Quality

Hydraulink designs, develops and carries out rigorous testing at the company’s facilities. Initial designs are developed in-house and then tested at our research facilities. All fittings supplied by Hydraulink are designed and developed in accordance with relevant international standards. Finite element analysis is an important part of this research.

Hydraulink independently tests hydraulic hose assemblies at our company testing facility. Utilising our BIMAL hose testing machines, hose assembly designs are tested and accredited to the internationally recognised SAE J343 and ISO 6803 specifications. We test assemblies at up to 1000bar (14500psi) and up to 150oc (302F). These pressures and temperature ranges far exceed normal operating parameters. The machines test up 2 inch 6 wire hose assemblies. Tests are carried out by impulsing the hose assembly every second to the specified pressure and then back to zero. The test follows a prescribed wave form which is monitored and recorded on the external computer. This computer collects the data and then produces the test results for certification. Tests vary from 200,000 cycles to 1,000,000 cycles again depending upon the specification. The tests run 24 hours a day and can take up to 12 days continuous testing.

Further testing is carried out using static, leakage, and burst testing parameters for each individual design. Certification is attained following a computer recorded testing program.

We are continually testing hose assemblies as we continue with our own independent research and development. As the market changes new hose types and applications are being developed, and Hydraulink needs to provide a total solution to these. In addition we are also designing new hydraulic hose tails and ferrules to both simplify our range and to provide special designs for OEM customers. 

Take a look at our corporate video to see more about our testing programme NZ Corporate Video.

In addition to the above, further testing is carried out on individual hose assemblies prior to supply. These are tested to the relevant specification for a specific application. For example in mining applications, the MDG 41 guideline requests testing in accordance with SAE J343 proof testing.

Did you know that Hydraulink New Zealand’s local warehouse facility has manufacturing and production capabilities - meaning we can make a variety of non-standard products for our network and customers - offering you convenience, saving time and reducing down time?

The Hydraulink New Zealand factory runs 6 CNC lathes with twin spindle, twin turret and live tooling capabilities. These state of the art machines have automatic bar feeders, part catchers and part conveyer systems, allowing autonomous production, unmanned operation, and a production capacity of up to 200 parts per hour.

Automatic chip conveyers allow easy cleaning and quick change-out to different material types. With our 30 tonne material rack, raw material is readily available to meet demand. Our standard plating process is eCoat500. This  - which provides over 5 times the corrosion resistance of similar plating methods, as tested under ISO standard salt spray conditions. is far superior to the standard 72 hour SAE standard. eCoat500 provides up to 500 hours of red rust corrosion resistance when subject to ISO 9227 salt spray conditions.

Our machinery and operators are ready and available now to assist with your non-standard product requirements. We specialise in products that are difficult to source, have unique characteristics or are needed in small volumes. Your required product doesn’t need to have a thread for us to make it either - we produce many general mechanical components for equipment manufacturers.

So, if you need any parts machined, please contact Hydraulink today with your requirements and specifications and have a chat to us to see how we can help.

The vast number of hydraulic applications demands numerous sizes and constructions of hose to satisfy individual working requirements and conditions. Because of this, hydraulic hose varies in weight, size, temperature ratings, numbers and type of reinforcement layers, rated working pressure, flexibility and economics. Our hydraulic hose meets various standards depending upon the selected product being supplied. Some of the standards are:

ABS                                   American Bureau of Shipping

DNV                                   Det Norske Veritas for North Sea Floating Vessels

DOT/FMVSS                      U.S Department of Transportation / Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard

GL                                      Germanischer Lloyds

MSHA                                U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration

SAE                                    Society of Automotive Engineers

USCG                                 U.S. Coast Guard

UL                                       Underwriters Laboratory

EN                                       European Norm/Standard

MDG 41 is an industry based response to the increased number of fluid injection and related injuries being sustained in the mining sector. Mining Design Guideline 41 is a guideline for Fluid Power System Safety at Mines published by the NSW Department of Primary Industry and is now recognised in other states. It is a reference document that should be used when reviewing plant risks in accordance with state Occupational Health & Safety Acts / Regulations. MGD 41 relates to fluid power systems at all mines (open-cut and underground), quarries, dredges, mineral extraction operations and associated plant operating above 5 MPa, (720 Psi) or 60 degrees Celsius. MDG 41 also provides an effective medical protocol to be followed in the event of fluid injection injuries.

Hydraulink products meet/exceed the specifications defined in the MDG 41 guideline and the requirement for a "Matched System". A matched system is defined in MDG 41 'where the hose and fittings (insert/ferrule) are from the same manufacturer and assembled and crimped using the method specified by that manufacturer'. Through our online training and in the field instruction training, we are able to meet the competency requirements defined by MDG 41, both as assemblers and installers of hose and fittings. Hydraulink have a brand new specifically designed hydrostatic testing machine which offers recognised best practice testing to 2 x WP and tagging of hose assemblies (see definition 3.7.7.1 & 3.7.5) ensuring fluid power systems are reliable and fit for purpose. Hydraulink can also show you how to effectively establish your own 'Hose Management' system.

Hydraulink Australia’s new Hydrostatic test machine (shown above) can test hoses, fittings and pipes up to 2410 bar (35,000psi). Our testing regime and subsequent test certificates fully comply with the MDG 41 guideline requirements. Assembly testing is carried out using a computerised data recorder which provides a tamper proof data base for all tested assemblies. Hose labelling is produced in accordance with the MDG 41 guideline requirements and can be tailored individually to suit our customer’s requirements. All tested hose assemblies are uniquely numbered and recorded for the lifespan of the hose.