A directional control valve is used to change, open or block the flow of a medium in a pneumatic system. Compressed air is the fluid that is normally used 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 the type of actuation. There are mechanically, pneumatically or electrically operated directional control valves.
Directional control valves are used to block, open or change the flow of a medium. Directional control valves have, for example, a supply port and several exhaust ports as their working outputs. The designation of the valves, for example 3/2- or 5/3-way valve, is based on the number of ports and switching positions.
Directional control valves need to ensure that the compressed air or hydraulic fluid in the valve is:
A directional control valve is used to change, open or close the flow of a medium in a hydraulic or pneumatic system. Compressed air or a hydraulic fluid is the fluid that is normally used. The task of a directional control valve is thus to release, change or block cross-sections in the valve for the liquid or gas (fluid).
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 normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) positions.
Festo offers a wide range of electrically and pneumatically actuated directional control valves for industrial automation. Our range includes standards-based valves as well as universal valves and application-specific directional control valves.