REXROTH HC-2-X Control Air Valve, Lever Operated, American Standard

The REXROTH HC-2-X is a robust, manually operated directional control valve designed for the precise and reliable control of compressed air in industrial applications. As part of the renowned Rexroth product line, it embodies German engineering quality and is built to meet demanding performance standards.

This specific model is a 3-way, 2-position (3/2) poppet valve, operated by a lever. Its primary function is to start, stop, and exhaust compressed air to a single-acting actuator, such as a spring-return cylinder or a diaphragm valve actuator.

Key Features & Highlights

1. Lever Operation: The manual lever provides quick and intuitive actuation. It allows for easy on/off/exhaust control and typically has a detent mechanism to clearly indicate the valve’s position (e.g., pressed or released).

2. Poppet Valve Design: Unlike spool valves, the poppet design is highly resistant to contamination from dirty air. It provides a tight seal, ensuring minimal internal leakage and reliable shut-off, even after long periods of inactivity.

3. 3/2 Way Function:

   • Position 1 (Lever Actuated): Pressure port (P) is connected to the working port (A). The exhaust port (R) is closed.

   • Position 2 (Lever Released): Working port (A) is connected to the exhaust port (R). The pressure port (P) is closed.

   • This function is ideal for controlling single-acting cylinders (extend with air, retract with spring).

4. American Standard Porting (NPT): The valve features standardized National Pipe Taper (NPT) threaded ports, making it directly compatible with a wide range of North American pneumatic systems and components without the need for adapters.

5. Rugged Construction: Built with a durable metal housing (typically brass or aluminum) and high-quality seals (often NBR), the HC-2-X is designed for long service life in harsh industrial environments.

6. Compact and Versatile: Its compact design allows for easy installation in control panels or directly on machinery.

Technical Specifications (Typical)

• Manufacturer: Bosch Rexroth

• Series: HC-2

• Sub-Model: HC-2-X (The “X” often denotes a specific variant, which should be confirmed with the exact datasheet for port sizes and pressure ratings).

• Type: Directional Control Valve, Manual

• Function: 3/2-way, normally closed (NC) is common.

• Actuation: Lever

• Port Size: Common sizes include 1/8″ NPT, 1/4″ NPT, or 3/8″ NPT.

• Operating Pressure: Typically ranges from 0 to 150 PSI (0 to 10 bar).

• Media: Compressed Air, Lubricated or Non-Lubricated (compatible with standard pneumatic oil).

• Temperature Range: Standard versions are suitable for -10°C to +80°C (14°F to 176°F).

• Seal Material: Standard is Nitrile (NBR/Buna-N), suitable for most industrial applications.

Typical Applications

The Rexroth HC-2-X Lever Operated Valve is commonly used in applications requiring manual control of air pressure, such as:

• Clamping and Fixturing: To manually actuate clamps in machining or assembly workstations.

• Actuation of Single-Acting Cylinders: For tasks like lifting, pressing, or ejecting.

• Pilot Control: To act as a manual override or signal source for larger, automated valves.

• Diaphragm Valve Control: To operate process control valves in industries like chemical, water, and food & beverage.

• Testing and Maintenance Stations: Where manual air control is needed for troubleshooting or setup.

• Machine Tooling: For manual control of various pneumatic functions on presses, lathes, etc.