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A world without hydraulics would look very different than the one we live in today. Everything from your dishwasher to your car uses a hydraulics system to operate optimally. Much of the heavy equipment used to build our homes and infrastructure—forklifts, bulldozers, and cranes—would not have the power or performance that are accomplished by hydraulics systems.

What gives a hydraulics system its power? The answer lies in its ability to utilize pressure according to the physical laws of fluid mechanics. The name hydraulics comes from the Greek word “hydros” meaning water. A hydraulic system relies on fluid to carry pressure from one area of an enclosed container to another. Known as Pascal’s Law, the pressure applied to one area will create an equal amount of pressure to a second section within the closed container. Not only does the pressure remain equal in the transfer but the force can be maximized for superior applications.

While Pascal’s Law and fluid mechanics can all sound a bit technical, the basic function of a hydraulic system is simple to understand. Let’s look at an example.  

We use hydraulics every time we get into our vehicles. Cars use hydraulic brakes to transfer the pressure we apply to the calipers of our brakes. To do this, a car contains hydraulic fluid, also known as brake fluid, that is pushed through the brake lines and to the calipers. With the assistance of a hydraulic system, a firm push of your foot can be enough to stop a 3,500-pound vehicle, even when you’re travelling at a high speed. Hydraulic-based systems have completely transformed how we travel, build, and modernize as a society.

CanForge is proud to offer hydraulics components that are forged in Canada. Our forged hydraulic components are trusted by companies worldwide for an expansive range of industries including mining, construction, and power generation. These components are designed to withstand the strenuous environments for which they are needed. Despite undergoing constant and often intense conditions, CanForge’s hydraulic components can perform under pressure.

One reason for this is because forging allows for strength which is needed for rigorous situations. Our forgings have a directional grain flow that prevents our products from cracks and deformities. By properly aligning the grain flow, CanForge can assure our products have the strength and durability that meets the specifications required by our customers.

An added benefit of our forgings is that they are designed as one-piece components. This improves the longevity of our products compared to other processes that fabricate multi-piece components. Our forgings reduce wasted material and this means less cost to our customers.

CanForge can supply hydraulic components in a range of fabrications. We offer the following forgings for hydraulic components:

•    Piston
•    Barrel or tube
•    End cap assembly
•    Trunnion
•    Hydraulic cylinder rod
•    Gland
•    Flange
•    Clevis

With more than 100 years in the forging business, CanForge has the capability to produce components that survive even the most extreme applications they’re placed under. Contact us to learn more about the hydraulic components we can forge for you.