Grease Manifold Block
A grease manifold block (also called a progressive distributor block or metering block) splits pressurized grease from a central pump into measured doses for each lubrication point. It is the core metering device in most automatic grease systems on CNC machines, packaging lines, and mobile equipment.
IsoHiTech supplies progressive blocks (DJF1000 / 2000 / 3000, SSV, IHI) and dual-line metering blocks (ZVB) for different system architectures. Use this page to compare pressure rating, discharge per cycle, and outlet count, then link to individual series pages for ordering details.
For system design, see grease pump solutions and progressive lubrication systems. For tubing from the block to each point, see lubrication pipe.
| Pressure | 16Mpa |
| Discharge | 0.08~0.48ml/cyc |
| Outlets | 3-18 outlets |
| Pressure | 25Mpa |
| Discharge | 0.16~1.12ml/cyc |
| Outlets | 3-20 outlets |
| Pressure | 25Mpa |
| Discharge | 0.08~1.28ml/cyc |
| Outlets | 3-20 outlets |
What Is a Grease Manifold Block?
In centralized lubrication, the pump builds pressure in a supply line. The grease manifold block is the first device that converts that continuous pressure into discrete, repeatable volumes sent to each outlet. In progressive systems, pistons inside the block move in sequence—when one section completes a stroke, the next section receives grease. If one point blocks, the progressive chain stops and a cycle indicator or pressure switch can alarm.
Manifold blocks are built from stacked sections (slices): an inlet section, several metering sections, and an end section. Each section can be single-outlet (S) or twin-outlet (T). Total outlets typically range from 3 to 20 per assembly, depending on series.
Where the Block Sits in the System
Typical progressive grease layout:
- Grease pump — builds pressure (often 16–40 MPa depending on pump and grease grade)
- Main supply line — high-pressure hose from pump to block inlet
- Grease manifold block — meters grease to each outlet per cycle
- Secondary lubrication pipe — usually 4–6 mm nylon from each outlet to bearings or fittings
- Grease nipples / bearings — final delivery points
In dual-line systems, metering blocks such as ZVB work with alternating supply lines and reverse valves—not the same as progressive DJF blocks. Dual-line blocks are covered on dual-line lubrication systems and DW dual-line block.
Grease Manifold Block vs. Other Components
Use this table to avoid mixing terms (and to reduce keyword overlap with other pages):
| Component | Function | Typical system |
|---|---|---|
| Grease manifold block (this page) | Progressive or dual-line metering; splits grease by volume per cycle | DJF, SSV, IHI, ZVB |
| Grease distributor block hub | Category overview for progressive slice/mono blocks | Progressive |
| Single-line manifold distributor | Injector-based single-line metering (different architecture) | Single-line parallel |
| Injector | Individual metering valve, often one per point | Single-line injector |
| DW / VSG / ZVB dual-line block | Dual-line metering, not progressive sequence | Dual-line |
Progressive manifold blocks (DJF/SSV) and dual-line blocks (ZVB, DW) look similar but are not interchangeable—match the block to your pump and system type.
Model Comparison (IsoHiTech Range)
| Series | System type | Max pressure | Discharge per cycle | Outlets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJF1000 | Progressive | 16 MPa | 0.08–0.48 ml/cyc | 3–18 | Entry-level; NLGI 000–2; see DJF1000 block |
| DJF2000 | Progressive | 25 MPa | 0.16–1.12 ml/cyc | 3–20 | Higher pressure progressive |
| DJF3000 | Progressive | 25 MPa | 0.08–4.8 ml/cyc (size-dependent) | 3–20 | High-temp / heavy industry; see DJF3000 block |
| SSV | Progressive | 30 MPa | 0.25 g/cyc | 3–20 | Lincoln-compatible progressive block |
| IHI | Progressive | 15 MPa | 0.3 ml/cyc | 4 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 | Fixed outlet packages |
| ZVB | Dual-line | 40 MPa | 0.5 / 1.5 / 3 ml/cyc (adjustable) | 1–8 valves per block | Not progressive; see ZVB dual-line block |
| Grease fitting manifold | Accessory | — | — | 3 / 6 / 10 | Carbon steel or SS; routes to multiple fittings |
Discharge varies by piston size code (T/S outlet type and section size). Confirm final bill of materials with IsoHiTech before ordering.
