When you need precise flow control in compact hydraulic systems, the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 offers a reliable solution. This pilot-operated check valve from Bosch Rexroth provides leak-free blocking in a space-saving sandwich plate design. The Z2S 10 serves smaller to medium-sized hydraulic applications where maintaining position and preventing reverse flow are critical.
The Z2S 10 uses the same fundamental design principles as larger models in the Z2S series, but its size 10 designation means it fits CETOP 05 mounting patterns rather than the larger CETOP 07 interfaces. This smaller footprint makes the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 ideal for mobile equipment, compact industrial machinery, and applications where space comes at a premium.
Core Design Features
The Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 operates through a spring-loaded poppet mechanism combined with pilot control. Hydraulic fluid flows freely from port A1 to A2 or B1 to B2 when pressure pushes in the forward direction. The valve element lifts off its seat, allowing oil to pass with minimal resistance. When flow tries to reverse, the spring and reverse pressure force the poppet firmly against its seat, creating a metal-to-metal seal that prevents any leakage.
What distinguishes the Z2S 10 from simple check valves is its pilot operation capability. Applying pressure to pilot port X or Y hydraulically opens the valve against the blocking direction. This feature allows controlled lowering of loads or deliberate reverse flow when your system design requires it. Without pilot pressure, the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 maintains its blocking function indefinitely without any drift or leakage.
The sandwich plate configuration of the Z2S 10 measures approximately 162mm in length and 57mm in height. The valve adds roughly 25mm to your stack thickness when installed between other hydraulic components. Four M8 bolts secure the main mounting points, while two M5 bolts handle auxiliary connections. Total weight runs about 2.8 to 3.2 kilograms depending on the specific variant and options.
Bosch Rexroth manufactures the Z2S 10 valve body from high-grade cast iron or steel with corrosion-resistant surface treatment. The standard version uses NBR seals suited for mineral-based hydraulic oils. When your application requires phosphate ester fluids or other synthetic hydraulics, you can specify FKM seals by adding the "V" designation to your part number.
Technical Specifications
The Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 handles maximum working pressure up to 315 bar, identical to its larger Z2S 16 counterpart. This 31.5 megapascal rating means the Z2S 10 works reliably even in high-pressure hydraulic circuits. The maximum flow capacity reaches 80 liters per minute in the free-flow direction, which suits most small to medium actuators and hydraulic motors.
Cracking pressure options for the Z2S 10 include 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 bar settings. This cracking pressure determines how much reverse pressure builds up before the valve seats completely. Lower cracking pressures provide tighter control with less pressure accumulation, while higher settings tolerate more back pressure before blocking. Your selection depends on whether your application needs immediate shutoff or can accommodate some pressure rise during closing.
The operating temperature range spans -30°C to +80°C with standard NBR seals. FKM seal variants operate from -20°C to +80°C. These temperature limits cover most industrial and mobile equipment operating environments. Your hydraulic fluid should maintain viscosity between 2.8 and 500 square millimeters per second for proper Z2S 10 operation.
Fluid cleanliness significantly affects Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 reliability. Bosch Rexroth specifies NAS 1638 Class 9 or ISO 4406 20/18/15 as minimum cleanliness standards. Contaminated oil carries particles that can embed in the sealing surfaces, causing leakage or preventing proper valve closing. Installing adequate filtration upstream of the Z2S 10 protects your investment and ensures consistent performance.
The pilot area ratios in the Z2S 10 design follow similar proportions to other Z2S series valves. The ratio between pilot area and blocking area creates mechanical advantage so that relatively low pilot pressure can open the valve against high system pressure. This design means you don't need separate high-pressure pilot supplies to operate the Z2S 10 effectively.
Common Applications
Mobile hydraulic equipment frequently incorporates the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10. Compact excavators, skid steer loaders, and agricultural machinery benefit from the valve's small size and reliable blocking function. When a loader bucket holds material overhead, the Z2S 10 prevents cylinder drift even if hydraulic hoses fail or the operator inadvertently moves control levers to neutral positions.
Industrial press equipment uses the Z2S 10 to maintain ram position during forming operations. Metal stamping presses, brake presses, and compression molding machines need cylinders that hold exact positions while forming forces apply. The zero-leakage characteristic of the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 ensures dimensional accuracy in finished parts by eliminating any cylinder movement during the pressing cycle.
Woodworking machinery incorporates the Z2S 10 for clamp and hold-down circuits. CNC routers, edge banders, and panel saws use hydraulic clamps to secure workpieces during cutting operations. The sandwich plate format allows machine builders to create compact valve manifolds that integrate multiple clamping circuits in limited space beneath work tables.
Lift tables and scissor lifts rely on the Z2S 10 for load holding safety. When a lift platform supports workers or materials at elevated positions, the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 provides redundant safety by blocking cylinder ports independently of the main directional valve. Even if control valves fail or hydraulic lines rupture, the Z2S 10 prevents uncontrolled descent.
