Programmable Valves Enable Both Precision Motion Control and Energy Saving

Conventional electro-hydraulic precision motion control systems are controlled by either servo valves or proportional directional control valves. Neither of the valves are able to control the pressures at the two cylinder chambers independently or to use the regeneration flow. The result is that while precision motion control is possible, significant energy saving is not. In order to save energy while maintaining excellent motion performance, the independent control of the pressures at the two cylinder chambers and the accurate use of the regeneration flow are two key factors. The programmable valves, a combination of five independently controlled poppet-type cartridge valves, break the mechanical linkage between the meter-in and meter-out orifices, maintain the full functionality of conventional four-way valves and enable the accurate control of the regeneration flow via the true cross port valve. Therefore, the programmable valves are capable of both precision motion control and significant energy saving. This paper introduces the configuration of the programmable valves as well as how to control the programmable valves to achieve the dual objectives of precision motion control and energy saving.