LIGHTWEIGHT, MANAGEABLE, EFFECTIVE
Cut the cord on tubing and simplify your product
Internalize Channels
Free up visible space and internalize channels to create a more user-friendly device.
Cost Efficient Alternative
Create a product made of material just as strong (if not stronger) but more cost efficient than metal.
Easier To Design
No need to complicate your design. With internal straight channels, fluids and gases flow freely
WHAT ARE DRILLED MANIFOLDS?
For teams seeking a more cost-efficient, easier to design manifold solution, drilled and single-layer manifolds may be the answer. Such manifolds are created by CNC milling and other precision plastic machining techniques without using diffusion bonding or layering plastic. Manufacturing drilled manifolds here creates straight channels and direct ports needed for optimal fluidic systems.Ā
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Flexible Material Choices
Teams have the freedom in selecting theĀ right material choiceĀ given strength, chemical, temperature etc. requirements.
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Simplicity in Design
Manifolds can be a simple block of plastic with drilled holes allowing for a single input being split into multiple outputs.
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Fully Customizable
Adaptable and versatile, single-layer/drilledĀ manifolds offer several options to createĀ the highest quality product.Ā
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Limited Geometries
Tooling here often limits design layout to straight lines created by the machines, which can reduce design possibilities. However, we mitigate this concern throughĀ drilling and plugging processes.
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Drill Depths
Teams must carefully consider the ability of drill to form proper holes as the L/D ratio increases. Size, finish and straightness can degrade as the L/D ratio increases.
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Imperfections Within Channels
Intersecting holes can harbor chips or other imperfections within the channels that can hinder a material's flow.Ā Polishing and other finishing techniquesĀ can help to abate this risk.Ā
WHEN YOU NEED A DRILLED MANIFOLDS
Overall design, cost, and considering the product's purpose all play an important role when considering if drilled fluidic manifolds are the right fit. These are things to consider when it comes to custom drilled manifolds.Ā
SLM EXAMPLES
Here are some examples of our previous work with single-layer/drilled manifolds made from different materials.