Manifold Thermocouple Sensor for Temperature Measurement

A. Product Overview

A manifold thermocouple is a low-profile temperature sensor used for measuring temperature in hot runner systems, manifolds, moulds, machined parts and industrial equipment. It is specially designed for applications where the sensing tip needs to be inserted directly into a drilled hole or press fitted into a grooved channel.

This thermocouple is commonly used where space is limited and accurate temperature monitoring is required close to the heating zone. The compact metal tip allows direct contact with the measuring point, which helps improve response time and measurement reliability.

The sensor is available in different thermocouple types such as J Type, K Type and T Type, and RTD options can also be provided based on application requirements. It can be supplied with grounded or ungrounded junction, different cable lengths and insulation options such as stainless steel braided, Teflon, fiberglass and Kapton.

Typical specifications include a 4 mm tip diameter, 12 mm to 15 mm tip length, 1 meter to 10 meter wire length and operating temperature range up to 350°C or higher depending on construction and insulation selection.

B. Working Principle

A manifold thermocouple works on the thermoelectric principle. It contains two different metal wires joined together at the sensing junction. When this junction is exposed to heat, it generates a small voltage signal.

This voltage changes according to the temperature at the sensing point. The signal is then sent to a temperature controller, indicator, PLC or monitoring system, where it is converted into a temperature reading.

In hot runner and manifold applications, the metal sensing tip is inserted into a drilled hole, brass block, flow-through fitting, T-piece, Y-piece or grooved channel. As the surrounding metal or fluid temperature changes, the thermocouple junction detects the change and provides feedback for temperature control.

Grounded junction thermocouples provide faster response because the sensing junction is connected to the metal sheath. Ungrounded junction thermocouples provide better electrical isolation and are useful where electrical noise or signal interference may be a concern.

C. Why It Is Used

Manifold thermocouples are used because they provide accurate and fast temperature measurement in compact and difficult-to-access locations. In hot runner systems and moulding machines, temperature control is very important for maintaining product quality, material flow and process stability.

They are useful for:

Maintaining proper temperature in hot runner manifolds
Monitoring mould and machined part temperature
Improving plastic flow consistency
Reducing overheating and underheating issues
Supporting accurate temperature control in confined spaces
Providing fast response through direct metal tip contact
Allowing installation in drilled holes and grooved channels
Helping prevent production defects caused by poor temperature control

This type of thermocouple is preferred where standard probes are too large or difficult to install.

D. Suitable Buyers

Manifold thermocouples are suitable for:

Plastic injection moulding machine users
Hot runner system manufacturers
Mould manufacturers and mould maintenance teams
Plastic processing industries
Packaging machine manufacturers
Machine builders and OEMs
Industrial maintenance teams
Temperature controller panel builders
Process automation suppliers
Spare parts dealers for plastic machinery
Engineering companies working with heated manifolds and machined parts

This product is especially useful for buyers who need compact temperature sensors for hot runner manifolds, mould cavities, brass blocks, drilled holes, grooved channels and low-space industrial installations.

FAQ

1. What is a manifold thermocouple?

A manifold thermocouple is a compact temperature sensor used for measuring temperature in manifolds, hot runner systems, moulds, drilled holes and machined parts.

2. Where is a manifold thermocouple used?

It is used in hot runner systems, plastic injection moulding machines, moulds, manifolds, flow fittings, T-pieces, Y-pieces and industrial machinery where compact temperature measurement is required.

3. Why is it called a hot runner thermocouple?

It is called a hot runner thermocouple because it is commonly used in hot runner moulding systems to monitor and control the temperature of the manifold and heating zones.

4. What thermocouple types are available?

Common options include J Type, K Type and T Type thermocouples. RTD Pt100 options can also be supplied depending on application requirements.

5. What is the typical temperature range?

The temperature range can be around 35°C to 600°C depending on thermocouple type, cable insulation and construction. Some models are suitable for use up to 350°C.

6. What is the standard tip size?

A common tip size is 4 mm diameter with 12 mm or 15 mm length. Custom tip sizes can be supplied based on machine or mould design.

7. Can the cable length be customized?

Yes, manifold thermocouples can be supplied with different cable lengths such as 1 meter, 2 meter, 5 meter and up to 10 meter depending on requirement.

8. What cable insulation options are available?

Common cable insulation options include fiberglass, stainless steel braided, Teflon and Kapton. Selection depends on temperature, flexibility and application environment.

9. What is the difference between grounded and ungrounded junction?

Grounded junction gives faster response because the sensing point is connected to the sheath. Ungrounded junction provides electrical isolation and is better for applications where signal noise may affect measurement.

10. Can manifold thermocouples be used in drilled holes?

Yes, they are specially designed for installation in drilled holes, press-fit channels and grooved paths along machined parts.

11. Are manifold thermocouples suitable for plastic machinery?

Yes, they are widely used in plastic injection moulding machines, hot runner systems and mould temperature monitoring applications.

12. Can this thermocouple be supplied with a brass block?

Yes, manifold thermocouples can be supplied with a brass block, stainless steel tip and fiberglass insulated stainless steel braided cable as per application requirement.