What is a flow control? Types, uses and how to choose one

A cylinder that moves without control damages the machine and wears its parts. A flow control, a small valve that throttles air in one direction, is what sets its speed.

How it works

A needle narrows the passage one way, while a built-in check valve lets air flow freely the other way. Pressure stays the same; only the flow changes.

Types by mounting

Banjo flow controls sit on the cylinder port; inline ones sit in the tube; panel-mount ones go through a bulkhead.

Meter-in or meter-out

Throttling the exhaust (meter-out) gives smooth, stable motion and is the usual choice for double-acting cylinders.

Choosing

Match the tube size and thread, the adjustment (knob or screwdriver), the material and the brand your machine already uses.