EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced the introduction of its line of next generation proportional directional valves designed to provide integrated programmable control capabilities in sophisticated electro-hydraulic applications. Eaton’s new KBS series valves are designed to support both centralized and distributed axis control architectures in high-performance applications including test simulation, blow molding, wind turbine control, metal forming, pulp and paper machinery, and primary metals production.

Eaton’s KBS series valves feature programmable onboard electronics and integral spool Linear Voltage Differential Transformer (LVDT) sensors to provide precise, accurate, responsive axis control capabilities. The initial products are offered in ISO-3 and ISO-5 sizes with rated flows of 40 LPM and 100 LPM (10.6 and 26.4 gpm), and maximum flows of 75 lpm and 180 lpm (19.8 and 47.6 gpm) respectively. Dynamic bandwidth for the ISO-3 valves is 150 Hz and 100Hz for the larger ISO-5 models. Both have 350 Bar (5,075 psi) rated A- and B-ports and 250 Bar (3,625 psi) rated T-ports.

“These valves represent the next generation of electro-hydraulic sophistication,” said Colin Cooper, product manager, industrial controls. “They provide four levels of control capability in a modular design, from an entry level valve that is quick and easy to configure, right through to a valve that can be uniquely customized by uploading application code created using Eaton Control F(x) software based on the IEC-61131-3 programming standard. Additionally the valves can be selected with CanOpen field bus communication and control capability, a range of optional sensor inputs, along with embedded on-board sensor capability and easy-to-read LED status indicators.

“We have optimized the KBS series valves for performance, flexibility, reliability and easy diagnostics. These valves offer customers truly differentiated machine and application performance benefits which translate into significant improvements in efficiency, productivity and repeatability for numerous industrial applications,” Cooper added. “Additionally, they also have best-in-class IP65 and IP67 protection against dirt and moisture ingression, and best-in-class 85 C ambient temperature ratings.”

The KBS Valve specifications, pricing and lead times will be available through Eaton and its global channel partners.

Eaton’s Hydraulics Group is a segment of the company’s Industrial Sector. The business is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of a comprehensive line of reliable, high-efficiency hydraulic systems and components for use in mobile and stationary applications. Mobile and stationary markets include agriculture, alternative energy, construction, forestry, manufacturing, material handling, mining, oil and gas, processing, transportation and utility equipment. Eaton’s Hydraulics Group provides customer-driven solutions under product names such as Aeroquip®, Boston®, Char-Lynn®, Eaton®, Hydrokraft®, Hydrowa®, Hydro-Line®, Integrated Hydraulics®, Synflex®, Vickers®, Walterscheid™, and Weatherhead®. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/hydraulics.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.