Case Study: Metal-to-Plastic Hydraulic Pump Flange Plates

Too many hydraulic pumps fail prematurely, partly because a $5 steel plate prevents the visual inspection of the internals. That is about to change.

Flange plates are used in the fluid power industry to protect the internals of precision components such as pumps and actuators, to prevent leakage and contamination of hydraulic fluid, and to keep mating surfaces clean prior to installation. They are typically made from custom-cut steel, include a gasket for sealing, and are bolted on prior to painting, fluid fill, and shipping to the customer. Once the flange plate is bolted on, the opportunity for further visual inspection is lost until the final point of installation.

Echo was able to provide a custom innovative solution for a major heavy machinery manufacturer that allowed for the visual inspection up to the point of the final installation, removed complexity from their supply chain and manufacturing processes, and reduced total costs.

A major hydraulics manufacturer was using a steel flange plate, which was costly to manufacture and transport due to weight. Additionally, the manufacturer assembled the flange plate at their facility from separately sourced plates and gaskets, adding time and complexity to their internal production processes. Finally, the steel plate prevented visual inspection after installation.