A white paper - Manifold Assemblies 7
Fluid
preparations
Manifold
Fitting and
accessories
Fluid control
products
Cross drilling is a straightforward and
cost effective way to integrate multiple
channels and connections into block
of metal or plastic, but it has some
limitations. Holes can only be drilled in
straight lines and with a single diameter,
so there is a limit to the complexity and
dimensionality of the design. If a more
complicated (or more densely populated)
manifold is required, then a multi-layer
laminated plastic manifold is called for.
A laminated manifold is constructed by
machining the desired flow paths in layers
of plastic and then bonding the layers
together for the finished manifold. This
process is much more flexible than drilling.
It is possible to make curved channels,
to change the diameter of the channel or
even add contoured features like mixing
or accumulation chambers right in the
manifold. Increasing the number of layers
accommodates more complex designs.
A supplier experienced in manifold
technology can help the OEM design
team select the best system based
on their application requirements. For
example, if they can divide functions into
subsets like one assembly for pneumatic
motion control and another one for liquid
dispensing, perhaps two cross-drilled
manifolds will be adequate (and less
costly). On the other hand, if they are
building a portable machine where space
is at a premium, they may need a single,
more sophisticated laminated manifold.
