Multi-Couplings
Nitto Kohki
Nitto Kohki Multi Cupla connect several media lines in a single stroke. Through a common plate, 2 to 24 circuits - air, hydraulic oil, water and electrics combined - are coupled simultaneously and with positional accuracy. This significantly reduces set-up and tool-change times in automation and eliminates mix-ups of individual lines.
The series range from the manual MAM plate through lockable MAM-B versions to the lever-operated MALC and the large MALS/MALT plates for many circuits. Spring centring and floating mounting compensate for positional tolerances; non-spill Cupla elements prevent media loss on disconnection.
Nitto Kohki Multi-Couplings - Multi Cupla plates
| Criterion | Nitto Kohki | Parker | Stäubli | Rectus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. number of circuits | up to 24 | up to 12 | up to 20 | up to 12 |
| Media mixable | air/oil/water/electrics | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Positional compensation | floating mounting | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Locking types | lever/auto/screw | lever/screw | lever/auto | lever |
| Non-spill elements | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Automation suitability | High (MAM-A/MAS) | Medium | High | Medium |
| Series | Type | Circuits / locking | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi Cupla MAM | manual plate | several circuits, manual | base series, flexible |
| Multi Cupla MAM-B | lockable plate | several circuits, locking | secure fixation |
| Multi Cupla MAM-A | automatic plate | automated | for robot/change cells |
| Multi Cupla MAS/MAT | slide/clamp plate | several circuits | fast manual actuation |
| Multi Cupla MALC | lever-clamp plate | many circuits, lever | high clamping force |
| Multi Cupla MALS/MALT | large plate | up to 24 circuits | maximum circuit count |
Typical applications: automatic tool and fixture change, clamping systems and press tooling, robot change cells, test and assembly automation, and anywhere many media lines must be disconnected simultaneously and without mix-ups.
Series in this category compared
Maximum working pressure is the first selection criterion. It decides the series, not the size: a low pressure coupling does not become high pressure capable by choosing a larger bore.
| Series | Max working pressure | Sizes | Shut-off type | Fluids | Body material | Catalogue page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MULTI CUPLA MAS Type / MAT Type and MALC-01 Type | 70 bar | MAS type 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch (R and Rc threads); MAT type M20, M24, M30, M39, M45 thread screw mount; MALC-01 type M14x1 thread screw mount or flange | Two-way shut-off for MAS type and MAT type; One-way shut-off for MALC-01 type | Air, Water, Hydraulic oil | Stainless steel (Nickel plated) - MAS type and MAT type, Socket: Brass (Nickel plated) - MALC-01 type, Plug: Brass (Nickel plated) - MALC-01 type | 131 |
| MULTI CUPLA MAS Type / MAT Type | 70 bar | 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch (MAS type thread); M20, M24, M30, M39, M45 (MAT type thread) | Two-way shut-off | Air, Water, Hydraulic oil | Stainless steel (Nickel plated) | 131 |
| MULTI CUPLA MAM-A Type | 10 bar | 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch for MAM-A Type plates with CUPLA; 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch for individual CUPLA of MAM-A-SP Type; 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch for individual CUPLA of MAM-A-ZEL Type | Two-way shut-off | Air, Water | CUPLA: Brass (Nickel plated), Plate: Aluminum alloy, Locking unit: Steel (Nickel plated) | 119 |
| MULTI CUPLA MAM-B Type | 10 bar | 1/8 inch (8 and 12 port plates), 1/4 inch (6 and 8 port plates) | Two-way shut-off | Air, Water | CUPLA: Brass (Nickel plated), Plate: Aluminum alloy, Locking unit: Steel (Nickel plated) | 115 |
| MULTI CUPLA MAM Type | 7 bar | Rc 1/8 | One-way shut-off (valve on socket side only) | Air | CUPLA : Brass (Chrome plated), Plate : Aluminum alloy (4, 8, 12 ports), Plate : Steel (16 ports), Locking unit : Steel and others | 113 |
| MULTI CUPLA MALC Type | MALC-01 Type: 1.0 MPa {10 kgf/cm2}; MALC | MALC-01 Type: one size; MALC-SP Type: sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12; MALC-HSP Type: sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 | MALC-01 Type: One-way shut-off; MALC-SP Type: Two-way shut-off (Spill Reduction); MALC-HSP Type: Two-way shut-off (Spill Reduction) | Air, Water, Hydraulic oil | MALC-01 Type: Socket Brass (Nickel plated), Plug Brass (Nickel plated), MALC-SP Type: Stainless steel (Socket body: Nickel plated), MALC-HSP Type: Special steel (Nickel plated) | 133 |
The four shut-off types
The shut-off type decides what happens on disconnection. It is the second criterion and depends on whether the line is under pressure when it is parted and how much fluid may escape.
Choosing a coupling in five steps
- Fix the fluid and the operating temperature, which gives the seal material.
- Determine the maximum working pressure, which gives the pressure class and the series.
- Choose the shut-off type: one-way, two-way, valveless or flat face.
- Fix the end connection and size: hose barb, male thread, female thread or tube fitter.
- Choose the body material for the fluid and the environment, then order plug and socket as a pair.
This page is based on the Nitto Kohki general catalogue Quick Connect Couplings C01en-b, 190 pages. The complete catalogue is available for download on this page.
