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Accessory Valves

Overview

Vektek makes a full range of interfaces (decouplers) and accessories that operate between a stationary pump and the palletized fixtures in CNC machining center operations to provide safe, efficient and fast connections.

Vektek accessory valve designs are specifically intended for use in hydraulic clamping systems.
Steel components, hardened operating parts and flow rates matched to the demands of workholding.
Vektek valves will deliver safe, reliable long-life.
Vektek accessory valves prevent system damage and erratic operation frequently experienced through the use of valves designed for general industrial applications.
Sequence and Pressure Limiting Valves two-port design eliminates the need for a third fluid line to drain bypass flow (internal leakage) back to system reservoir.

Layout Examples

FAQs

Browse our most Frequently asked questions and if you have an issue that isn’t covered here, reach out to our product support team below.

Customer Support

What is the difference between your accessory valves and others I already use?

Vektek accessory valves are sized for the normal flows and conditions present in hydraulic clamping systems. They are not intended for use in general industrial equipment as they are specifically intended for clamping. Maximum intended flow rate on any Vektek accessory valve is 1.5 gpm. Excessive flows may cause damage or erratic behavior. General industrial products are intended for use in large flow applications (typically 2 gpm +). These general industrial products do not normally work well in clamping systems.

What is the function of a pressure limiting valve relative to a pressure relief valve?

Pressure limiting valves limit the pressure that can pass through the valve. When they reach their preset pressure, they close of to prevent further increase in downstream pressure. Pressure relief valves are intended to guard against excess pressure. When a circuit builds beyond the setting of a pressure relief valve, it opens and pressure is relieved from the system. If a relief valve is set below the pressure switch adjustment of a pump, the pump will kick on and off frequently. Incorrect adjustment of a pressure relief valve can cause expensive damage to your pump.

Explain why you don't want me to put a group of sequence valves in series.

When a group of sequence valves is put in sequence they have to work harder than if they are fed parallel from a single main feed line as shown on the chart. Vektek sequence valves modulate as fluid passes through them, trying to maintain upstream pressure. The interruption of fluid flow through one valve will adversely effect the modulation of the next valve in line, resulting in erratic performance. You may put as many sequence valves in parallel as you wish. We recommend approximately 500 psi difference in their settings for ease of installation. You may put as many sequence valves in parallel as you wish. We recommend approximately 500 psi difference in their settings for ease of installation.

What is difference between your ball valve and the "screw down" valves I can buy locally?

Our ball valves shut off a circuit and maintain that seal until rotated and pressure is released later. They are intended for applications that will not allow for leakage or are repetitive. They change from closed to full open with 1/4 turn of the handle.

Explain why I might select one filter over another.

Vektek offers three styles of filter. The first type is the In-port Filter (available in 10 or 25 micron filtration), designed and sized so that you can mount it directly into device ports of sensitive valves and components to guard against contamination. However, this compact design can also be used in-line where fine filtration is desired to help protect devises (restricted to a maximum flow rate of 3 gpm) making this unit particularly flexible in meeting your design criteria.

The second style is the Basic Filter which is also available in 10 and 25-micron filter ratings. These filters catch small debris and are intended for high contamination systems. The larger filtering surface allows this unit to accept up to 7 gpm and handle larger quantities of chip contamination before maintenance. The frequency of maintenance is determined by the amount of contamination present in your system. Simple flushing will often improve the flow through these filters when performance becomes obviously limited.

Our third type of filter element is an In-line Screen Mesh. This filter is intended to catch the big chips (180 micron rating). At fixture assembly, it is easy to forget to clean the I.D. of the tubing before introducing oil to the plumbing. Tubing and manifold passages may contain chips, dirt, cobwebs, tape or paper. These contaminants will break loose and lodge in a valve resulting in valve failure. By using these “chip catchers” you can reduce expense and can make your system more dependable.