W70 Series ANSI Valves – Installation & Operating Instructions

Overview

The ROSS Controls® W70 Series is a premium-quality stainless-steel spool-and-sleeve pneumatic valve built to ANSI interface standards. Designed for base mounting, the W70 Series delivers high-flow directional control across ANSI Size 1, 2.5, 4, 10, and 20 configurations. As a product of ROSS Controls – founded in 1921 with over 100 years of fluid power innovation – the W70 Series combines stainless steel precision with cast aluminum body strength for long-term reliability in demanding industrial environments.

The W70 Series is characterized as a multipurpose valve: any of its ports may be restricted and/or pressurized provided there is sufficient pilot pressure, enabling flexible integration into a wide range of pneumatic circuit configurations. Both solenoid pilot and remote pressure pilot variants are available, and the valve supports internal or external pilot supply selection automatically.

W70 Series valves are used across automotive, aerospace, general manufacturing, and process industries. ROSS Controls provides full service kit support, authorized distributor networks, and technical engineering assistance. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

Stainless Steel Spool for Corrosion Resistance

The W70 Series features a stainless steel spool within a cast aluminum valve body, providing superior resistance to corrosion and wear compared to standard aluminum spools. This construction is particularly advantageous in environments with moisture, mild chemical exposure, or high cycle rates where wear resistance is critical. The matched spool-and-sleeve design ensures tight tolerances and consistent performance over extended service life.

ANSI Interface Across Five Sizes

Available in ANSI Sizes 1, 2.5, 4, 10, and 20, the W70 Series covers a broad flow range to suit compact automation cells to high-volume process applications. The ANSI interface enables interchangeability with other ANSI-compatible valves and bases, and the electrical connection at the base-to-valve interface via mating connectors simplifies solenoid replacement.

Multipurpose Port Configuration

The W70 Series supports conventional 5-port directional control (Ports 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and can be configured for 3-way operation by plugging an outlet port. Exhaust ports 3 and 5 may be restricted to control cylinder speed. This multipurpose capability reduces the number of valve models required in complex multi-circuit systems.

Vacuum and Non-Air Service Capability

The W70 Series supports vacuum applications when equipped with an external pilot supply. For vacuum or non-air service, the external pilot supply is connected to the appropriate base port. This flexibility makes W70 Series valves suitable for vacuum grippers, material handling robots, and other applications requiring sub-atmospheric pressure control.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications are from the official ROSS Controls W70 Series ANSI Valves Installation Instructions (Doc ID 48):

Construction Design: Spool and sleeve
Mounting Type: Base (ANSI interface)
Valve Body Material: Cast aluminum
Spool Material: Stainless steel
Seal Material: Buna-N
Flow Media: Filtered air
Pressure Controlled – Ambient/Media Temperature: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Pressure Controlled – Operating Pressure: Vacuum to 150 psig (10 bar)
ANSI Size 1 & 20 External Pilot Supply: Minimum 30 psig (2 bar)
ISO Size 2.5, 4 & 10 External Pilot Supply: Minimum 15 psig (1 bar)
Pilot supply pressure must be equal to or greater than inlet pressure
Solenoid Pilot – ANSI Size 1: 10 VA inrush, 24 VA holding on 50 or 60 Hz; 5 watts on DC
Solenoid Pilot – ANSI Size 2.5, 4, 10 & 20: 87 VA inrush, 55 VA holding on 50 or 60 Hz; 14 watts on DC
Available solenoid voltages: 24 volts DC; rated for continuous duty

Applications

Automotive and Heavy Manufacturing

W70 Series ANSI valves are widely used in automotive assembly lines and heavy manufacturing equipment where ANSI-interface pneumatic systems are standard. The stainless steel spool provides reliable performance in environments with cutting fluids, coolant mist, and other mild corrosives common in machining and metalworking applications.

Vacuum Handling and Robotics

The W70 Series vacuum capability (pressure range: vacuum to 150 psig) makes it ideal for robotic end-of-arm tooling, vacuum cup grippers, and material handling systems. With external pilot supply connected, the valve reliably controls vacuum circuits in pick-and-place, palletizing, and assembly automation.

Safety and Compliance Standards

W70 Series valves meet ANSI interface dimensional standards. Installation and maintenance must be performed only by persons trained in pneumatic equipment. Before service, disconnect electrical supply, shut off air supply, and exhaust all system pressure. A 5-micron rated air filter is strongly recommended in the inlet line.

