When you need a complex manifold, you can’t trust just any precision machine shop to get the job done right. That’s because machining complex manifolds requires advanced equipment and specialized expertise.
At Ricaurte Precision (RPI), we have both. Leveraging our depth of knowledge and advanced 5-axis machining capabilities, we can achieve consistent quality and meet our customers’ tight deadlines.
What Is a Manifold?
Typically machined from a rectangular block, a manifold is a part with holes drilled into 4-6 of its sides. Many of these holes are interconnected via internal ports of varying diameters, lengths, angles, and tolerances.
The manifolds RPI manufactures for customers are generally used to evenly distribute gasses and fluids in high-pressure and high-wear environments. These parts range in complexity from parts with a small number of outlets to multi-chambered flow-control units.
Industries that require complex manifolds
We create mission-critical complex manifolds for a number of leading industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Defense
- Medical
- Oil and gas
- Space
Materials used for complex manifolds
Common materials used for complex manifolds include:
- Aluminum
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
Why Choose RPI for Complex Manifolds?
Machining complex manifolds presents two key challenges for manufacturers: maintaining consistent quality and ensuring an efficient workflow. We often work with customers frustrated by other precision machine shops that have failed to deliver in one or both of these areas.
To overcome these challenges, we’ve invested in top-of-the-line 5-axis machining centers with pallet systems. We make it our mission to provide you with the parts you need when you need them—no matter how complicated the parts may be.
Automated 5-axis capabilities
With 5-axis machining, we can work on multiple part faces with a single setup and create several parts simultaneously on a single pallet. Machines like our Matsuura MAM72- 35V 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center and our MX-330 PC10 expand our capabilities even further with automated features that allow us to run pallets “lights out” when no one is in the shop.
Automation significantly minimizes the risk of human error, helping to ensure excellent consistency from one part to the next. And with a pallet system that can self-feed overnight, we’ve doubled the efficiency of our workflows for complex parts, such as manifolds.
While it’s possible to create complex manifolds with less advanced equipment, such as 3-axis machines, this approach would involve a cumbersome manual setup for every operation, with first article approval required before each setup.
You’re better off choosing a precision machine shop with 5-axis machines that can efficiently perform the entire sequence of operations in one shot.
Expert equipment knowledge
Our team members have extensive training in running and maintaining our 5-axis machines.
When machining interconnected holes of various sizes, it’s important that the tools and the material stay cool. Applying coolant when needed mitigates tool wear to keep costs down and flushes out chip build-up that, if left unflushed, can compromise part quality.
Automated CMM inspection
RPI has robust inspection capabilities—essential for a shop that manufactures manifolds and other complex parts.
With our VisionGauge500 Series Digital Optical Comparator, an automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM), we can inspect complex manifolds efficiently to ensure that they meet the highest standards for quality.
Full range of services
RPI isn’t just a trusted shop for precision machining; we’re a full-service manufacturing partner that provides turnkey services. For example, if you need your complex manifold nickel-plated, we can coordinate this service with a trusted vendor.
We can also work with you to scale your complex manifold from prototype to high-volume production. Our goal is to provide a seamless manufacturing experience.
Request a quote to get started with our team today!
