How to Select the Right Hydraulic Hose for Your Project

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Choosing the right hydraulic hose for a high-pressure industrial tool application can be a challenge &#; especially for new hydraulic tool users, or more experienced technicians planning a new type of project. In this article, we cover the basics and terminology of hydraulic hoses. We then look at the different materials to choose from, the sizes available, and coupler options.

Part 1: Hydraulic Hose Essentials

Hydraulic Hose Materials

Hydraulic hoses are available in three different types of material. Rubber, Thermoplastic, and Plastic. Each with its own operational characteristics. This article and the videos below cover the Rubber and Thermoplastic types only &#; as these are the ones commonly used with Enerpac tools. The other plastic hose type is designed for different applications where a non-conductive hose material is specified.

Safety Factor

The safety factor (or design factor) is the ratio between the hose rating and the minimum pressure at which the hose would burst. For example, a rubber hose rated for pressures up to 10,000 psi (700bar) with a minimum burst pressure of 20,000 psi ( bar) has a safety factor of 2:1. The safety factor required varies by region across the world and in many cases should be 4:1. In most of these regions, the Enerpac 700 series thermoplastic hoses will meet these requirements.

Hose End Assembly

The end of a hydraulic hose on a typical assembly usually includes a male thread. This is normally 3/8&#;NPTF or ¼ NPTF. To simplify ordering and set up you can also buy them with a coupler on one or both ends.

Below: Watch the video summary of Part 1

Part 2: Hose Materials

Above: Hydraulic Hose Material Types

Rubber Hoses

Rubber is used in many regions around the world. Rubber hydraulic hoses are manufactured from 3 different layers: an inner synthetic rubber core, a 2-wire steel braid, and a rubber cover.

Advantages of Rubber for Hydraulic Hoses

&#; Flexibility &#; even at low working temperatures
&#; Exceptional compatibility with many types of hydraulic oil
&#; Low &#;memory&#; &#; which means the hose will lie flat even when it has been coiled for a long time. The advantage of this is easier hose management with reduced trip hazards.

Disadvantages of Rubber for Hydraulic Hoses

&#; More prone to degradation if exposed to ultraviolet light for extended periods
&#; Offers a 2:1 safety factor &#; less than the 4:1 of thermoplastic hoses.
&#; More prone to abrasion damage than thermoplastic hoses.

Thermoplastic Hoses

Advantages of Thermoplastic Hoses

&#; High safety factor 4:1 for hoses rated at 10,000 psi 700 bar.
&#; Good choice for applications with high-pressure spikes and high-cycle applications.
&#; Outer cover gives good abrasion resistance
&#; Thermoplastic material allows the manufacture of attached twin hoses &#; improving hose management on torque wrench applications.

Disadvantages of Thermoplastic Hoses

&#; Thermoplastic hoses experience memory &#; which means they&#;re less likely to lie flat after being stored in the coiled state.
&#; Less flexible than rubber hoses when working in cold environments.

Watch Video summary of Part 2

Part 3: Hose Sizes

There are many different links, diameters, and coupler options to consider.
The hose to choose depends upon the hydraulic system you intend to create.

The first thing to select is the internal diameter of the hose (the ID). For most high-pressure industrial applications there are two main sizes to choose from &#; 1/4&#; (6.4mm) and 3/8&#; (9.7mm). Note that the larger the ID the easier the hydraulic oil will flow.

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Additional reading:
4 Advice to Choose a Desulfurization Pump

Hose runs less than 20 feet long (6.1m)

Animal Husbandry

For low flow systems powered by hand pumps, small air pumps, and power pumps under 1hp (0.75kw), a good rule of thumb is to use a quarter-inch (6.4mm) diameter hose for lengths up to 20 feet (6.1m).
For higher flow applications with larger powered pumps a 3/8&#; (9.7mm) ID hose is usually the optimum choice.

Hose runs longer than 20 feet (6.1m)

For longer hose runs when using single-acting tools, e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a larger diameter 3/8&#; hose is a good choice. This will allow for easier oil flow back to the reservoir and therefore offer a better retraction. The retract performance may also improve if the pump is not run during the retract cycle. If you need a long hose run, it is better to create this by coupling 2 or 3 hoses together. Doing it this way is more cost-effective because if a section is damaged you will not need to replace the full hose.