Electrical supply voltage and frequency must match the solenoid ratings. Solenoid power from the valve base reaches the solenoid via plug-in connectors at the valve-base interface. Transformer power supplies must handle inrush current without significant voltage drop.

Installation and Setup Guide

Base and Valve Assembly

W70 Series valves mount on ANSI-compliant bases, sold separately. Ensure the base is correctly mounted and all base ports are identified before connecting piping. The electrical connection for solenoid models is made at the base-to-valve interface via mating connectors – verify correct voltage matching before energizing.

Pilot Supply Selection

For solenoid-controlled models: pressure for pilot valves is supplied from the inlet port internally. Plug the external pilot supply port in the base if using internal pilot. For external pilot (required when inlet pressure is below minimum pilot pressure, or for vacuum/non-air service), connect the external supply to the appropriate base port.

Spool and Sleeve Reassembly

Apply one drop of Anderol 735 (or equivalent) on each spool land. Insert spool into sleeve and rotate several times for even lubrication distribution. For non-lubricated applications, dry assembly is preferred. Each spool-sleeve pair is a matched set – do not reverse the spool. Before inserting into the valve body, lightly lubricate O-rings with a compatible lubricant. Do not use Anderol on O-rings.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls brings over 100 years of fluid power engineering to every product in its portfolio. The W70 Series exemplifies this heritage with its stainless steel construction, broad size range, and comprehensive ANSI-interface compatibility. ROSS service kits ensure cost-effective maintenance throughout the product lifecycle.

Reach ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com for ordering, technical support, and distributor locations.

Download This Document

The official ROSS Controls W70 Series ANSI Valves Installation Instructions (Doc ID 48) are available for download from the ROSS Controls document library.

PDF Download URL: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/48/ROSS_W70_Series_ANSI_Valves_Installation_Instructions.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What ANSI sizes are available for the W70 Series?

A: W70 Series valves are available in ANSI Sizes 1, 2.5, 4, 10, and 20. The size selection depends on the required flow rate and pressure for the application.

Q: What is the operating pressure range for W70 Series pressure-controlled models?

A: Pressure-controlled W70 Series valves operate from vacuum to 150 psig (10 bar). The temperature range is 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C). For ranges outside these limits, consult ROSS Controls.

Q: How does the W70 Series handle vacuum applications?

A: For vacuum or non-air service, an external pilot supply is required for solenoid valves. Connect the external pilot supply to the appropriate port in the base. The operating pressure range of vacuum to 150 psig supports vacuum gripping and similar applications.

Q: What is the solenoid power consumption for W70 ANSI Size 1?

A: ANSI Size 1 solenoid models consume 10 VA inrush and 24 VA holding on 50 or 60 Hz AC, and 5 watts on DC. Size 2.5, 4, 10, and 20 models consume 87 VA inrush, 55 VA holding on AC, and 14 watts on DC.

Q: Where is the electrical connection on the W70 Series?

A: The electrical connection for W70 Series solenoid pilot models is made at the base-to-valve interface via mating connectors. This design allows solenoid replacement or valve removal without disturbing the main electrical wiring.

Q: Can the W70 Series be used as a 3-way valve?

A: Yes. The W70 Series can be configured for single-outlet (3-way) operation by plugging one outlet port. The valve also supports multiple port restriction and pressurization configurations, provided sufficient pilot pressure is maintained.

Q: What maintenance is needed for the W70 Series spool-and-sleeve assembly?

A: After long usage, the spool and sleeve may show signs of wear. In many cases servicing does not require removal from the installation. Turn off electrical power, shut off air supply, exhaust the system, then disassemble as needed using ROSS service kits. Lubricate the reassembled spool with Anderol 735 and O-rings with compatible lubricant (not Anderol).

Q: What external pilot pressure is required for W70 ANSI Size 1?

A: ANSI Size 1 and Size 20 models require a minimum external pilot supply of 30 psig (2 bar). Sizes 2.5, 4, and 10 require a minimum of 15 psig (1 bar). Pilot supply pressure must always be equal to or greater than inlet pressure.

Q: What materials are the W70 Series valve body and spool made from?

A: The valve body is cast aluminum and the spool is stainless steel. The seals are Buna-N. This combination provides corrosion resistance and long service life in industrial environments.

Q: How do I contact ROSS for W70 Series support?

A: Contact ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com to find authorized distributors, download technical documentation, and access service kit ordering.