Prefabbed Hydraulic Tubes

[curvyrace]

My company currently fabricates the stainless hydraulic tubing for all of our standard machines right on the assembly line. Looking to reduce costs, I was wondering if our method is typical of medium to high volume manufacturing and if there is a methodology to enabling the use of prefabricated lines on manufactured equipment. Given tolerance stack ups, I'm not sure if prefabricated lines could be used.

Thanks!

 

[MikeHalloran]

>>>Given tolerance stack ups, I'm not sure if prefabricated lines could be used.<<<

If you've actually done a tolerance stackup for every line, how could you not know?

Assuming for the moment that prefab is okay:

Some cost savings come from using an automated or programmable bender to make a pile of tubes all the same. You still have to handle the tubes. You may have to mark them if any two are similar.

More cost savings come from using a jam-in type of connector so you don't spend time wrenching B-nuts. You still have to do _some_ end prep, e.g. removing burrs, but not having to flare the ends helps.

I've had good luck with Lenz O-seal connectors. They're not jam-in, but they don't need a flare.

You might also go to a few car showrooms and take a look at some of the super- fast- assembling connections they're using nowadays.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA