A mechanical valve is a type of control valve that operates through external mechanical actions such as levers, sliders, buttons, or rollers to achieve airflow switching, direction change, or regulation. It is commonly used in pneumatic systems and does not rely on electrical or pneumatic signals, but instead is triggered by direct physical movement.

Structural Features of mechanical valve

The ability of a mechanical control valve to regulate airflow—by switching on or off, changing direction, or adjusting flow—is closely linked to the following structural components.

Actuating Element: Components such as buttons, levers, foot pedals, and rollers that serve as contact points for applying mechanical force.

Valve Body: Contains internal channels that control the direction of air intake and exhaust flow.

Spring Mechanism: Usually equipped with a return spring that enables the valve to automatically reset after the actuating force is released.

Port Connections: Ports such as IN, OUT, and EX are used to connect the valve to the air supply and actuating devices.

Comprehensive Analysis of Industrial Mechanical Valves: Structural Principles, Functional Advantages, and Key Differences Compared to Bioprosthetic Valves

Main Function

Industrial mechanical valves have the following functions relative to other types of control valves or the control requirements within pneumatic systems.

On/Off Control: Controls whether the air supply is turned on or off.

Directional Control: Switches the direction of airflow, such as for reversing flow.

Automatic Triggering: Used to detect mechanical movements or object positions.

Reset Function: Automatically returns to the original position after release, preventing continuous actuation.

Core advantages compare solenoid valve

Comparsion Item	Mechanical Valve	Solenoid Valve
Control Method	Operated by external mechanical actions	Controlled by electric signals driving a coil to actuate the valve spool
Power Requirement	No	Yes
Response Speed	Relatively slow, depends on manual or mechanical trigger	Fast response to electric signals
Installation & Maintenance	Simple structure, easy to maintain	Complex structure, requires electrical support, higher maintenance demands
Cost	Generally lower	Generally higher
Application Scenarios	Suitable for environments without electricity and simple manual control	Suitable for automated control systems and remote control scenarios
Flexibility	Fixed control method, requires manual or mechanical involvement	Flexible control, can be integrated with PLCs, sensors, and other systems
Durability & Reliability	Mechanical wear affects lifespan,robust structure and suitable for harsh environments	Coil aging or failure risks are higher

Types Of mechanical valve

Mechanical control components are easy to operate, do not require electronic control, and have low maintenance costs. They are indispensable control units in many intelligent manufacturing, pneumatic automation systems, and industrial equipment.

◆ Push Button Valve:The airflow is controlled by manually pressing a button, usually with a built-in spring return mechanism. Available in various types such as protective and flat styles, it is suitable for use in packaging, inspection, production lines, and as a switch in pneumatic systems.

Comprehensive Analysis of Industrial Mechanical Valves: Structural Principles, Functional Advantages, and Key Differences Compared to Bioprosthetic Valves

◆ Lever or Roller Valve:Triggered by contact through a lever or roller, where the roller can be activated by objects rolling over it, this type of mechanical valve features a compact structure and quick response, making it suitable for mechanical linkage. It is commonly used in industries such as travel detection, material handling, position recognition, and clamping systems.

◆ Foot Valve:The valve is activated by foot pressure, most models featuring non-slip pedals, with some equipped with protective covers. They are available in both monostable and bistable configurations. These valves are suitable for use in industries such as industrial sewing equipment, medical devices, manual workstations, and automatic assembly lines.

Comprehensive Analysis of Industrial Mechanical Valves: Structural Principles, Functional Advantages, and Key Differences Compared to Bioprosthetic Valves

◆ Slide Valve:A mechanical valve that switches airflow on or off by sliding a handle or turning a knob. It is suitable for applications such as air supply isolation control, emergency shut-off devices, workstation air circuit switches, and equipment testing systems.

◆ Miniature Limit Valve:The size is very small and the sensitivity is high. It is usually triggered by the small displacement of the measured object and has trigger structures such as push rod and roller.

◆ Knob-Type Pressure Regulating Valve:The rotary knob manually adjusts the outlet pressure, and the pressure change is controlled by a diaphragm or piston loaded by a spring inside.

The following are several types of mechanical valves in our valve website:www.fokcavalve.com. Due to the unique requirements of operating methods and application fields, mechanical valves must also be adapted accordingly.

Common mechanical valve parameter description

Port Number

Common mechanical valve types include 2/2, 3/2, 5/2, etc.

2/2 represents two ports and two states

3/2 represents three ports and two states

5/2 is commonly used to control the direction change of double acting cylinders

Actuation Method

Mechanical triggers such as rollers and levers

Button triggers manual button

Foot pedal triggers foot pedal

Distinguish between holding type or instantaneous type

Orifice Size

The diameter of the internal air passage hole of the valve body determines the airflow capacity, affects the flow rate and response speed.

Flow Rate

The unit is usually L/min, which represents the speed at which gas can pass through the valve, depending on the flow requirements of the controlled equipment such as cylinders.

Operating Pressure Range

The normal operating pressure range of the valve is between 0.2 and 0.8 MPa

Response Time

The time required from triggering to switching completion is usually calculated in milliseconds.

Port Thread

Size such as M5, 1/8 ", 1/4", 3/8'' mechanical valve sizes.

Service Life

Expressed in terms of the number of actions, such as>5 million times.

Operating Temperature

What temperature range can the valve work normally in? Special attention should be paid to special environments such as outdoor, cold storage, and high-temperature workshops

Typical application scenarios of mechanical valves

Mechanical valves are pneumatic control components that require no power supply and are triggered by physical movement. They are suitable for simple, safe, and low-cost limit triggering and switch control applications. The following are some typical representative scenarios.

Industrial automation production lines
Cylinder stroke limit triggering
Packaging, assembly, and handling equipment
Mechanical position detection or material detection
Work environments unsuitable for electrical control

Conclusion

Fokca is a leading manufacturer specializing in mechanical control valves for the mechanical construction industry, serving OEMs, automation integrators, and industrial contractors worldwide. Founded in 1998, we have over 27 years of experience in developing reliable, durable, and precision-engineered valve solutions.

We commit that all our pneumatic products undergo rigorous quality inspections and meet various industry standards, ensuring stable performance, durability, and reliability. For any failures caused by product quality issues, we provide timely repair or replacement services.Contact us directly!

The company has a professional technical team that offers comprehensive product consultation, installation guidance, and troubleshooting support. Whether it's selection advice or on-site technical assistance, we respond quickly to help customers resolve any issues they encounter during use.

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