Hydraulic cylinders are extremely useful mechanical devices that are widely used in many industries. Heavy-duty construction vehicles, railroad equipment, and manufacturing machinery all rely heavily on these powerful devices. While there are applications that employ standardized cylinders, there are many situations that call for a custom-made piece. If your project or machine needs a cylinder of a certain size or material, you can have a custom manufacturer create one that meets your exact specifications.
The Steps Involved in Customized Manufacturing
Whether you need a customized hydraulic cylinder for use in a factory, excavator, or crane, the first thing to do is communicate your needs to the company you hire. You should find a company that keeps an in-house engineering and drafting staff. It’s vital to work directly with these professionals during the planning stage of your project. Designers can offer innovative solutions and bring years of experience to the table. They will help you design the perfect cylinder for your specific application.
Once your customized cylinder has been designed, and the plans were drawn up; it’s time for the first stage of manufacturing. Because manufacturing customized hydraulic cylinders are such a unique proposition, it requires extreme precision. This level of detail and repeatability is only possible using the most advanced computer-controlled machining tools. After the cylinder parts are machined, they are welded together by certified professionals. Finally, the cylinder is inspected and tested to ensure that it meets the design standards set forth at the beginning of your project.
One common question about hiring a manufacturer to make a custom cylinder is how long it takes. The answer to that will vary among manufacturing companies. Some of the best companies can complete your order in less than a month after the design drawings have been created and approved.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer for Your Project
One of the first things to consider when choosing a manufacturer is whether it can make a cylinder of the size and material you need. Once you’ve established that fact, the next thing is to find out the efficiency of the company’s design and manufacturing process. Make sure you are comfortable with the level of expertise offered by the people involved in every step of the process.
Another important factor to consider is location. Hydraulic cylinders are extremely heavy, and, therefore, expensive to ship over long distances. If possible, choose a manufacturer relatively close to your location. A final thing to consider is customer service. Working with a company on a customized project requires a lot of trusts from you, the customer. It’s reassuring to work with a manufacturer that doesn’t leave you to talk to a voicemail box or receptionist, but instead encourages communication between you and the professionals involved in every aspect of the job.
