Manifolds

Applications and Industries That Utilize Manifolds

Manifolds are most commonly used in applications that require force created by the movement of fluids. In hydraulics and pneumatics, manifolds are used to mount valves and serve as an interface between the valves and ports that require plumbing.

Hydraulic systems typically use a block manifold or a series of block manifolds to mount valves that cannot be plumbed directly into the hydraulic system. Once mounted, the manifold allows fluid to travel through ports that connect the manifold to the rest of the system.

Similar in function to hydraulic system manifolds, manifolds in pneumatic systems mount directional valves, which connect to ports and return ports that exhaust material into the air.

Here are the common applications of manifolds:

• A series of blocks to create a parallel pressure passage for industrial hydraulic valves and ports
• A chamber with multiple ports joined to reduce plumbing
• Divert a single channel into multiple junctions
• Control flow to a certain production line
• Guide gas or oil to tanks for measurement or storage

Benefits and Manufacturing Considerations

Since they can be customized with special capabilities and manufactured with precise tolerances, manifolds offer many benefits for their specific applications. The primary advantages include:

• Efficiency: Manifolds have a short transportation system, reducing the overall size of the system and taking up less space in your facility. This also allows materials to be transported quickly, shortening cycle times. Manifold systems decrease the amount of liquid carry-over volume.
• Cost-effectiveness: Manifolds dramatically reduce the need for maintenance and repairs, which reduces overall production costs. If service is needed, manifolds are designed to offer easy access for repairs. Producing manifolds through a contract manufacturer reduces costs for the OEM, and easy assembly and installation saves time and money.
• Reliability: Manifolds are simple systems with few components, allowing them to perform predictably and consistently. This eliminates the performance variability that often occurs in other processes.
• Safety: Manifolds contain potentially hazardous materials within the system and reduce the number of leak points, preventing cross-contamination and creating a safer work environment.