Flow control valves are used in an increasingly wide range of applications across most every industry. However, for them to function properly, they must be fitted with a ball that is made within extremely tight tolerances. Ball precision is a critical factor influencing both a flow control valve's functionality as well as its longevity. In this article, we'll look at some of the top reasons why it is important to use only precisely made balls in your flow control valves. 

Fine-Tune Hydraulics

In hydraulic applications, minute differences in flow matter. This is especially true for hydraulic machines that are required to exhibit highly precise movements, such as is the case with many robotic applications. To precisely control the flow of hydraulic fluid, flow control valves are the perfect solution. These valves are able to fine-tune both the forward and reverse flow down to exact specifications. However, the accuracy to which a flow control valve is able to control the flow in a hydraulic application is only as good as the precision ball that the valve is equipped with. Precision balls allow for flow control valves to always produce precisely the right amount of flow, making for hydraulic machines that are able to perform tasks where a high degree of precision is required. 

Eliminate Leaking and Pressure Loss

Leaking and the pressure loss that corresponds with it are the enemies of an effective flow control valve. Many flow control valves rely on pressure sensors to determine when to increase or decrease the amount of flow that is allowed to go through. However, low-precision balls that are not properly seated in the valve will cause a pressure loss that can throw off this process, leading to inconsistencies in the amount of flow that is produced. Likewise, leaking can also lead to inconsistencies in the amount of flow produced by letting through more flow than is actually called for. If flow control valves are unable to accurately control the amount of flow that is let through then their entire purpose is undermined, making ball precision a highly important factor to get right when designing your flow control valve. 

Extend Valve Longevity

It's standard truth in machine design - precision equals longevity. Parts that are made to fit together within exact tolerances not only perform better, they are more resistant to wear and tear. The same is true for the balls found in flow control valves. Having a ball that is made within exact tolerances allows you a little wiggle room. Over time, as your flow control valve wears down, the precision in which the ball is seated within the valve will undoubtedly suffer a little. If the ball is not seated properly in the valve from the start then this deterioration will be felt all the more dramatically. If, though, the ball is made within precise tolerances in the first place, the amount of time before your valve becomes no longer functional will be extended.  

Outfit Your Flow Control Valves With Precision Balls 

If you are building a flow control valve, then you simply cannot afford to outfit that valve with a low-precision ball. At Hartford Technologies, we design our precision balls within exacting tolerances, delivering balls that are made precisely to specification. If you would like to learn more about how you can outfit your flow control valve with a ball that will increase both its functionality and its longevity, feel free to contact us today.