Pneumatic Flow Control Valves

What is a Flow Control Valve, and Why Use Them?

Flow control valves are a critical yet low-cost component found in many pneumatic circuits. These valves restrict the flow of air through the system, creating a one-way adjustable gate to provide velocity and motion control for cylinders and other types of actuators.

A defining characteristic of a flow control valve is that it only restricts flow in one direction, typically in the exhaust path, while allowing full flow in the other direction.

These components come in many form factors that can be installed in various points throughout a pneumatic circuit. They are most commonly found, however, installed directly into the port of a pneumatic actuator. When they are installed in the ports of an actuator, they serve two functions; tube fitting and flow control valve.