As far as produce goes, even meat, buying local is the way to go. You support your community and give back just a little bit. There are certain items, if you will, that I prefer to buy foreign, like cars. Many people trust local or “American-made” more than they trust foreign manufacturers. They believe with natural produce that there won’t be any added preservatives; or with cars, they know that the parts aren’t going to be expensive if their car breaks down. Manufacturers of hydraulic cylinders have the same opinions. They create custom, American-made equipment.
Custom hydraulic cylinders will require a reliable manufacturer, in addition, more than likely require you to return to the same provider if something malfunctions. That is absolutely why you need to trust that the manufacturer is reputable and creates quality work. Not sure if you can trust them yet? Create a prototype. See if your hydraulic cylinder manufacturer produces what you stated you wanted. If their raw material were an image you want to bring to ‘life’, then they are trustworthy. However, if the prototype isn’t what you wanted in the slightest, perhaps it’s time to go elsewhere. Something about custom made makes an object original and unique. Thus, you want to work with experienced engineers.
Capabilities? With hydraulic cylinders you’ll come across typical capabilities, such as engineering support, pressure ratings, rephrasing cylinders, piggyback cylinders, repairable and non-repairable cylinders, and so on. The difference could be in the size of the rod you’re using. Rod sizes up to 5 inches or bore sizes 1-8 inches can be the difference in capabilities. Meaning, they don’t always have to be typical. When you have a custom hydraulic cylinder, you kind of want the capabilities to be unique as well.
When you can afford custom made materials, you should indulge. There is always something unique and personal. I prefer supporting local to foreign, but some things you cannot help yourself, like my car. Find a manufacturer you trust and stick with them for each of your custom designs. Clearly, if they did it right the first time, they know what they’re doing.