Plastic injection molding machines in the smaller tonnage range use the Z2S 10 for mold clamping circuits. The valve maintains precise clamp force throughout the injection and cooling cycle. The sandwich plate mounting simplifies manifold design because engineers can stack multiple valve functions vertically rather than arranging them in larger horizontal patterns.
Purchasing and Pricing
Genuine Bosch Rexroth Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 units typically cost between 180 and 280 US dollars through authorized distributors. Official Rexroth channels provide complete technical documentation, warranty coverage, and access to application engineering support. Delivery times usually run one to two weeks for standard configurations held in distributor stock.
Specialized hydraulic suppliers like Airline Hydraulics and [BuyRexroth.com](http://buyrexroth.com/) maintain inventory specifically for the North American market. These distributors often ship within three to seven days and can provide package deals when you're ordering multiple valves or complete hydraulic systems. Their pricing generally falls in the 170 to 260 dollar range depending on quantity and configuration.
European buyers can access the Z2S 10 through local Bosch Rexroth service centers and authorized distributors across Germany, France, Italy, and other markets. Pricing in European markets runs approximately 160 to 250 euros, with similar lead times to North American sources.
Alternative manufacturers produce compatible versions of the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10. Chinese manufacturer Huade Hydraulic makes the HD Z2S 10 series that maintains the same CETOP 05 mounting pattern and similar specifications. These alternatives typically cost 25 to 35 percent less than genuine Rexroth products, with pricing around 120 to 200 dollars. The tradeoff involves reduced technical documentation and less comprehensive warranty support.
When ordering the Z2S 10, verify the complete part number including series designation, cracking pressure code, and seal material specification. A complete part number might look like Z2S10-1-5X for a 3 bar cracking pressure valve with NBR seals in the current 5X series. Adding "/V" specifies FKM seals, while the blocking configuration (A, B, or AB) appears earlier in the part number sequence.
Installation Guidelines
Installing a Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 requires careful attention to mounting surface preparation. The mating surface must achieve Ra 0.8 maximum roughness and maintain flatness within 0.01mm per 100mm of surface length. These specifications aren't optional recommendations. Rough or warped mounting surfaces will cause O-ring leakage that compromises the entire purpose of using a zero-leakage check valve.
The Z2S 10 uses specific O-ring sizes that differ from larger Z2S models. Main ports A, B, P, and T require O-rings measuring 16mm outer diameter with 2mm cross-section. Pilot ports X and Y use smaller 8mm by 1.5mm O-rings. Before installation, confirm you have the correct O-ring kit because using wrong sizes guarantees leakage and potential contamination problems.
Torque specifications matter significantly with sandwich plate installations. Tighten the four M8 mounting bolts to 41 Newton-meters in a diagonal cross pattern. The two M5 auxiliary bolts require 8.8 Newton-meters of torque. Under-torquing allows leaks and potential valve shifting, while over-torquing can warp the aluminum or cast iron valve body. Always use a calibrated torque wrench rather than impact wrenches or estimating by feel.
Position the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 so that locating dowel pins align precisely with holes in your mounting manifold or subplate. These dowel pins prevent lateral movement that could shear O-rings during pressure cycles. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly before assembly to remove any metal chips, dirt, or old seal material that could compromise sealing.
After securing all bolts, fill your hydraulic system with clean fluid and cycle the actuators several times before applying full working loads. This break-in procedure purges trapped air and verifies that the Z2S 10 operates correctly. Monitor for any external leakage around the O-ring seals during initial operation. Small leaks that appear during first pressurization often indicate improper bolt torque or surface contamination.
System Integration Considerations
The Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 typically installs between a directional control valve and the hydraulic actuator it controls. This placement allows the Z2S 10 to block actuator ports when the directional valve moves to neutral position. The pilot ports connect to the directional valve's work ports so that any intentional flow through the directional valve also opens the Z2S 10 in the appropriate direction.
When integrating the Z2S 10 into vertical cylinder applications like lift tables or press rams, pay attention to pilot port plumbing. The pilot pressure must overcome both the cracking pressure spring and any system pressure trying to force the valve closed. Insufficient pilot pressure will prevent the valve from opening, leaving your actuator locked in position even when you command movement.
Tank port connections require special attention with the Z2S 10. The Y pilot port typically connects to tank either directly or through the directional valve's tank port. This connection must reach true atmospheric pressure for the valve to close reliably. Any back pressure in the tank line can prevent complete valve closing, resulting in unwanted actuator drift.
Consider pressure drop through the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 when sizing your hydraulic system. A properly functioning Z2S 10 shows less than 3 bar pressure loss at maximum rated flow in the free-flow direction. This pressure drop reduces available force at your actuator and generates heat in your hydraulic oil. Oversizing the Z2S 10 for your flow requirements minimizes pressure drop and improves system efficiency.
