--- title: HydraForce Insider Blog | Directional Stack Valve Alternatives description: Directional Stack Valve Alternatives | Our hydraulic valve blog features cartridge valve application tips, circuit techniques, and industry trends. --- [![logo-1](https://info.hydraforce.com/hs-fs/hub/84685/file-1401344043.jpg)](http://www.hydraforce.com/) - [Home](http://www.hydraforce.com/) - [Contact Us](http://www.hydraforce.com/About_HF/global_locations.html) - [Careers](http://www.hydraforce.com/Employ/Emp-World.htm) - [News](http://www.hydraforce.com/News/Newprds.htm) - [Find Valve by Model No.](http://www.hydraforce.com/Modelnos.htm) # HydraForce Insider Blog ## [3 Overlooked Benefits of Cartridge Valves](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/bid/36657/3-Overlooked-Benefits-of-Cartridge-Valves) Posted by [David Price](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/author/david-price) on Wed, Mar 09, 2011 @ 10:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) | ## Most of you reading this know the common benefits of hydraulic cartridge valves ([click here for an excellent refresher](http://www.hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/TechZone/ManifoldsHICs/Article/True/6406/TechZone-ManifoldsHICs)). However, there are several key benefits routinely overlooked or misunderstood throughout the industry. HydraForce has dedicated significant efforts to innovation in cartridge valve technology — including the [consolidation of multiple valve functions into a single cartridge](http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail?ExhibitID=62396), [higher pressure](http://www.hydraforce.com/News/HyPerform/HyPerform.htm) and flow ratings, and improved [machine control solutions](http://www.hydraforce.com/Mach_Contrl_Solutns/Mach_Contrl_Solutns.htm). | ![](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Head-in-Sand.jpg) | | --- | --- | Most of you reading this know the common benefits of hydraulic cartridge valves ([click here for an excellent refresher](http://www.hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/TechZone/ManifoldsHICs/Article/True/6406/TechZone-ManifoldsHICs)). However, there are several key benefits routinely overlooked or misunderstood throughout the industry. HydraForce has dedicated significant efforts to innovation in cartridge valve technology — including the [consolidation of multiple valve functions into a single cartridge](http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail?ExhibitID=62396), [higher pressure](http://www.hydraforce.com/News/HyPerform/HyPerform.htm) and flow ratings, and improved [machine control solutions](http://www.hydraforce.com/Mach_Contrl_Solutns/Mach_Contrl_Solutns.htm). **Now, let’s talk about the benefits that go along with these improvements:** **1. Performance** Traditionally, directional control functions were not considered a strong suit of cartridge valves. When searching online for a supplier of Directional Control Valves, a Google search will scarcely yield a "Cartridge Valve" return in the results. This has mostly to do with the limited flow capabilities of early cartridge valves. However, a lot has changed over the years, and today’s market could not be more ripe with [Directional / Stack valve alternatives](http://www.hydraforce.com/News/New-Prod-Featrs-Applns/SxCL_Bultn.pdf).  The bridge circuit below (named for its hydraulic similarities to the electronic ["Wheatstone Bridge")](http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/education/tutorials/java/wheatstonebridge/index.html) has several key attributes which make it ideal for directional control. For starters, by having individual cartridge valves at the inlet of your A and B ports you get the distinct advantage of both meter-in and meter-out capabilities. Another advantage of this circuit is the ability to scale the appropriate cartridge valves for optimal flow. Other benefits include low-leakage poppet-type valving, lighter housing weight and the ability to achieve float ***or*** motor functions. ![](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.gif) **View/Download Directional Bridge Circuit graphic as:[PDF file](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.pdf)**[(127 KB**)**](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.pdf) | **[DXF file](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.dxf)**[(201 KB)](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.dxf)**[HydraForce i-Design HF3D file](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.hf3d.zip)**[(zipped 29 KB)](http://www.hydraforce.com/HFinsider/Overlooked_Benefits/Bridge_Circuit.hf3d.zip)While we can’t deny there are inherent [advantages](http://www.hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/eBooks/Article/True/45152/)of traditional directional stack valves, there are good reasons to consider this cartridge-valve alternative when designing your machine.  [Read More](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/bid/36657/3-Overlooked-Benefits-of-Cartridge-Valves) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/bid/36657/3-Overlooked-Benefits-of-Cartridge-Valves#comments-listing) Tags: [proportional valves](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/proportional-valves), [benefits of cartridge valves](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/benefits-of-cartridge-valves), [Directional Control Valves](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/directional-control-valves), [cartridge valve serviceability](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/cartridge-valve-serviceability), [Directional Stack Valve Alternatives](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/directional-stack-valve-alternatives), [Bridge Circuits](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/topic/bridge-circuits) [All posts](https://info.hydraforce.com/hydraforceinsiderblog/all) ### Subscribe by Email ### Other related info [![Sign up for Product news.](https://info.hydraforce.com/hs-fs/images/C--Documents%20and%20Settings-dp2-Desktop-Email-Signup-resized-156.jpg?width=171&height=72&name=C--Documents%20and%20Settings-dp2-Desktop-Email-Signup-resized-156.jpg)](https://info.hydraforce.com/HydraForceProductUpdates/) [![describe the image](https://info.hydraforce.com/hs-fs/images/k--sales-training-image%20library-request%20a%20catalog_2-resized-156.jpg?width=172&height=152&name=k--sales-training-image%20library-request%20a%20catalog_2-resized-156.jpg)](http://www.hydraforceleads.com/form/catalogForm.php) [![describe the image](https://info.hydraforce.com/hs-fs/images/K--SALES-TRAINING-Image%20Library-Download%20a%20copy%20of%20i-Design-resized-156.jpg?width=176&height=152&name=K--SALES-TRAINING-Image%20Library-Download%20a%20copy%20of%20i-Design-resized-156.jpg)](https://info.hydraforce.com/download-your-free-copy-of-i-design-v3-today/) [![K SALES TRAINING Image Library Custom Manifold Consultation resized 156](https://info.hydraforce.com/hs-fs/images/K--SALES-TRAINING-Image%20Library-Custom%20Manifold%20Consultation-resized-156.jpg?width=175&height=145&name=K--SALES-TRAINING-Image%20Library-Custom%20Manifold%20Consultation-resized-156.jpg)](https://info.hydraforce.com/Free-Custom-Circuit-Consultation/) ### Follow Me ### News Ticker **[Click Here ](http://www.hydraforce.com/News/News_tickr.htm)to see the latest HydraForce News.** ### Latest Posts ### Posts by category - 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