
By fps on November 23, 2011
While we are working with the customer to develop their manifold package, we attempt to take look at things from all aspects.

In this example, we were able to offer the customer a main manifold that could be used in a standalone configuration and the option of 2 bolt-on manifolds (that could also be used standalone if desired). Continue reading “1 Design, Multiple Configuration Options”
Posted in FPS Designs, Manifolds | Tagged design, Manifolds, Mobile OEM
By fps on November 9, 2011

I was recently surprised to discover the Hydraforce Insider blog. As I scrolled through the posts, I was amazed at the wealth of technical information available.
Some of the posts that caught my eye were:
Posted in Manufacturer Spotlight, Product Lines | Tagged Hydraforce, Product Lines
By fps on November 9, 2011

Another example of a mobile OEM manifold assembly.
This is a green anodized 6061-T6511 aluminum manifold that utilizes the Hydraforce E-Coils that was featured in a previous post.
A couple of other features of interest in this assembly:
- The solenoid valves all have manual override control knobs/buttons. If the application needs to have override control in the event of electrical failure, you’ll want these included.
- This assembly uses lockdown plates on the four large solenoid valves. When evaluating an application, our engineers draw on years of experience to help ensure that our customers have the best package possible. One of these little details is pro-actively including lockdown plates (or at the very least, provisions for them). The lockdown plates ensure that the cartridge valve won’t “back out” when undergoing high pressure cycles.
- FPS uses screw-in type cap plugs on all threaded ports. We have found that the screw-in type are less likely to introduce contamination (as opposed to the push-in type) and provide a best port closure to help make sure that any residual oil doesn’t leak out during shipping.
Posted in FPS Designs, Manifolds | Tagged design, Manifolds, Mobile OEM
By fps on November 4, 2011
Setting up a perfect system is a challenging process.
At FPS we are always looking for ways to improve the way we do business.
Using the knowledge we have gained over the 20+ years of making manifolds we have set out to overhaul the workflow through our machine shop.
In designing the workcell we had 2 main goals:
- Evaluate workflow and reduce handling in order to reduce production time.
- Redefine and computerize the inspection process to improve manifold quality.
Continue reading “Redefining Workflow Through Our Machine Shop”
Posted in General News, Manifolds | Tagged About FPS, machine shop, Manifolds
By fps on November 1, 2011
This is an example of a clear anodized 6061-T6511 aluminum manifold that features SAE flange ports:


Mounting is achieved “sandwich” style via the middle flange port (notice the included trepan o-ring in the right view).

This manifold also takes advantage of the Hydraforce Series E Environmental Coils. The Hydraforce E-coils allow us to offer mobile style electrical coils rated between IP65 and IP69K (dependant on coil connector choice).
Posted in FPS Designs, Manifolds, Product Lines | Tagged design, Hydraforce, Manifolds, Mobile OEM
By fps on October 27, 2011
A couple weeks ago, the first of two new CNC machining centers was delivered to FPS.
Once up and running, the new Matsuura H. Plus-405 PC6 horizontal CNC will be a great addition to our production capabilities.
Below are some pictures of the delivery. Continue reading “CNC Machining Center Delivery”
Posted in General News, Manifolds | Tagged About FPS, machine shop, Manifolds
By fps on October 20, 2011

For some of our customers, fit is a constant challenge. In these situations, our design team strives to create a unique layout that allows us to provide each customer with the best installation and subsequent service of their part. No cutting corners, no quick fixes: our solutions are ideal from start to finish.
During the design phase, we use 3D models, and digital pictures and/or “napkin sketches” to determine the envelope requirements and then work our design magic to bring the part to life.

The above example utilizes a Haldex-Barnes pump. We remove the pump’s rear cover and replace it with a custom manifold. Special milling is provided to allow clearance for in-field replacement of a nearby filter element. We also designed a 90-deg bolt on the manifold to reduce the space required for a typical elbow fitting.
Thanks to the coordination between our design department and our customer, the assembly ends up fitting extremely well within the diesel engine compartment.
Posted in FPS Designs, Manifolds | Tagged 3D CAD, design, diesel engine components, Haldex-Barnes, Manifolds, Mobile OEM
By fps on October 18, 2011

Fluid Power Sales is a proud distributor for Wandfluh Hydraulics & Electronics, a Swiss manufacturer of high quality components. Their parts are tailored for a number of industries, including the oil and gas industry.
This industry-specific focus is important when it comes to FPS’s ability to provide specialized packages to our clients in this area. We rely on the corrosion protection and explosion-proof nature of the solenoid valves manufactured by Wandfluh to design packages that fit our customers’ unique Oil and Gas needs.
Posted in Manufacturer Spotlight, Product Lines | Tagged OIl & Gas, Product Lines, Wandfluh
By fps on October 13, 2011

FPS offers a range of services, including application-specific testing across our Engineering test stand. It’s how we are able to guarantee the quality of your part and continue to improve upon our own design standards.
From basic pressure drop curves to simulated application testing, we offer it all. The integrity and durability of your part is paramount.

The above example shows how we conduct and measure a simulated steering load testing.
Posted in Services | Tagged About FPS, Industrial, Mobile OEM, testing
By fps on October 10, 2011
This summer, FPS remodeled our machine shop in preparation for two new CNC milling machines.
The remodel required:
- The removal of almost everything from the entire 7500 square foot shop


- Grinding and resurfacing the floor of the shop
- Once the floor was finished, we moved everything back into place.
Next up, we’ll be installing the two new machines. These changes posed some logistical scheduling problems for the FPS team, causing some downtime. But in the long-run, the additional production capacity will be more than worth the hassle!
Posted in General News | Tagged About FPS, machine shop