MANIFOLD FAQs

• You need bulk plastic stock like HDPE, PVC, acrylic, or polycarbonate sheet, rod, film, or granules (for resale, fabrication, or basic cutting only). 
• You are looking for commodity parts or one‑off consumer projects (e.g., car light covers, pool parts, home/architectural pieces, hobby or DIY builds). 
• Your project is primarily material supply or recycling (resin, pigments, additives, PVC/HDPE recycling, or film‑grade material sourcing). 
• You are a vendor, agency, or consultant offering services such as SEO, marketing, data lists, tool storage, machining services, or other products to sell to our team. 
• You require very low volumes with no path to production (e.g., single prototype with no intent to scale, academic “nice‑to‑have” tests without a defined program).

A bonded manifold is a good choice for customers looking for the smallest manifold envelope size while integrating the maximum number of components at a single location. This technology allows the engineers to achieve device-size reduction while also reducing complexity. Additionally, top-mounted designs are the simplest to conceptualize and place into a workspace, with convenient tubing and all hardware easily accessible.

Price varies by the number of layers, material choice, channel size, feature density, and other factors. There is no general pricing, as manifold costs are design-dependent.

Due to the plastic bonding process, a bonded manifold can be more expensive than an “identical” drill manifold. However, the bonding process allows for geometries that would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, in a drilled manifold. Offering more compact components and features integration with reduced tubing make bonded manifolds an attractive option. From a total system design and lifetime maintenance viewpoint, bonded manifolds' cost of ownership is competitive.

No. We maintain size and position.

Channels can be single sided or double sided. Channel shapes are square, “D” shape, or full round. Controlled Fluidics recommends full round channels for best flow characteristics with minimum particle entrapment. The cost of the additional machining for full round channels is minimal for the average laminated manifold.

Yes, they are. Controlled Fluidics bonds a number of different types of components into multi-layer manifolds. We also are able to obtain a leak-proof seal around components. However, please note that the components will not be serviceable after bonding.

Our bond strength is near parent-material strength. Threads and channel outlets on the bond line are okay.

Theoretically, we can bond an unlimited number of layers! Practically, six layers is desirable. Often, it is wise to divide very large and complex manifold designs into two separate manifolds. Fallout rate and installation damage can be costly with a single large manifold. Also consider building each layer 1.5 mm below standard imperial sizes. This saves money. Why purchase thicker materials only for machining purposes?

Channels for microfluidics can be as small as 100 microns. For larger fluidic devices, 0.5 mm to 3 mm is common.

Pressure specifications are highly design dependent. Our manifolds have been successfully run to over 500 psi in the channels.

We have successfully produced manifolds with channels as close as 0.5 mm.

Inserts make sense for manifolds that are repeatedly disassembled for servicing. Metal inserts will tolerate repeated torqueing better than plastic ones will. For single assembly situations, a plastic thread is reliable. For very small threads, we recommend inserts for every application (i.e. 0-80 and 2-56). Helicoils add stress to the finished manifold, and Controlled Fluidics does not recommend them for inclusion in your manifold design.

For pneumatics, acrylic is an excellent choice. For liquids, polycarbonate is popular. Polycarbonate is slightly more expensive than acrylic, with better chemical resistance and temperature range.

We can pressure test your manifolds at your request. Controlled Fluidics has yet to experience a field failure in any of our manifolds from delamination or cross-talk. 

Yes, we can! As each application is unique, please contact engineering to discuss your project details.

Our technology allows us to build the most precise and intricate plastic manifolds. Because we prefer full round channels over others, we see features maintain their shape through the bonding process. We specialize in reservoirs and accumulators integral to a manifold.

The Controlled Fluidics Difference

Our standard lead-time is 4 weeks for most 2-layer manifolds. Complex projects (above 2 layers) will require additional time. If time is of the essence, we do have a Rapid Response prototype service that can deliver laminated manifolds in weeks rather than months. Contact our engineering team to discuss.