2 questions “Funnel the Spec” to one product type.

Start at the top, follow the path down, end on the recommendation. Designed for distributors to send a customer ahead of a quote call.

Question 1

What is the fitting doing at the actuator?

Regulate flow · how fast does the actuator move

Question 2a

At a cylinder port, or in a general line?

If At a cylinder port · setting cylinder speed

Recommend

Speed Controller

Two per double-acting cylinder, meter-out, threaded directly into the cylinder port. Throttle the exhaust for smooth load-stable motion. Meter-in only for single-acting (spring-return). Never throttle with the regulator — that cuts force, not speed.

If In a line · balancing branches, throttling pilots, trimming sub-circuits

Recommend

Flow Control Valve

Bi-directional needle valve, no integral check. Right tool for line balancing and pilot timing — wrong tool for cylinder speed (that doubles cycle time and creates lurching motion). About 1/3 of "flow control" requests are actually speed-controller requests.

Hold a load · trap air, prevent backflow inside the machine