Parker Introduces DFplus® Generation IV Proportional Valves for Demanding Industrial Applications

Elyria, Ohio – October 31, 2024 – The Hydraulic Valve Systems Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has 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 analog command signal, in combination with the use of the valve’s IO-Link connection for communication, is unique among comparable offerings available today.

  The latest generation of valves offers 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.