Multi couplings
Nitto Kohki Pneumatic Solutions
Nitto Kohki multi-couplings connect several pressure lines simultaneously in a single action, significantly reducing changeover time on machines with multiple fluid or compressed air connections. The Multi Cupla series differ in material (brass, stainless steel), seal (NBR, FKM), connection type (free plug, flange mounted) and pressure class. All series follow the same principle of a locking-secured simultaneous coupling: one connection action seals all channels leak-free.
Multi Cupla MAM TypeMulti-line quick coupling, standard type steel/NBR
Multi Cupla MAM-B TypeCompact multi-coupling, size B
Multi Cupla MAM-A TypeType A, lighter locking action
Multi Cupla MAS/MATMulti-coupling hose end and threaded type
Multi Cupla MALCBrass/NBR and SUS/FKM, nominal sizes 01-8
Multi Cupla MALS/MALTHigh-pressure multi-coupling, stainless steel
| Series | Material | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| MAM Type | Steel/NBR | General compressed air and gases, standard application |
| MAM-A / MAM-B | Steel/NBR | More compact envelope, lighter locking action |
| MAS / MAT | Steel/NBR | Hose barb and threaded connection types |
| MALC | Brass/NBR, SUS/FKM | Compressed air and corrosive media, sizes 01-8 |
| MALS / MALT | SUS | Higher pressure, cleanroom, aggressive media |
Typical applications: Rapid tooling and fixture changeover on machining centres and robot cells with multiple compressed air and fluid channels, test rigs with parallel media lines, semiconductor and electronics production with cleanroom requirements (stainless variants), and chemical process plants requiring corrosion-resistant materials and FKM seals.
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.
