Custom Plastic Manifolds
Precision CNC machined fluid distribution manifolds and chemical distribution systems for water treatment, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications
- Custom port configurations machined to exact specifications
- Chemical resistant materials: PVDF, CPVC, PP, PVC, PTFE
- Transparent manifolds available for visual flow inspection
- NSF-certified and pharmaceutical-grade material options
- Reverse engineering for obsolete manifold replacement
- Chicago-based manufacturing since 1986
Overview
CNC machined plastic manifolds for precise fluid distribution in demanding industrial environments.
CDS Plastics manufactures custom plastic manifolds that distribute fluids, gases, and chemicals with precision and reliability. Our CNC machining capabilities produce manifolds with complex port configurations, tight tolerances, and custom geometries that cannot be achieved through injection molding or fabrication. We specialize in chemical resistant manifolds for water treatment systems, pharmaceutical equipment manifolds, and industrial fluid handling applications where corrosion resistance and material compatibility are critical.
Why Choose CDS Plastics Manifolds
Custom Port Configurations
Our CNC plastic machining creates manifolds with precise port locations, angles, and thread types that match your exact system requirements. No tooling costs, design changes accommodated easily.
Superior Chemical Resistance
PVDF, CPVC, and polypropylene manifolds withstand aggressive chemicals that attack metal alternatives. Impervious to acids, bases, chlorine, and most solvents without degradation or corrosion.
Transparent Options for Monitoring
Clear acrylic and polycarbonate manifolds enable visual inspection of fluid flow, air bubbles, and contamination. Critical for troubleshooting and quality control in pharmaceutical and laboratory systems.
Precision Dimensional Control
We hold ±0.005" tolerances on critical dimensions and thread depths. Tight control prevents leaks, ensures proper seal compression, and maintains consistent flow distribution across all ports.
Solutions for Common Manifold Challenges
Corrosion From Aggressive Chemicals
Obsolete Equipment Replacement
High Tooling Costs for Custom Designs
Flow Distribution Problems
Contamination in Pharmaceutical Systems
Technical Specifications & Capabilities
Machining Capabilities
- Size range: 2" x 2" up to 24" x 12" x 8"
- Port sizes: 1/8" NPT through 2" NPT and larger
- Thread tolerance: Class 2A precision
- Port positioning: ±0.005" on critical centers
- Surface finish: 63Ra standard, 32Ra available
- Complex angles and compound port orientations
Port & Connection Options
- NPT threads: 1/8" through 4"
- BSPT threads: British pipe standards
- Metric threads: M6 through M48
- Barb fittings: Push-to-connect ports
- Flanged connections: ANSI and DIN
- Custom compression fittings and O-ring ports
Material Selection Guide for Manifolds
| Material | Chemical Resistance | Temperature Range | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVDF (Kynar®) | Excellent: acids, bases, organic solvents, chlorine | -40°F to 280°F | Chemical processing, aggressive water treatment, pharmaceutical |
| CPVC | Excellent: chlorine, acids, hot water, corrosive gases | -40°F to 200°F | Municipal water, hot water distribution, chlorinated systems |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Very good: acids, bases, aqueous solutions | -20°F to 180°F | General purpose, cost-effective chemical distribution |
| PVC (Type I) | Good: acids, bases, salt solutions | -10°F to 140°F | Cold water, irrigation, general industrial fluids |
| PTFE (Teflon®) | Outstanding: virtually universal chemical resistance | -400°F to 500°F | Extreme chemical environments, high purity applications |
| Clear Acrylic | Limited: water, air, some oils | -40°F to 160°F | Visual inspection, flow monitoring, laboratory equipment |
| Polycarbonate | Moderate: water, air, mild chemicals | -40°F to 240°F | Higher temperature visual monitoring, impact resistance |
| PEEK | Excellent: acids, bases, hydrocarbons, steam | Up to 480°F continuous | High temperature chemical processing, pharmaceutical autoclaving |
Information We Need From You
To machine your custom manifold, provide us with:
- Overall dimensions: Length, width, height of manifold body
- Port specifications: Sizes, thread types, locations, and orientations
- Fluid type: Chemical composition for material selection
