A smooth introduction into the chapter "proportional hydraulics":

Proportional or continuous valves are electronically actuated valves which change the output signal (pressure, volume flow or switching position of a way valve) in the same way to the control signal (usually a control voltage between 0 and 10 V).

hydraulics proportional valves overview

Servo valves, which are particularly suitable for demanding positioning tasks due to their precision and hysteresis properties.

! Which advantages have continuous valves compared to binary valves?

• With proportional valves you can simplify circuits. For example a proportional valve can replace a directional valve and a flow control valve.
• Continuous adjustment of flow and pressure via an electrical control signal during operation: By adjusting flow and pressure continuously you can get a precise position and angle, acceleration and speed, force or torque.Possibility to form a closed loop system.
• Optimization of wear and energy consumption: By adapting pressure and flow as needed during operation.

Disadvantage:

• Oil must be cleaned particularly well when using continuous valves.Sensitivity of the switching piston.