Rexroth is raising the bar in performance and communication for hydraulic actuators with its new generation of WRC-4X directional cartridge valves. The valves are more dynamic and consistently achieve flows that could previously only be achieved with the next highest available size. Integrated electronics (OBE) allow the new valve series to be networked via open interfaces with higher-level control units and Industry 4.0 environments even when under analog control. This means that valves can already be integrated into forward-looking automation concepts today.

The new cartridge valve blocks are targeted primarily at applications with high flow and dynamics requirements such as presses, die casting, and injection molding machines. Using sophisticated co-simulations with flow analyses and strength calculations, developers at Bosch Rexroth have optimized channel geometries, thus enabling the different sized valves to achieve significantly higher flows than was previously possible. They consistently achieve values that would previously have only been possible with the next size up. As a result, machine manufacturers can meet the same requirements with a smaller size or leverage greater performance with the same footprints as before.

At the same time, Rexroth has made the cartridge valves significantly more dynamic. Depending on the flow, the step response times start at under 10 milliseconds. Through a combination of increased flow and dynamics, manufacturers, for example, can improve the performance of injection axes and subsequently increase the productivity of their injection molding machines.

Paving the way to Industry 4.0 with open standards

The valves can be operated via digital and analog control. In both cases, the integrated electronics (OBE) enable the valves to be seamlessly integrated into digitally networked automation environments and Industry 4.0 applications. The multi-Ethernet interface supports all conventional real-time protocols such as SERCOS, EtherCAT, and Varan. WRC-4X valves also feature the Open Core Interface (OCI) for Drives, an open interface that enables communication with a range of programs. As such, Rexroth closes the gap between the hydraulic actuator and IT and cloud-based applications. This means that machine manufacturers and operators can incorporate the valves into condition monitoring systems today and increase availability further through predictive maintenance.

During start-up, wizards simplify the configuration of these factory-tested and calibrated valves. The engineering environment IndraWorks Ds guides engineers logically through all required steps. The valves are initially available in sizes 32, 40, and 50, and thus cover flows of up to 2,700 l/min.