Multiple Z2S 10 valves can stack together in sandwich plate configurations to control multiple actuators from a compact manifold. This modular approach simplifies plumbing and reduces the number of separate valve mounting locations needed. However, each additional valve layer adds to stack height and increases the number of O-ring seals that require proper installation.
Maintenance Requirements
The Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 needs relatively minimal maintenance when operating within design specifications. Schedule inspections every six to twelve months depending on your duty cycle and operating environment. During inspections, check for any external oil seepage around the O-ring seals and verify that actuators hold position properly when directional valves center.
Test pilot operation by commanding slow actuator movement and confirming smooth, consistent motion. Jerky or hesitant movement may indicate the Z2S 10 isn't opening fully due to contamination or insufficient pilot pressure. Measure pilot pressure at the X and Y ports under operating conditions to verify it exceeds the cracking pressure specification plus any friction in the pilot circuit.
Replace O-ring seals every two to five years as preventive maintenance regardless of whether you observe leakage. NBR and FKM seal materials gradually harden from thermal cycling and chemical exposure over time. Hardened seals lose their ability to conform to minor surface irregularities, eventually allowing leakage. When replacing seals, inspect the valve poppet and seat surfaces for scoring, erosion, or embedded contamination.
Monitor pressure drop across the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 during regular operation. Increasing pressure drop over time indicates contamination buildup in the internal passages or partial obstruction of the poppet element. Don't ignore gradually rising pressure drops because they signal developing problems that will eventually cause complete valve failure.
If the Z2S 10 fails to release when pilot pressure applies, first verify adequate pilot pressure at the valve inlet. Blocked or restricted pilot passages often cause release failures. Check that tank connections actually reach atmospheric pressure without restrictions. If these circuits check properly but the valve still won't release, internal contamination has likely jammed the poppet mechanism.
Complete valve failure where back leakage occurs means the poppet or seat has sustained damage. Metal particles from elsewhere in your system can embed in the sealing surfaces, preventing tight closure. At this point, replace the entire Z2S 10 valve rather than attempting field repairs. The precision machining required for proper sealing surfaces makes field repair impractical.
Comparing Size 10 Alternatives
Parker Hannifin manufactures pilot-operated check valves in similar size ranges to the Z2S 10. Parker's CETOP 05 sandwich valves offer comparable specifications with slightly different internal designs. Their pricing typically matches Bosch Rexroth levels, so your choice depends more on existing system components and distributor relationships than cost considerations.
HYDAC produces sandwich plate check valves that mount on ISO 4401-05 patterns matching the Z2S 10 footprint. HYDAC emphasizes corrosion resistance and offers variants with pre-opening features that reduce hydraulic shock during valve transitions. Their pricing runs about 10 to 15 percent higher than the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10, but applications sensitive to pressure spikes may justify the premium.
The Huade HD Z2S 10 represents a direct replacement option manufactured in China. Huade maintains identical mounting dimensions, port patterns, and pressure ratings while selling at significantly lower prices. Many users successfully deploy Huade valves in cost-sensitive applications where downtime carries manageable consequences. However, critical safety systems benefit from Bosch Rexroth's established quality track record and comprehensive technical support.
Eaton Vickers produces pilot check valves optimized for higher flow rates. If your application pushes the 80 liter per minute limit of the Z2S 10, consider Vickers alternatives that may offer better flow characteristics. Their mounting patterns use similar but not identical dimensions, so verify compatibility before ordering.
Sun Hydraulics manufactures cartridge-style pilot-operated check valves that offer an alternative to sandwich plate designs. While not direct replacements for the Z2S 10, Sun cartridges can achieve similar functions with different manifold designs. This option makes sense primarily for new system designs rather than retrofit applications.
Series Variations and Part Numbers
Bosch Rexroth produces the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 in several series designations. The 5X series represents current production with NBR seals for mineral oil applications. Earlier series like 50 and 60 still appear in legacy systems, but new installations should specify 5X components for best parts availability going forward.
Adding "V" to the part number specifies FKM seals instead of standard NBR. For example, Z2S10-1-5X uses mineral oil seals while Z2S10-1-5X/V employs FKM seals rated for phosphate ester or synthetic fluids. This distinction matters in applications like fire-resistant hydraulics or systems using environmentally friendly biodegradable oils.
The blocking configuration appears in the part number as a letter code. "A" indicates blocking only on port A, "B" blocks only port B, and "AB" blocks both ports. Most applications use the AB configuration because it provides maximum flexibility for various circuit designs. Single-port blocking serves specialized purposes where you need holding on only one side of an actuator.
