REXROTH WE 6X series directional valve

REXROTH WE6X series electromagnetic directional valve: in-depth technical analysis and application guide

Product Overview and Core Features

The WE6X series is a high-performance, direct drive electromagnetic directional valve launched by Bosch Rexroth, belonging to the 6-speed, 6X component series. This series of valves, with their compact design, reliable performance, and high power density, have become the core components for starting, stopping, and directional control of actuating elements (such as hydraulic cylinders and motors) in industrial hydraulic systems.

Its notable core features include:

High performance wet electromagnetic coil: Designed with wet pins, the electromagnetic coil is detachable and can rotate 90 degrees. When replacing the coil, there is no need to open the pressure sealing chamber, greatly simplifying maintenance work.

Standardized installation interface: The oil port layout of the valve complies with DIN 24340 Type A, ISO 4401-03-02-05, and NFPA T3.5.1 R2-2002 D03 standards, ensuring compatibility with commonly used valve plates (baseplates) in the market. The corresponding information on the base plate can be found in the data manual RE 45052.

Flexible electrical connections: Supports individual or central plug electrical connections to meet the wiring needs of different cabinets.

Optional rich features: Provides manual override, variants for smooth switching (see RE 23183), and inductive travel switches or proximity sensors for spool position detection (see RE 24830).

Core performance parameters:

Maximum working pressure: A, B, P ports can reach 350 bar (approximately 5076 psi).

Maximum traffic:

Direct current (DC) electromagnet: 80 L/min (approximately 21 US gpm).

AC electromagnetic coil: 60 L/min (approximately 15.8 US gpm).

The maximum pressure at T port is 210 bar for DC valve and 160 bar for AC valve. For type A and type B valve cores, the T port must be used as a leakage port.

Interpretation of Model Code and Valve Core Function

The first step in correctly selecting a product is to understand its ordering code. A complete WE6X valve code, such as "WE 6 6X E G24 N", includes all information about the valve series, diameter, serial number, spool function, electrical characteristics, and additional options.

Analysis of key code snippets:

Valve core function (4th and 5th digit codes): This is the core of selecting valve function. The WE6X series offers an extremely diverse range of valve core types to achieve different oil circuit control logics:

Three position four-way valve: such as E-type (middle A and B ports locked, P and T ports connected), C-type (middle all ports fully closed), Y-shaped (middle A and B ports locked, P port closed, T port connected to A and B), H-type (middle all ports interconnected), etc.

Two position four-way valve: such as Type A (single solenoid, spring reset), Type B (single solenoid, spring offset), etc.

Special function: For example, the R-type valve provides a return throttle function from the actuator to the oil tank at a specific position; Some valve cores (such as E1 type) have pre openings from P to A/B, and attention should be paid to the pressure enhancement effect that may occur in single piston rod cylinder applications.

Reset mode (6th code): No code indicates spring reset; '0' indicates no spring reset (requires dual electromagnets to maintain); '0F' indicates a springless reset with mechanical positioning (pulse type valve core).

Electromagnetic type (7th digit code): "E" represents high-performance wet pin electromagnet.

Voltage (8th and 9th digit codes): For example, "G24" is 24V DC, "W230" is 230V 50/60Hz AC, and "W110" is suitable for 110V/120V 50/60Hz AC. DC electromagnets can also be equipped with rectifiers (such as W110R) for use in AC power grids.

Manual operator (10th code): No code means no code is included; 'N' indicates a manual operator with an exposed part; N9 "indicates a hidden manual operator (standard configuration).

Working principle and structural characteristics

WE type directional valve is a slide valve operated by an electromagnet. Its basic components include a valve body (1), one or two wet electromagnets (2), a control valve core (3), and one or two reset springs (4).

In the power-off state, the reset spring (4) keeps the control valve core (3) in the neutral or initial position (except for pulse type valve cores). When the electromagnet (2) is energized, the force generated by it acts on the control valve core (3) through the push rod (5), pushing the valve core to overcome the spring force and move to the desired terminal position, thereby establishing a P → A, B → T or P → B, A → T oil circuit connection. After power failure, the spring force resets the valve core. The optional manual operator (6) allows the valve core to be moved without power, for debugging or emergency operation.

Important precautions:

Oil filling: To ensure the normal operation of the electromagnet, it is necessary to ensure that the pressure chamber of the electromagnet is filled with oil.

Application of positioning valve: For valves with mechanical positioning (0F type, pulse valve core), if multiple valves share the same return oil pipeline, the pressure peak in the return oil pipeline may cause the valve core to move unexpectedly. Therefore, it is recommended to provide independent return pipes for each valve or install one-way valves in the return pipes.