Proven millions of times

Web Editorial Team Editor

08/03/2026 10 min

Five questions, five clear answers.

Can I rely on the performance data of directional on/off valves?

Definitely. With Bosch Rexroth, you are on the safe side.

Our directional on/off valves are manufactured worldwide to global production standards and in consistently high quality. Their performance data is measured precisely and deliberately stated conservatively. This means you can rely on characteristic curves, pressure and flow values being specified in a practical and reliable way – with carefully determined MTTFd values (Mean Time To Dangerous Failure).

Put simply: Reliable data creates reliable machines.

One example: WE6-6X valves achieve 40 million switching cycles at 4.2 switching operations per second.

For your application, this means long-term machine and system availability and a high level of operational and planning reliability – even in demanding applications with continuous operation, high load changes and frequent switching.

Can I combine cost-effectiveness and performance?

Absolutely! In our diverse valve portfolio, you will find the optimum solution for virtually every application – in every respect.

Of course, hardly any hydraulic application is the same as another. Different pressure levels, flow rates, ambient conditions or safety requirements call for precisely matched directional on/off valves. That is why the Rexroth portfolio is exceptionally broad. It ranges from standard variants with a wide variety of spool options to special versions, performance-, energy- and price-optimized product families as well as customer-specific modifications. Options include:

different spool variants
corrosion-protected versions
energy- or price-optimized product families
hydraulically or pneumatically pilot-operated solutions
variants for explosion-protected areas

Are you looking for a particularly versatile solution? Valves in nominal size 6 are among the most widely used directional on/off valves worldwide and stand for reliable switching processes in a wide range of applications.

Can directional on/off valves save energy and reduce operating costs?

Absolutely. Versions with leakage-optimized design and performance-optimized solenoid concepts minimize hydraulic losses and the system’s power requirements.

Bosch Rexroth reduces hydraulic losses not only in pumps and drives, but also in valve technology. In directional on/off valves, too, we consistently work to minimize internal leakage between spool and housing through optimized design. The result:

lower hydraulic losses
lower energy consumption
fewer CO₂ emissions
reduced operating costs
less heat generation
more efficient system operation

Even higher energy efficiency can be achieved with electro-hydraulic directional on/off valves with power-reduced solenoid concepts, for example with the WE6 (direct operated) and WEH (pilot operated) series.

Good to know: Pilot-operated directional on/off valves enable particularly high switching capacities with low energy input. A small pilot valve hydraulically actuates the main spool, allowing even large flow rates to be switched economically and energy-efficiently.

Can I also get a directional on/off valve at short notice?

Of course. Our global manufacturing network and preferred program for standard variants ensure short delivery times and planning reliability in operation.

The availability of machines and systems depends not only on the quality of the hydraulic valve, but often also on delivery time. Especially when replacements are needed, project changes arise at short notice or international machine projects are involved, standard components must arrive quickly at the place of use. Bosch Rexroth therefore relies on:

worldwide manufacturing and distribution with short delivery routes
standardized quality processes
preferred programs for frequently used variants
global availability

Good to know: Configurators for directional on/off valves and the Rexroth Store ensure faster processes in engineering, project planning and procurement. After simple selection, sizing and ordering, you receive the CAD data and detailed technical documentation directly.

Will I receive fast support for directional on/off valves during operation?

Certainly. Thanks to Bosch Rexroth’s worldwide sales and service network.

Even the most robust directional on/off valve will eventually fail – and then speed is often essential. With the Rexroth Quick Assembly Service for hydraulic components, you can get your system back up and running in the shortest possible time – even for parts that are not kept in stock. Depending on urgency, we support you with:

standard deliveries within five working days
express deliveries within 1–2 working days
emergency solutions within a few hours

This turns an individual directional on/off valve into a globally secured availability concept for reduced downtime, lower inventory levels and predictable costs.

Typical selection criteria for directional on/off valves

Selection criterion	Importance for the application
Nominal size (NG)	Determines possible flow rates
Operating pressure	Crucial for the force at the actuator
Switching frequency	Relevant for continuous operation and dynamics
Actuation	Direct or pilot-operated
Environment	Indoor area, outdoor area, Ex zone
Energy demand	Important in continuous operation
Availability	Relevant for service and spare parts strategy

From the WE6 valves proven millions of times to the NG32 valve with position monitoring: Rexroth’s broad portfolio of directional on/off valves reflects the requirements of modern industrial hydraulics: cost-effective operation with high reliability and fast worldwide service. Whichever valve type or variant you need: with Bosch Rexroth, you always choose the highest level of planning reliability, system availability and efficiency – in every application and at every location.