A hydraulic manifold is a block with the circuit drilled inside it, so the part is only as good as the position of the passages and the quality of the port threads. Balford machines manifolds, subplates and valve blocks from aluminium, steel and stainless.
What we machine
Manifold work is multi-face machining with a strict sequence.
- Hydraulic manifolds and integrated valve blocks
- Manifold subplates and mounting plates
- Cross drilled blocks with cartridge and DIN cavity ports
- Single and multi-station blocks with carry-over passages
Process
The sequence matters, because a passage drilled in the wrong order leaves a burr you cannot remove.
- Face milling and squaring of the block, then cross drilling from the datum faces
- Cartridge, DIN and SAE cavity machining and thread milling on all ports
- Deburring of every intersection, with a flexible hone or thermal method on internal passages
- Cleaning to the specified cleanliness level before plugs and fittings go in
What decides function
A manifold fails either by leaking at a port or by passing fluid where it should not.
- Passage position and depth against the drawing datum
- Port thread form, gauge depth and flatness of the sealed face
- Leak testing at the working pressure when the customer requires it
- Surface finish on O-ring and bonded seal faces
Send a manifold drawing for review →
Related: Valve bodies · Tube bending service · DFM review · Contact