Do the spools in proportional valves feature metering notches?

Proportional valves are designed to control the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluids with high precision, allowing for smooth and accurate movements in machinery. The spools within these valves indeed feature metering notches. These notches are critical because they help regulate the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid based on the valve's position. As the spool moves, fluid flows through the notches, allowing for a modulated volume that correlates to the input signal received by the valve. This design allows operators to achieve varying degrees of control over the hydraulic system, enhancing performance, efficiency, and responsiveness.

In contrast to proportional valves, other types of valves may not utilize metering notches in their spools, which is why the notion that they only appear in specific models or configurations does not hold for proportional valves as a general category. Their presence is a defining feature that distinguishes them and contributes directly to their functionality as variable control devices.