How to Select a Grease Manifold Block (5 Steps)
Step 1 — Confirm system type. Progressive pump (FS, P203 class) → DJF or SSV. Dual-line pump with reverse valve → ZVB or DW, not DJF.
Step 2 — Count lubrication points. Each twin-outlet (T) section feeds two points; single-outlet (S) feeds one. Plan 20–30% spare capacity for future points.
Step 3 — Calculate grease per cycle. Sum required ml/cyc at each bearing (OEM spec or standard grease-quantity rules such as SKF G = 0.005 × D × B). Pick section sizes so total block output matches demand at your pump cycle frequency.
Step 4 — Check pressure and grease grade. NLGI #2 grease needs higher pressure and may require 2000/3000 series instead of 1000. Verify pump maximum exceeds block rating plus line losses.
Step 5 — Add monitoring. Specify cycle pin, micro-switch, or proximity sensor on the indicator section for blocked-line detection.
Browse the progressive blocks category for individual SKUs and drawings.
Installation & Troubleshooting Notes
- Never block an unused progressive outlet without a approved bypass plug—progressive blocks require every section to complete a cycle.
- Mount the block where you can read the cycle indicator and access sections for maintenance.
- Use correct inlet (typically 6–8 mm) and outlet (4–6 mm) tubing per series datasheet; undersized tube causes delayed delivery.
- One outlet dry, others OK: check secondary line, fitting, or blocked bearing—not necessarily the whole block.
- Whole system stalls: blocked point in progressive chain, failed cycle indicator, or pump not completing a cycle—see grease distributor working principle.
Related Guides
- Lubrication grease manifold guide (blog)
- Progressive lubrication systems
- Grease distributor block hub
- Automatic lubrication systems
- Grease pump hub
- Lubrication pipe selection
A grease manifold block meters grease from a central pump into fixed volumes per outlet and per cycle. In progressive systems, sections operate in sequence so each lubrication point receives a predictable dose. It replaces manual greasing with repeatable automatic delivery.
DJF1000/2000/3000 and SSV are progressive metering blocks for single-supply progressive systems. ZVB is a dual-line metering valve block used with alternating supply lines and reverse valves—not progressive. Choose DJF/SSV for progressive pumps; choose ZVB (or DW) for dual-line architecture.
Most progressive assemblies on this page support 3–20 outlets depending on series and number of stacked sections. DJF1000 handles up to 18 points; DJF2000/3000 and SSV up to 20. IHI blocks come in fixed 4/6/8/10/12 outlet packages. ZVB dual-line blocks are sized by valve count (1–8) with up to two bearings per valve.
Yes. Progressive blocks are ordered as a stack of sections with different discharge codes (e.g. 15T, 20S) to match grease volume at each zone. IsoHiTech builds the stack from your lubrication point list—send point count, ml/cyc per point, and tubing length for a BOM.
Standard blocks use carbon steel with zinc plating for corrosion protection. SS304 or SS316 is available for food, marine, or washdown environments. Grease fitting manifold blocks are also offered in carbon steel or stainless with 3, 6, or 10 outlet ports.
First inspect the secondary line and fitting to that point for kinks, leaks, or blocked nipples. If one point is blocked in a progressive system, the entire progressive sequence may stop—check the cycle indicator and verify no outlet was plugged without a proper bypass. If all outlets fail, verify pump pressure, inlet supply, and that the block inlet is not starved. Contact IsoHiTech with your block model and section layout for remote diagnosis.
Standard DJF and common outlet configurations are often in stock; typical lead time is 3–7 days. Custom section stacks or stainless builds may require additional engineering time—send your point list early for scheduling.