Latest Fluid Control Valves Technical Articles

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This…

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This article will focus on how to recognize prominent failures quickly and correctly.

The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes.…

The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes. Recently, the concept has been employed to upgrade pneumatic valves.

DIN valve connectors, not to be confused with DIN rails, are a common electrical connector for valves in the automation…

DIN valve connectors, not to be confused with DIN rails, are a common electrical connector for valves in the automation industry, efficiently providing power to valves, sensors, and even small motors.

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and…

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and electrical controls. Sometimes, valves even use a mix of multiple power sources.

Compressed air is a common economical way of adding motion to your automated equipment, but the air needs to be filtered,…

Compressed air is a common economical way of adding motion to your automated equipment, but the air needs to be filtered, regulated, and sometimes lubricated. The air prep unit does all that and more.

Ensure efficient and safe industrial applications with proper valve sizing. Learn how to choose the right valve size and…

Ensure efficient and safe industrial applications with proper valve sizing. Learn how to choose the right valve size and avoid common pitfalls.

Building precise rotating or linear systems often costs a lot! When is it justified to spend the extra cost to design and…

Building precise rotating or linear systems often costs a lot! When is it justified to spend the extra cost to design and build such a system, and what are the different components and system types?

Learn how to use Festo's FluidSIM software to design and simulate a pneumatic cylinder extension system using GRAFCET as…

Learn how to use Festo's FluidSIM software to design and simulate a pneumatic cylinder extension system using GRAFCET as the control method.

Learn how to use Festo’s FluidSIM software to design and simulate electro-pneumatic systems, featuring a reciprocating…

Learn how to use Festo’s FluidSIM software to design and simulate electro-pneumatic systems, featuring a reciprocating actuator example using solenoid valves and limit sensors.

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do…

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do they look like inside, and how do these ‘valve spools’ actually work?

Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system.…

Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system. But how do electric actuators work, and how do they stack up against fluids?

What is pressure? Everybody knows about this important quantity, but how do you define it? How do you measure it? Where…

What is pressure? Everybody knows about this important quantity, but how do you define it? How do you measure it? Where does it come from? In this article, we’ll learn about the basics of pressure.

Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory…

Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?

This article looks at vacuum ejectors and vacuum pumps, specifically outlining the difference between single and…

This article looks at vacuum ejectors and vacuum pumps, specifically outlining the difference between single and multi-stage versions of each type, and common applications.

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What…

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break…

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get…

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get complicated fast. Here are some ways to create better SFC programs and applications.

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and…

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?