- Operating conditions: Temperature, pressure, flow rate
- Mounting requirements: Bolt patterns, brackets, or feet
- Quantity needed: Prototype, small batch, or production run
- Drawing or sample: CAD file, sketch, or existing manifold to replicate
Industries and Applications
Water Treatment & Filtration
- Municipal water distribution manifolds for multi-stage filtration
- Reverse osmosis system manifolds with NSF certification
- Chemical feed manifolds for chlorination and pH adjustment
- Sampling manifolds for water quality monitoring
- CPVC and PVDF manifolds resist chlorine degradation
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
- Ultra-pure water distribution for pharmaceutical manufacturing
- USP Class VI manifolds for bioprocessing equipment
- Transparent manifolds for visual inspection and validation
- Autoclaving-compatible PEEK manifolds for sterile systems
- Clean-in-place (CIP) manifolds with sanitary connections
Chemical Processing
- Acid and base distribution manifolds for process control
- Corrosive gas manifolds for semiconductor manufacturing
- Solvent distribution systems for coating operations
- PVDF manifolds for aggressive chemical environments
- Multi-port mixing manifolds with precise flow ratios
Laboratory & Research
- Gas distribution manifolds for analytical instruments
- Clear manifolds for educational demonstrations
- Custom manifolds for experimental apparatus
- Vacuum manifolds for sample preparation
- Inert material manifolds prevent sample contamination
Industrial Fluid Systems
- Coolant distribution manifolds for CNC machines
- Hydraulic manifolds for mobile equipment
- Air distribution manifolds for pneumatic controls
- Lubrication system manifolds for automated dispensing
- Manifolds replace complex piping assemblies
Food & Beverage (Adjacent)
- Water distribution for bottle washing and rinsing
- Sanitizer distribution manifolds for CIP systems
- FDA-compliant materials for indirect food contact
- Corrosion-resistant manifolds for acidic cleaning chemicals
- Easy disassembly for inspection and maintenance
Ordering Process
We manufacture custom plastic manifolds from your drawings and specifications.
Information Required for Quoting
- CAD drawings or detailed technical drawings
- Port specifications: locations, sizes, thread types
- Material requirements based on your application
- Quantity needed and delivery requirements
- Existing manifold for dimensional capture (if available)
Common Manifold Features We Machine
- Threaded ports: NPT, BSPT, metric threads
- Barb connections: For tubing applications
- Flanged connections: Bolted assembly
- Pressure taps: Monitoring ports
- Drain plugs: System maintenance
- Mounting holes: Equipment integration
Need Reverse Engineering?
Send us your existing manifold for dimensional capture and measurement. We'll create detailed documentation of all critical specifications and manufacture exact replacements that match your system requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum quantity for custom machined manifolds?
We machine single prototype manifolds through production quantities. No minimum order required. CNC machining is cost-effective for quantities under 500 pieces compared to injection molding, which requires expensive tooling investment.
Can you machine manifolds from my existing part?
Yes. Our reverse engineering service captures all port locations, thread specifications, and dimensional details from your worn or obsolete manifold. We create CAD documentation and machine exact replacements. This service is essential when original manufacturers no longer support legacy equipment.
How do I select the right material for my application?
Material selection depends on your fluid chemistry, operating temperature, and pressure requirements. PVDF offers the broadest chemical resistance for aggressive environments. CPVC excels with chlorinated water and hot water systems. Polypropylene provides cost-effective resistance for general acids and bases. Our engineering team helps match materials to your specific application requirements.
What thread types can you machine?
We machine all common thread standards: NPT (National Pipe Thread) from 1/8" through 4", BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread), metric threads M6 through M48, and custom threads to match your existing fittings. Thread depth and pitch are held to Class 2A tolerances for proper seal engagement.
