The manufacturing industry is one of the most machine-intensive industries in the world and uses a number of technologies to create tools and equipment for different purposes. Among these technologies, hydraulics stand out for the help and ease they provide in heavy-duty tasks. But the question arises, what exactly are hydraulics?

Simply put, hydraulics is a type of technology that operates through the force of liquid pressure. They are used in equipment such as cranes, forklifts, jacks etc. As useful as they are, the science behind hydraulics is just as interesting. So, let’s delve into how they work and what role they play in equipment manufacturing. 

What is an OEM Manufacturer?

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a company that makes a product for another company which will then sell it under their own name. When it comes to hydraulics, the OEMs rely on the manufacturers of hydraulic systems to purchase the essential components required for their machinery.

Choosing the right components for a hydraulic system used in a specific piece of equipment or machine is a process that requires careful consideration. Manufacturers have to keep in mind factors like operating pressure, flow rates, environmental conditions etc. Only by doing so, will they be able to source the best components for their equipment. 

**NOTE: We supply hydraulic components for many different OEM’s and are happy to offer volume discounts! Please contact us for a customized quote.

The Importance of Using High Quality Hydraulics

Hydraulics play a crucial role in equipment manufacturing, and it is safe to say that compromising on the quality of this game-changing technology is not a good idea. Hydraulic systems usually operate under extremely demanding conditions like high pressure and harsh environments. This is why it is recommended to use good quality components when building hydraulic systems as they can guarantee top-notch performance. 

In many industries and applications, component failures can pose high safety risks. Hence, using robust and reliable components in these systems can reduce the risk of accidents and also ensure the long-term durability of the equipment. 

Apart from that, in many manufacturing processes, there is a need for very precise control over force, speed, positioning etc. Good quality hydraulic systems can provide the required level of accuracy that these daunting processes demand. 

How Hydraulics Work

Hydraulics work on Pascal’s law which states ‘the pressure in a fluid at rest is transmitted uniformly in all directions”. Utilizing this principle, hydraulics transfer liquid pressure through a system of pipes, hoses and valves. This generates a significant power responsible for performing various tasks like a crane lifting some building materials or an airplane taking off. 

Now let’s look at the components inside a hydraulic system that are responsible for its functioning:

• Pump: The pump draws in fluid and creates the pressure. 
• Reservoir: Used for storing the hydraulic fluid and ensuring it remains clean.
• Valves: They control the flow of the pressurized fluid in the system. 
• Actuators: Converts the hydraulic energy supplied by the pump into mechanical movement, like linear motion (cylinders) or rotary motion (motors).

A hydraulic system works when the pump draws in hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and pressurizes it. It uses mechanical energy and converts it into hydraulic fluid power. This fluid is then directed by the valves to specific actuators in the system and flows to the hydraulic cylinder where the hydraulic energy is converted back to mechanical energy.

Equipment Applications of Hydraulic Systems

Since hydraulics are so versatile, this makes them ideal for a plethora of equipment applications. They power a vast array of equipment over a range of industries, including:

• Construction: Hydraulics are a critical component in construction equipment because of their power and precision. They are commonly used in excavators, cranes, forklifts etc. 
• Agriculture: Like construction, agriculture also requires machinery that has high power and maximum efficiency. For this reason, machines like tractors, harvesters and even irrigation systems use hydraulics.
• Transportation: Whether it’s an airplane that needs to fly in high pressure environments or a tow truck that requires precise loading and unloading, hydraulics play a vital role in transportation because of their range of applications.
• Material Handling: Hydraulics can handle materials with a lot of precision and accuracy, making them essential when it comes to material handling in industrial presses, robotic arms in automated factories etc. 

Conclusion

Hydraulics can be seen as the heart and soul of equipment manufacturing. They possess a range of abilities, from generating massive force to providing precise control, and operating under demanding conditions. This makes them an irreplaceable technology for equipment or machinery in a wide range of industries.