The main risks associated with using a poorly manufactured hydraulic block

The main risks of using a poorly designed manifold block can be: corrosion, insufficient resistance to temperature, leakage risks, poor integration or difficult assembly within the system, or even unsuitable dimensions.

For a manifold block to be reliable and efficient, it must meet its specific usage conditions and, of course, be machined in accordance with best practices. To ensure that the part meets the requirements, it is necessary to first clearly define the project’s technical specifications.

A hydraulic block suited to its application will not have the same technical characteristics when integrated into a compaction press system for the metal recycling industry as when used for mobile military equipment requiring lightness and specific properties. These characteristics also vary when used for lifting equipment on offshore platforms or when the block is intended to be part of a wind turbine.

At VMF, our hydraulic manifold blocks are custom-designed and machined to meet the constraints and objectives specific to each project. Our expertise and know-how are recognized in the European market. Our clients trust us to define their specifications and to machine manifold blocks with precision and rigor — essential factors for the success of their projects.

VMF’s teams work closely with their clients at the outset of every project to support and guide them in the design choices for their future precision hydraulic block. Our core business is creating custom-made mechanical parts (in the form of manifold blocks) to meet the needs of industrial companies for specific projects.

It is through an in-depth technical analysis during the conceptualization of hydraulic blocks that we define the key aspects of integrating manifold blocks into our clients’ hydraulic systems.

We carefully study the essential parameters for the proper integration of the manifold block within the complete hydraulic system. This includes adhering to the requirements and specifications for the hydraulic blocks’ resistance to pressure, extreme temperatures, corrosion, as well as meeting criteria for compactness and weight.

Following this initial comprehensive approach, the internal design must adhere to specific design criteria: diameters and gauges, threading, connections, fastenings, wall thickness, block material (steel, aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel), and surface treatment (zinc plating, phosphating, anodizing, chemical nickel plating).

Thanks to our constantly evolving CAD/CAM software (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing), specifically developed for and by VMF, we are able to ensure the reliability of every step in the block manufacturing process within our workshop.

Within our company, located in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region, west of the Lyon metropolitan area, we have been designing and manufacturing precision hydraulic manifold blocks for the industrial sector since 1986.

Our expertise is recognized and appreciated by our clients. We take pride in maintaining relationships of trust and precision with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Bosch, Parker, Siempelkamp, and General Electric.

Our teams regularly contribute to large-scale and demanding industrial projects, both in design and machining, such as the Las Vegas High Roller Ferris wheel and the Chernobyl confinement arch project entrusted to Novarka.

The VMF teams work daily with specialized and tailored tools, mastering the operation of the 19 machines and machining centers in our production workshop. This allows us to machine over 20,000 blocks per year.

We are able to offer a wide range of materials and surface treatments tailored to our clients’ needs, whether for single-unit hydraulic blocks or small and medium production runs. Our teams can manufacture parts ranging from the size of a matchbox to blocks measuring over 2 meters and weighing up to 10 tons.

Quality is a key priority in the manufacturing sector. As professionals and experts in hydraulic manifold blocks, quality control is a crucial step in our production process.

VMF has been ISO 9001 certified since 2002. We have implemented a rigorous six-step verification procedure for all our hydraulic blocks:

• Verification of the absence of internal burrs,
• Visual inspection of drillings and internal connections,
• Measurement and control of cavity diameter tolerances,
• Measurement and control of cavity depth tolerances,
• Sampling tapping control,
• Surface condition checks to ensure the block’s sealing integrity.

These various control steps (dimensional inspection, ultrasound, or endoscopy) are carried out by our qualified teams in a dedicated space within our facilities.

For VMF, the manufacturing of hydraulic manifolds is rooted in a relationship of trust and guidance with our clients. We are committed to supporting them in their projects to design and produce hydraulic manifold blocks that truly meet their needs. Our goal is to do everything possible to fulfill the most specific industrial requirements.

We also maintain inventories of parts, enabling us to respond quickly to requests. Additionally, we can restart production of manifolds previously manufactured by our teams on very short notice or take over a project, making modifications if necessary.

Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer of hydraulic manifold blocks capable of meeting specific needs? Would you like to learn more about VMF and our solutions for the industry? Don’t hesitate to contact us ! We are here to assist you.