Modular Valves

Modular stack hydraulic valves: industrial applications, functions, and replacements

Modular stack hydraulic valves, also known as sandwich valves, add pressure, flow, and check functions to industrial hydraulic circuits without extra piping between each component. They mount between the directional valve and a compatible subplate or manifold, forming a compact assembly that simplifies the design, maintenance, and repair of hydraulic systems.

Technical Union (TU) supplies hydraulic components for industrial applications, maintenance, and equipment replacement. For companies looking for hydraulic modular valves, stack valves, or replacements for existing components, identify the required function, nominal size, and mounting interface before selecting an alternative.

What functions do stack hydraulic valves provide?

Modular valves are selected according to the circuit needs and the behavior to be controlled.

Pressure relief valves

Relief valves limit the maximum circuit pressure to protect pumps, cylinders, hydraulic motors, and other components against overpressure.

Typical applications:

  • Industrial hydraulic presses.
  • Metal forming and stamping machines.
  • Hydraulic power units (HPU).
  • Workholding and clamping systems.
  • Manufacturing and industrial automation equipment.

Pressure reducing valves

They hold a lower pressure in a given section of the circuit when a machine function needs a pressure different from the main circuit.

Typical applications:

  • CNC machine tools.
  • Hydraulic clamping systems.
  • Industrial assembly equipment.
  • Auxiliary circuits on production machinery.
  • Systems with different hydraulic-force requirements.

Flow control valves

They regulate the flow through a section of the system to control actuator speed, according to the circuit design and the valve characteristics.

Typical applications:

  • Speed control of hydraulic cylinders.
  • Feed and positioning of machine tools.
  • Material-handling equipment.
  • Industrial automation systems.
  • Production machinery with controlled hydraulic movements.

Check valves and pilot-operated check valves

They allow oil to pass in one direction and block reverse flow. Pilot-operated versions open the passage under specified pilot conditions.

Typical applications:

  • Hydraulic workholding.
  • Cylinder positioning circuits.
  • Lifting and handling equipment.
  • Industrial systems that must hold a hydraulic position.

Selection should consider the load conditions and the safety requirements of the system, especially in lifting applications.

Counterbalance and sequence valves

Depending on the configuration, counterbalance valves help control hydraulically driven loads, while sequence valves start a function when a set pressure condition is reached.

Typical applications:

  • Hydraulic motion and positioning systems.
  • Clamping and pressing equipment.
  • Assembly machines.
  • Circuits with sequential hydraulic movements.
  • Industrial equipment with loads that need control during motion.

Industries that use hydraulic modular valves

Stack valves are used in a wide range of installations where pressure, flow, check, or sequence must be controlled in hydraulic circuits.

Metalworking: presses, press brakes, hydraulic shears, stamping machines, forming equipment, and clamping systems.

Manufacturing and industrial automation: production lines, assembly stations, special machines, positioning systems, and automated equipment.

Machine tools: machining centers, CNC lathes, milling machines, hydraulic clamping systems, and workholding devices.

Plastics: injection-molding machines, hydraulic mold-clamping systems, and auxiliary production equipment.

Packaging and converting: processing machinery, cutting equipment, pressing systems, and production lines with hydraulic drives.

Wood and paper: presses, processing equipment, cutting machinery, and hydraulic clamping systems.

Industrial maintenance and hydraulic repair: replacement of worn valves, hydraulic power unit repair, circuit upgrades, and preventive machinery maintenance.

Replacing stack valves from other brands

When a hydraulic valve leaks, loses pressure, operates unevenly, or is hard to get parts for, it can be worth evaluating a compatible modular replacement valve.

Industrial manufacturers use standardized mounting interfaces on many valve families. That makes it possible to evaluate alternatives from different brands without necessarily changing the existing subplate or manifold.

Brands buyers may find on their equipment include:

  • Bosch Rexroth.
  • Parker.
  • Eaton Vickers.
  • Yuken.
  • Atos.
  • Other industrial hydraulic valve brands.

Compatibility must be checked for each model. In particular, stack valves must match the mounting interface, the hydraulic function, and the circuit configuration. Similar outside dimensions are not enough.

What should be checked before replacing a valve?

  1. Brand and model: identify the full code of the installed valve.
  2. Mounting interface: confirm the standard and size, when they are specified.
  3. Hydraulic function: determine whether a relief, reducing, flow control, check, counterbalance, or sequence valve is required.
  4. Pressure and flow: confirm that the alternative meets the system's operating requirements.
  5. Ports and internal connections: check the galleries, oil passages, and the drain or pilot conditions that apply.
  6. Stack configuration: confirm the mounting position and the order of the valves in the stack.

A correct evaluation helps reduce unnecessary modifications, avoid incompatibilities, and select a suitable replacement for the application.

Supply of hydraulic components for Latin America

Technical Union (TU) supplies hydraulic components for industrial companies, distributors, repair shops, and maintenance departments looking for alternatives for their equipment.

If you need modular stack hydraulic valves, repair components, or replacements for industrial valves, contact TU to identify a solution based on the brand, model, and requirements of your application.

Looking for a replacement for an installed hydraulic valve? Send the brand, model, or a photo of the nameplate, along with the required function and the available pressure and flow data, to help evaluate the right component.

See the TU modular stack hydraulic valves page for more information and to request assistance.


Contact us for any technical requirements.