Hose End Fittings

Selecting the right hose end fittings depends not only on intended use, but also portability, and storage considerations.

If you&#;re working on a benchtop system the hose may be plumbed directly to the pump or gauge, with a quick coupler attached to the tool at the other end. If you leave the hose attached to the pump when not in use it will not need refilling each time you use it.

If your system often needs to be taken apart its best to use a quick coupler at both ends. This allows for fast disassembly; it also prevents leaks during storage and means you won&#;t need to refill the next time you use it. With dual coupler assembly, you can easily place the hose into a toolbox together with the cylinder and pump.

Watch video summary of Part 3

We help you find Chinese manufacturers who specialize in making hose fittings. Purchase functional, durable, and high-quality hose fittings at affordable rates. You can get the products customized as per your needs and specifications. Our Chinese manufacturers assure you of the highest quality in every batch that you order.

Typical materials: Steel, brass, and copper

Steel is strong, durable, and extremely long-lasting. It is versatile and can be molded in any shape to meet your requirements. It is also resistant to most corrosive materials.

Brass does not rust and is extremely resistant to corrosion. It can withstand high temperatures and is very durable. Hence, it is very malleable and can be customized into a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and widths.

Copper is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. It is easy to work with and can be molded into various shapes, widths, and contours.

Common MOQ: 10 to 10,000 pcs

Common parts or standardized parts usually have higher MOQs. While MOQs are negotiable, buyers are advised to be reasonable about the numbers.

Manufacturing methods: Casting, forging, and machining

• The components are first produced by casting or hot forging. The process improves ductility, mechanical characteristics, and surface appearance.
• The components are then machined further using a CNC machine to make sure they fit the client&#;s design and specifications.
• The components are made with precision, and special care is taken for the intricate parts.

Manufacturing cluster area: Shanghai and Ningbo (Zhejiang province)

Shanghai in east-central China is a major commercial and industrial center. It is also one of the largest seaports in the world. The city is called the commercial capital of China.

Due to the availability of a large, high-skilled, technologically advanced workforce, Shanghai has become one of China&#;s leading industrial and manufacturing hubs. The iron and steel industry in Shanghai is one of the oldest in China. The city is also very well known for its machine and machine tool industry.

Other important industries are electronic information products, automobiles, petrochemicals, fine steel, equipment, and bio-medicine.

Ningbo is located in the northeast Zhejiang province of China. It is an industrial hub of China, and some of the traditional industries of the city are textiles, garments, home electric appliances, stationery, plastic machines, auto parts, and mold.

Ningbo is one of the most prominent auto parts production centers in China, with over 2,300 manufacturers. The city is also called the Stationery Capital of China, housing more than 800 stationery manufacturers.

There are over 3,000 high-end mold manufacturers in Ningbo. Foundry mold production accounts for nearly 60% of the entire industry in China. Die-casting and powder metallurgy mold production account for 40% and 25%, respectively.

(Source: China Daily and China Briefing)

Application: Heating, hydraulics, cooling systems, and pneumatics

Hose fittings are used to attach hoses to water and pressurized air outlets sturdily and securely. Hydraulic hose fittings are used to connect pipes, tubes, and hoses to hydraulic systems. They are extremely versatile and are used in all homes, offices, industrial, and commercial settings.

Hose fittings are a vital component of plumbing and heating in domestic, office, and commercial settings.

Hoses and hose fittings are extensively used by several industries. Many industries use different types of hoses like air hoses, hydraulic hoses, water hoses, and chemical hoses. The demand for robust industrial hoses is on the rise globally to prevent accidents and ensure smooth material handling.

Common issues: Dimensional control, surface finish, and structural integrity

Our manufacturers in China ensure that all components match the original design and specifications given by you.

The company is the world’s best Industrial Hoses Fittings Source Factory supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Quality Control

• CMM inspection to test the accuracy of the manufactured components
• Test jigs and fixtures to replicate manufactured products with consistent quality