Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing of Hydraulic Components

Additive manufacturing opens up new possibilities for developing fluid power components, as it enables the production of complex geometries that are often unachievable with conventional manufacturing processes. At the Laboratory for Fluid Power and Controls, we research the use of metal 3D printing for developing hydraulic valves, manifolds, and other components, with an emphasis on optimizing flow paths and improving system performance. Our research includes numerical simulations, topology optimization, design, and experimental validation of prototypes, aiming to develop lighter, more efficient, and technologically more advanced solutions for industry, hydraulics, and robotics.
Highlighted Achievements
3D-Printed Proportional Valves
Development and testing of functional proportional valves manufactured with metal 3D printing.
Optimization of Hydraulic Manifolds
Reducing pressure losses through optimized flow paths and advanced geometries.
Linking Development Stages
From numerical simulation to a functional prototype and experimental validation.
Key Activities
Flow Optimization
Functional Prototypes
Researchers


Ana Trajkovski PhD, Univ. Dipl. Eng. Mech.
Email: ana.trajkovski@fs.uni-lj.si
and other researchers depending on the specific project.
Active Projects
Development of Metal 3D-Printed Valves
Research on functional hydraulic valves using additive manufacturing.

Development of Optimized Hydraulic Manifolds
Use of topology optimization and CFD simulations to reduce losses in fluid systems.
Selected Publications
Development of Metallic 3D-Printed Water Hydraulic Proportional Directional Control Valve
Development, manufacturing, and testing of a proportional directional valve produced by metal 3D printing
Numerical Optimization of Internal Geometry for Additively Manufactured Hydraulic Manifolds
Durability tests of 3D-printed hydraulic components
→ Link to all publications in this area
Key Topics for Theses
Selected Topics
- 3D printing of fluid power components
- Topology optimization of hydraulic systems
- CFD analyses and flow simulations
- Development of hydraulic valves for additive manufacturing
- Optimization of flow channels and hydraulic manifolds
→ Link to the list of all theses
