Fluid-control terminology crosses several engineering disciplines. A manifold designer may work with hydraulic pressure, pneumatic flow, valve cavities, seals, CNC machining, instrumentation, filtration, and external piping within the same system.
This glossary provides concise definitions and links to deeper ManifoldJS guides where additional context is available.
Core Terms
Manifold Terminology
Manifold
A component or assembly that distributes, combines, isolates, or redirects fluid between multiple ports or circuit branches.
Manifold Block
A solid machined body containing internal passages, ports, cavities, threads, and mounting features.
Valve Manifold
A manifold containing or supporting valves that control direction, isolation, pressure, or flow.
Cross Drilling
A machining method in which holes drilled from different exterior surfaces intersect to form internal flow paths.
Port
An external connection providing access between an internal manifold passage and another system component.
Valve Cavity
A precision-machined internal feature that accepts a cartridge or other integrated valve component.
Hydraulic & Pneumatic
Fluid-Power Terminology
Hydraulics
The use of pressurized liquid to transmit energy and control mechanical equipment.
Pneumatics
The use of compressed air or another gas to transmit energy and operate machinery.
Pump
A device that moves liquid through a system and provides hydraulic or process flow.
Compressor
Equipment that increases gas pressure to supply compressed-air systems.
Cylinder
A linear actuator that uses fluid pressure against a piston to create mechanical movement.
Hydraulic Motor
A rotary actuator that converts hydraulic flow and pressure into shaft torque and rotation.
Valve Functions
Valve Terminology
Directional Control Valve
A valve that selects which passages are connected so fluid can be routed toward different parts of a circuit.
Check Valve
A valve that permits flow primarily in one direction while restricting reverse flow.
Solenoid Valve
A valve operated by an electromagnetic coil receiving an electrical control signal.
Pressure-Control Valve
A valve used to limit, reduce, sequence, unload, or otherwise manage fluid pressure.
Ball Valve
A rotary valve using a bored ball to open or close a fluid pathway.
Butterfly Valve
A rotary valve using a disc positioned inside the flow path.
Pressure & Flow
Fluid Engineering Terms
Pressure
Force acting over a defined area within a fluid system.
Flow Rate
The quantity of fluid moving through a system during a defined period of time.
Pressure Drop
The reduction in pressure between two points caused by resistance to fluid flow.
Fluid Velocity
The speed at which fluid travels through a passage of a particular cross-sectional area.
Backpressure
Pressure opposing the discharge or return flow from a component or circuit.
Pressure Differential
The difference in pressure measured between two points in a fluid system.
Sealing
Seal and Connection Terms
O-Ring
A circular elastomeric seal compressed within a groove between mating surfaces.
Gasket
A sealing element positioned between larger mating surfaces to control leakage.
Static Seal
A seal used between surfaces that do not intentionally move relative to each other.
Dynamic Seal
A seal operating at an interface where components move relative to one another.
Fitting
A component used to connect hoses, tubes, pipes, sensors, or other equipment to a manifold port.
Quick Disconnect
A coupling intended to permit rapid connection and separation of a fluid line.
Manufacturing
Machining and Production Terms
CNC Machining
Computer-controlled machining used to produce manifold geometry, holes, ports, cavities, and mounting features.
Deburring
Removal of unwanted sharp edges and machining remnants from a manufactured component.
Surface Finish
The physical condition or applied treatment of a manufactured surface.
Anodizing
An electrochemical process used to modify the oxide layer on aluminum surfaces.
Prototype
An early physical version used to evaluate design, manufacturing, fit, or performance.
Pressure Testing
Testing performed to evaluate pressure containment, leakage, or circuit integrity.
Measurement
Instrumentation Terms
Pressure Sensor
A device that detects fluid pressure and provides information for monitoring or control.
Pressure Transducer
A device that converts pressure into an electrical output signal.
Pressure Switch
A device that changes electrical state when pressure reaches a defined condition.
Flow Meter
An instrument used to measure movement of liquid or gas through a system.
Test Port
A connection provided specifically for temporary or permanent measurement.
Data Acquisition
Collection and recording of measurements from sensors and test equipment.
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