06 Manifold Assemblies
Manifolds can be
made from a variety
of materials.
The application
usually determines
material selection.
Manifold
Materials
Manifold Materials
» Media – Is the material compatible with the chemicals such as reagents that it will be handling?
» Environment – Will the assembly be subjected to extreme temperatures? Caustics? Humidity?
» Pressure – Will gases or liquids be moving at high pressure?
» Weight – Does the application require a lightweight assembly?
» Cost – If an application is particularly cost sensitive, which is the lowest cost material that still meets
performance requirements?
Manifolds are made of materials in two broad categories: metal and plastic. Metals are typically
selected for harsh environments. Common metals are aluminum and brass, though stainless steel can
be used if the assembly will be exposed to environments like salt water spray or caustic chemicals.
Flow paths in metal manifolds can only be drilled in straight lines, so designs tend to be fairly simple.
Metal manifolds can be designed and produced more quickly and at lower cost than plastic ones. They
are highly durable, making them desirable for high pressure applications and other harsh environments.
Metal manifolds are sometimes preferred by users simply because they are accustomed to working with
metal.
