As a component supplier for the injection molding, die casting and mold making industries, Nonnenmann Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, has practical and economical solutions in its portfolio for the flexible and application-specific design of temperature control systems and hoses.

With the temperature control manifolds (Series 117), the company offers a cost-effective and flexible option for machine and mold tubing. The manifolds are available in different variants and dimensions. Selectable outlets, lengths and thread sizes allow free design depending on the requirements of the mold and the machine. NONNENMANN introduced the standard stainless steel manifold (Part no. FL9931) in the summer of 2022, which can be used for tempering in the high-temperature range up to 392 F.

“The use of the temperature control manifold enables a simple, inexpensive and process-optimized solution for hosing,” explained Jochen Schwegler, technical advisor application engineering for Temperature Control Technology at Nonnenmann. “The manifold can be mounted close to the mold or next to the injection molding machine so that the mold’s temperature control channels can be supplied with the temperature control medium in parallel from here using short hoses. This ensures uniform, optimum mold temperature control with minimal temperature deviations and the highest possible flow rate. From the temperature control unit or main water connection, the manifold is simply approached with a hose with a correspondingly large cross-section, which optimizes the flow rate,” added Schwegler.

Depending on the application, project or requirements, a wide range of manifolds made of brass, aluminum (anodized) and stainless steel is available for the right solution. The brass manifolds (Series 117-K) are designed for temperature control applications up to 284 F and a maximum of 16 bar, while the anodized aluminum manifolds (Series 117-KA) can be used up to 392 F and 16 bar. Each is available in red and blue, allowing direct identification of flow and return. Depending on the size required, customers can select connection threads from 3/4″ to 1 1/4″. Manifolds are available from three-outlet to 16-outlet, each with threads from 1/4″ to 3/4″.

For high-temperature applications, the new stainless steel manifold (Part no. FL9931) is the ideal solution. The 6-way manifold made of stainless steel can be used at a maximum of 40 bar for temperatures up to 392 F. The temperature control medium is distributed from a 1″ inlet to the six outlets, each with a 1/2″ connection. The optionally available insulation encloses the manifold, increasing energy efficiency and work safety. In combination with the insulated Well-Flex hoses and couplings, which can be used up to 392 F, with corresponding seals suitable for these requirements, as well as fuses or flat-sealing leak-free valves, the distributor enables safe and process-optimized medium distribution in the high-temperature range.

Also available in the NONNENMANN portfolio, are various accessory components matched to all distributor variants, such as shut-off valves, mini ball valves, coupling nipples, reducers, double nipples, plugs, hose nozzles, quick-action couplings, and others, with which the distributors can be flexibly equipped and expanded or can be delivered already pre-assembled. Depending on the customer’s requirements, insulations matched to the manifolds and the respective application as well as fastening materials such as mounting clamps and retaining plates are also available, which can be selected and offered in the project planning.

The use of these temperature control manifolds creates various application possibilities in practice and enables users to optimize the design of the temperature control system. The supply and return lines of the temperature control system can thus be clearly set up and arranged, which increases work and process safety. Installation inside the injection molding machine next to the machine platen is ideal. This positioning close to the injection mold allows direct mold tubing from the manifold with short hoses, thus saving on energy costs and hose lines. The supply of the temperature control medium to the manifold is implemented centrally with a large cross-section to optimize the required process parameters of pressure and flow for the mold and to achieve the required temperature control effect. In the case of narrow machines and limited space, the manifolds can also be installed on a mounted frame directly next to the injection molding machine. An optional option for blowing out the temperature control circuits can also be easily solved via the manifold.

The effort required to implement hosing with the aid of the temperature control manifold is therefore low, but the benefits for the process are high. Shorter set-up times and optimized cycle times lead to cost savings for the customer, as do the simple assembly and maintenance of the system. Due to the clear structure of the supply and return lines, errors during hosing are avoided.

Despite increasing demands on plastic parts and increasing digitalization in production, analog water batteries are still frequently used in many injection molding plants, which can only be used up to a maximum of 212 F and without digital connection. In combination with the company’s electronic flow meters, the manifolds can be expanded into a digital temperature control manifold. This contemporary solution for electronic monitoring of temperature control and medium distribution enables maximum process reliability. The modular expandable system consists of the temperature control distributor corresponding to the number of circuits and the required number of sensors with digital IO-Link interface. The modern solution can remove be easily set up for temperatures up to 356 F.

For injection molders, NONNENMANN’s broad product portfolio also includes other components for temperature control such as temperature control hoses, mono couplings and multi couplings.

For more information, visit www.nonnenmann-inc.com.