Servo Valves vs. Proportional Valves: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job 

Hydraulic valves are fundamental parts of machinery that regulate fluid flow within a hydraulic system. They control the trajectory, rate of flow, and force and are crucial to controlling energy conversion for mechanical output. While there are many types of valves, we’re going to focus on two: servo and proportional valves.  

Servo valves were created in the 1940s and have been a prominent piece of equipment used in manufacturing ever since. They are precise, extremely reliable, and have little to no lag. They are typically used in a closed-loop system. Proportional valves translate electrical signals into precise fluid flow and pressure adjustments, providing accurate control while being very reliable.  

What are the key differences between these two pieces of equipment? Servo valves tend to be pricier than their counterparts, but they are essential for more advanced electronics. A proportional valve, on the other hand, can be used to improve the control of most machines without going over budget. However, proportional valves seem to have slower response times compared to servos.  

How do you choose between them? It depends on what you’re using them for. Servo valves are used in high-performance applications such as hydroelectric power plants and aircraft engines. Proportional valves are suitable for a wide range of applications, including textile machinery, paper mills, machine tools, and packaging machinery. 

How does Industrial Repair Service come into play with valves? We have two goals: offering a cost-effective solution to our customers and giving you a quality product. Our Valve Technicians have over 30 years of industry experience. We ensure you get the quality repair you deserve, with each valve cleaned, calibrated, and tested in our dedicated test stands. Testing and balancing your servo valves and/or proportional valves are two integral and critical parts of the repair process. Before leaving our facility, we ensure every valve and its electronics perform to its specifications. Call us today for your FREE quote!