Hydraulic Manifold Blocks and Subplates Guide
Manifold blocks and subplates bundle valves, channels and ports into a compact body and replace long runs of tubing. Size, mounting pattern, material and pressure rating decide sealing, flow and assembly effort. This guide shows what matters when you select and design them.
View manifold blocksWhy do I need a manifold block or a subplate?
A subplate carries a single valve and connects its P, T, A and B ports to the piping. A manifold block gathers several valves, channels and add-on components in one solid metal body. This removes many pipe joints, so the system becomes more compact, leak-tight and faster to assemble. Internal drillings route the oil between valves without hoses running to the outside.
Which criteria drive the selection?
The key factors are size, pressure rating, material and flow. The size (NG6, NG10, NG16) fixes the mounting pattern and valve ports. The maximum working pressure must suit the material, and channels should be sized so pressure loss stays low. The number and layout of valve stations also set the block size.
- Base the material choice on the working and peak pressure of the system.
- Keep channel cross sections as large as possible to cut pressure loss and heating.
- Fix the number of valve stations and add-ons such as throttle or check valves early.
- Match port threads and seal type to the existing piping system.
Which material and seal fit best?
Steel is the standard for high pressures up to 350 bar and beyond, usually black-oxide or zinc-plated against corrosion. Aluminium saves weight and suits lower pressures up to about 250 bar and mobile applications. The seals at the valve ports are usually NBR for mineral oil or FKM for higher temperatures and aggressive media.
High pressure strength up to 350 bar and more, corrosion protection by black oxide.
Compare manifold blocksLight and easy to machine for pressures up to about 250 bar, ideal for mobile use.
View sizesHow do I plan assembly and channel routing?
Before machining, check the channel plan: crossings, blind holes and sharp turns raise pressure loss and heating. Size the P and T ports generously, while pilot channels can be smaller. When bolting the valves, keep to the specified torques so the seals bear evenly and no oil escapes.
- Check the channel plan for short, low-crossing paths to minimise pressure loss.
- Provide bleed and measuring ports for commissioning and fault finding.
- Tighten valve bolts crosswise and to the specified torque.
- Flush the block before assembly so no chips can damage the valves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a subplate and a manifold block?
A subplate carries a single valve and connects it to the piping. A manifold block gathers several valves and internal channels in one body and so replaces many individual pipe joints.
Which size such as NG6 or NG10 do I need?
The size follows the flow. NG6 (CETOP 3) covers up to about 60 l/min, NG10 up to around 120 l/min and NG16 up to about 300 l/min. Choose the size by the maximum flow of your system.
Steel or aluminium for the manifold block?
Steel handles high pressures up to 350 bar and beyond and is the standard for stationary systems. Aluminium is lighter and suits pressures up to about 250 bar and mobile applications where weight matters.
Find the right manifold block or subplate
Our hydraulics specialists help with size, material, pressure rating and channel routing for your control.
Standards-based choice
Mounting patterns to ISO 4401 for cross-maker fit.
Right pressure rating
Material and design matched to the working pressure.
Low channel loss
Considered routing for little pressure drop and heat.
Expert advice
Hydraulics specialists support design and assembly.