Parker: DFplus Generation IV Proportional Valves for Demanding Industrial Applications
October 22, 2024
The Hydraulic Valve Systems Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation has recently announced the launch of its DFplus Generation IV proportional valves.
The new valve’s electronics have been fundamentally revised, expanding its communication capabilities and improving connectivity for demanding industrial applications. Mechanical components such as its patented voice coil drive (VCD), the basis for the established performance of the previous generations of DFplus valves, remain largely unchanged.
A new dual core processor enables the Generation IV valves to run at maximum performance level and to communicate with the PLC simultaneously. The retention of the analogue command signal, in combination with the use of the valve’s IO-Link connection for communication, is unique among comparable offerings available today.
“The enhanced features of the Generation IV will make our DFplus valves market leaders in terms of dynamics and flow. They now also offer customers an easy way to enter Industry 4.0 without making substantial investments or changing the machine control strategy,” said Taylor Berry, industrial product manager, Hydraulic Valve Systems Division.
The latest generation of valves offer a range of innovative features that provide added value. An integrated near-field communication (NFC) chip allows users to obtain all status information in the field or in service situations – even when the valve is not actively powered. A 360° LED at the top of the electronics box ensures that the basic status data is immediately visible in the application by different colors or flashing frequencies. Parker’s ProPxD parameterizing software has been fundamentally revised along with an improved oscilloscope function, permitting adjustment to the application-specific parameters quickly and easily.
The new electronics are complemented by the mechanical characteristics of the DFplus valves. The unique VCD with its highest resolution integrated linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) provides elevated force drive without the need of strong active return springs, resulting in real servo valve performance. Combined with their high robustness, validated through vibration tests up to 60 g and 10 billion endurance test cycles, the valves have already demonstrated their suitability for numerous demanding applications.
The valves can also serve as a 1:1 replacement for DFplus Generation III valves in existing applications.
