Hydraulic Manifold

The hydraulic block manifold went through two redesign iterations. Each iteration reduced the mass and increased the performance of the component.
The hydraulic block manifold went through two redesign iterations. Each iteration reduced the mass and increased the performance of the component.

Direct benefits to customer:

  • Mass reduction of 79%
  • Single piece construction, fewer opportunities for defects
  • Rapid design and development iterations
  • Compatibility with existing design
  • Improved flow efficiency of up to 60%

Improved flow efficiency of up to 60%

Traditionally, hydraulic block manifolds are manufactured from an aluminium alloy or stainless steel billet which has been cut and machined to size, followed by drilling to create the flow pathways. Specialised tooling is often needed due to the complex drilling that is required. Passages require blanking plugs to properly direct flow through the system.

The nature of the manufacturing process results in abrupt angled junctions between flow paths which can cause flow separation and/or stagnation – a major contributor to efficiency loss.

Additive manufacturing allows a higher level of design freedom, so the component geometry could be adapted for AM to reduce material mass and improved functionality, within the same space.

Extracted flow path
Extracted flow path
CFD analysis sample
CFD analysis sample
Flow path section generated after CFD analysis
Flow path section generated after CFD analysis
Warehouse - Righton Blackburns

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Righton Blackburns Powder Metals

Building 38,
Second Avenue,
The Pensnett Estate,
Kingswinford,
West Midlands, DY6 7UN
+44 (0)1384 276 400
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