Cracking pressure appears as a numeric code: "1" specifies 3 bar, "2" indicates 5 bar, "3" means 7.5 bar, and "4" designates 10 bar cracking pressure. Lower cracking pressures provide tighter control but may allow more back pressure before seating. Higher cracking pressures tolerate system pressure fluctuations better but require more pilot pressure to open.
Complete part numbers like R900409844 or R900481624 identify specific Z2S 10 configurations in Bosch Rexroth's ordering system. Always use these complete part numbers when ordering replacements to ensure you receive exactly the right valve specification for your application. Generic descriptions or incomplete part numbers can result in receiving incorrect configurations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 fails to hold load and allows actuator drift, several causes deserve investigation. First, verify that pilot ports aren't receiving unintended pressure that opens the valve. Cross-connected pilot lines or leaking directional valves can apply enough pressure to crack open the Z2S 10 even when you expect it to block.
Check for contamination in the hydraulic fluid by taking an oil sample and analyzing it for particle count. Even fine particles invisible to naked eye inspection can prevent proper sealing. If contamination levels exceed ISO 4406 20/18/15 specifications, clean or replace system filters and consider adding finer filtration upstream of the Z2S 10.
Examine external leakage patterns carefully. Leaks around the O-ring grooves indicate either damaged seals, improper bolt torque, or warped mounting surfaces. Oil seepage from the valve body itself suggests internal damage requiring complete valve replacement. Never attempt to repair internal components in the field because the precision required exceeds typical workshop capabilities.
If the Z2S 10 won't release when you apply pilot pressure, measure actual pressure at pilot ports X and Y during operation. You need pressure exceeding the cracking pressure specification plus any friction in pilot passages. Insufficient pilot pressure is the most common cause of release failures. Check for blocked pilot lines, undersized pilot passages, or inadequate pressure from your directional valve.
Unusual noise from the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 during operation usually indicates cavitation or air entrainment. Verify that your tank connections maintain proper oil levels and that suction lines don't introduce air. Cavitation damage can rapidly destroy the valve seat and poppet surfaces, requiring complete replacement.
Future Developments
Hydraulic system design continues moving toward greater monitoring and diagnostic capability. While the basic Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 remains a purely mechanical component, modern systems increasingly integrate pressure sensors and position transducers into valve manifolds. These sensors provide real-time feedback about valve operation and system health without requiring modifications to the Z2S 10 itself.
The shift toward electro-hydraulic systems creates new applications for pilot-operated check valves. Electric actuators handle precise positioning while hydraulic circuits provide high force backup, and the Z2S 10 secures hydraulic positions during power interruptions. This complementary relationship expands the use cases for compact check valves in hybrid power systems.
Environmental regulations drive changes in hydraulic fluid formulations. Biodegradable oils and low-toxicity alternatives gain market share, particularly in mobile equipment and environmentally sensitive locations. Future Z2S 10 specifications may include seal materials specifically optimized for these new fluid types beyond current NBR and FKM options.
Miniaturization continues in mobile hydraulics as equipment manufacturers seek weight reduction and improved efficiency. The Z2S 10 already serves compact applications well, but even smaller variants may emerge for micro-hydraulic systems in robotics and precision manufacturing equipment.
Making Your Selection
Choosing the Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 starts with calculating your maximum flow requirements. If your actuators need more than 80 liters per minute, the larger Z2S 16 or Z2S 22 models better suit your application. For flows below 80 liters per minute, the Z2S 10 provides optimal performance in a compact package.
Determine your maximum operating pressure next. The 315 bar rating of the Z2S 10 handles most industrial and mobile equipment applications. If your system operates below 150 bar, you're well within the valve's capability. Systems approaching or exceeding 250 bar require careful attention to all system components including proper filtration and seal maintenance.
Consider your mounting space constraints carefully. The Z2S 10 sandwich plate adds 25mm to stack height, and the overall envelope measures 162mm by 57mm. Verify that your manifold or valve mounting area accommodates these dimensions with adequate clearance for hydraulic connections and maintenance access.
Fluid compatibility determines seal material selection. Standard NBR seals work reliably with petroleum-based hydraulic oils that constitute the majority of industrial and mobile applications. Phosphate ester fluids, synthetic hydraulics, or biodegradable oils require FKM seals specified by adding the V designation to your part number.
Budget considerations influence whether you select genuine Bosch Rexroth components or compatible alternatives. Critical safety applications where valve failure could cause injury or significant property damage justify the premium for original equipment. Less demanding applications might accept cost-optimized alternatives from manufacturers like Huade without compromising acceptable reliability.
The Check Valve Sandwich Plate Z2S 10 delivers proven performance in compact hydraulic applications. Its combination of reliable blocking, pilot-operated release, and space-saving sandwich plate format makes it suitable for mobile equipment, industrial machinery, and specialized manufacturing systems. Understanding the specifications, installation requirements, and maintenance needs helps you deploy this valve effectively in your hydraulic circuits.
