The trend in today's mobile hydraulic systems is toward higher working pressures -- perhaps as much as 6,000 psi or more. More pressure means more efficiency for the user of a hydraulic system, but more problems for the system's manufacturer who typically uses aluminum for system components like seals, valves, and manifolds. But aluminum usually isn't up to the challenges posed by higher operating pressures.
Additionally, as hydraulic systems become more complex, manifolds have progressed from simple blocks with 5-6 ports to more intricate components with the ability to accommodate a dozen or more connections. And with each connection that is required at a manifold, the advantages of Dura-Bar increase.
First, Dura-Bar's greater fatigue strength compared to aluminum allows holes to be drilled closer to each other without fear of cracks or other failure in the field. So using Dura-Bar can make for a smaller, more versatile manifold.
Also, Dura-Bar's superior machinability comes into play by facilitating drilling and reducing the overall cost to produce a manifold. Aluminum and steel require a high degree of deburring to reduce the potential for poor connections and leaks. Dura-Bar requires much less deburring, which saves money with each hole that must be drilled in the block.
Diesel Progress magazine interviewed Dura-Bar and HydraForce recently about the benefits of using Dura-Bar over aluminum for high pressure hydraulic valve manifolds.
Click here to view the .pdf of the article published in Diesel Progress September 2008.
