Meter-in valves restricts oil flow going to the actuator. Which option correctly describes this function?

• A. Meter-in restricts flow going to the actuator
• B. Meter-in restricts flow going out from the actuator
• C. Meter-out restricts flow going to the actuator
• D. Meter-out restricts flow going out from the actuator

Answer: (A)

Metering flow into the actuator controls how fast the actuator moves. A meter-in valve sits in the supply line to the actuator and throttles the oil entering it, so the flow rate into the actuator is reduced. Since the actuator’s speed is largely determined by how much fluid is supplied, restricting inlet flow slows the movement.

In contrast, restricting flow as the fluid leaves the actuator (meter-out) changes the backflow and pressure characteristics rather than the immediate inlet flow, and that setup is used for different control needs, such as delaying retraction or maintaining hold pressure. So describing meter-in as restricting flow going to the actuator is the correct understanding.