control valves have, for example, a supply port and several exhaust ports. The designation of the valves – for example 3/2 or 5/3-way valve – is derived from the number of ports and switching positions.

Directional control valves have the following tasks for the compressed air or hydraulic fluid within the valve:

  • releasing
  • blocking
  • changing

Electrically and pneumatically actuated directional control valves

As an innovation driver in pneumatics, Festo offers a wide range of proportional valves and directional control valves. This will allow you to realize even the most complex of applications safely and easily. Discover our portfolio of pneumatically and electrically actuated directional control valves now – from extremely compact for tight installation spaces to extremely robust for harsh environments.

Standards-based directional control valves

Electrical or pneumatic directional control valves can be used to control actuators. Mechanically actuated valves can be controlled with 12, 24, 110 and 230 V. Common variants here are, for example, 3/2 or 5/3-way valves. In mechanically operated directional control valves, the valve is switched by a button, a lever, a pedal or a spring, for example. In contrast, pneumatic valves are actuated with compressed air.

Festo standards-based directional control valves are available with electric or pneumatic actuation.

ISO, CNOMO & NAMUR directional control valves

Universal directional control valves

Solenoid-operated directional control valves from Festo use the force of solenoids to open and close valves. In this case, the solenoid serves as a control module that "opens" or "closes" the medium within a line (NC / NO). When electrical current is applied to the magnet, the valve is activated, and this in turn operates either directly and servo-controlled or force pilot operated, depending on the control type.

Universal directional control valves

Proposed products from the Festo core range:

Application-specific directional control valves

The Festo product range of application-specific directional control valves extends from compact solenoid valves to pilot valves, which are used when valve terminals are not technically or economically feasible.

Application-specific directional control valves

FAQs – frequently asked questions clearly explained

What is the purpose of directional control valves?

A directional control valve is used to change, open or close the flow direction of a medium in a hydraulic or pneumatic system. Compressed air or a hydraulic fluid is normally used as the fluid for this purpose. The task of a directional control valve is thus to release, change or block cross-sections within the valve for the liquid or gas (fluid).

What is a 3/2-way valve?

Directional control valves differ in terms of the number of ports and switching positions. A 3/2-way valve is used to switch a single-acting actuator, for example to switch a media flow and relieve the secondary side when the valve closes.

Festo 3/2-way valves are available in the normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) positions.

Which electrically and pneumatically actuated directional control valves does Festo offer?

Festo offers a wide range of electrically and pneumatically actuated directional control valves for factory automation. Our range includes standard directional control valves as well as universal valves and application-specific directional control valves.