Systems engineering is an engineering discipline focused on the conception and implementation of technical systems. With more than 20,000 m² of production space, Flühs is one of the leading suppliers of systems engineering for the plumbing industry and building services.
Founded in 1926, Flühs has nearly a century of expertise in turning. Since the mid‑1970s, alongside turned parts, Flühs has also manufactured assemblies for systems engineering. In the development and production of assemblies, we are known for high precision and durable materials, qualities that are valued by customers worldwide. For product inquiries, please contact info@fluehs.de or call +49 2351 975-0.
This article explains the basics of systems engineering.
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that designs and optimizes complex structures and technical systems so that all individual modules or subsystems contribute to the overall system’s performance.
A system in systems engineering is a group of elements that interact to achieve a specific objective or to ensure a defined function. A practical example are turned parts integrated into complex machinery: the machine’s functionality depends on each turned part operating smoothly and interacting correctly with other components. Accordingly, systems engineering focuses on the interaction between assemblies and subsystems. For a system to function, every element must reliably fulfill its intended role. Multiple elements form a component, which, together with other components, becomes part of an assembly.
Systems engineering also considers the entire lifecycle of a system and its assemblies: conception, use, and decommissioning. Before producing a turned part, for example, it is crucial to know the application context, the operating conditions, and the minimum service life it must be designed to achieve.
Systems engineering includes the assembly of components, such as valves and plumbing fixtures, into working units that integrate with the target system (such as a machine or fitting).
Assemblies consist of various individual components that together form a larger system. A simple Flühs example is a turned part equipped with a sealing element. In addition to custom assemblies, we manufacture our own assemblies in valve technology that can be used across different plumbing fixtures.
Valve technology is the design and application of valves for shutting off, throttling, and distributing liquids and gases in pipelines. Like an assembly, a valve essentially comprises a body with inlets and outlets, a control element (such as a cone or ceramic discs), and an actuator (such as a spindle). Flühs offers numerous valve models suitable for the following types of fittings. Flühs valve assemblies can be integrated, from a systems engineering perspective, into a wide range of fittings described below.
Shut‑off valves are devices for isolating liquids or gases in individual lines. They typically consist of a body; a shut‑off element, such as a valve or ball valve, with a seal; an operator (lever, handwheel, etc.); and, where applicable, a spring mechanism. A key example is the Flühs KFR valve, a well‑engineered system solution for shutting off pipelines.
2‑handle faucets regulate flow and temperature via two handles. They generally comprise a faucet body with two controls that actuate the underlying valves, typically lift‑cone valves or ceramic disc valves, with one controlling cold water and the other hot. This setup allows precise control of both flow rate and mixed‑water temperature. For two‑handle sets, we recommend the Flühs Classic or Lifetime headwork.
Single level mixers adjust temperature and flow with a single lever. They usually consist of a faucet body and a handle that actuates the underlying cartridge or valve. The common design uses the lever’s up‑and‑down motion to set the water quantity, and left/right rotation to adjust hot‑ and cold‑water proportions, thus setting outlet temperature. A valve commonly used in single lever mixers is the Flühs Promix.
Thermostatic fittings are mixing valves that maintain a constant mixed‑water temperature mechanically, independent of pressure or water temperature. They typically include a body with a thermostatic valve plus a shut‑off or control valve or a directional control valve (DCV). The thermostatic valve sets temperature, while the shut‑off/flow‑control valve regulates flow and isolation. If multiple outlets (e.g., hand shower and overhead shower) are used, a DCV is added. Flühs Thermostar valves provide precise, reliable temperature control and can be integrated into shower, kitchen, or lavatory fittings.
Self‑closing faucets automatically shut off flow after a defined time. They generally include a body, an operator (lever, handle, or pushbutton), and a valve. The self‑closing mechanism, a spring or pressure mechanism, is either part of the valve or integrated in the operator. The Flühs Lifetime Spring valve shuts off via a spring after the faucet knob is released. An alternative is the Bubbler valve, which opens at the push of a button and then closes automatically via the spring.
Electronically controlled faucets adjust flow, temperature, and (if applicable) outlet distribution electronically. They comprise a body with valves, drive motors, an electronic control unit, and, where applicable, sensors, plus a user interface (pushbuttons, switches, touchscreen) and a power source (mains or battery). The controller drives the motors to actuate each valve; together with sensors (e.g., temperature and flow sensors), it sets the valves so that the user’s selections are executed precisely. The Flühs Progressiv valve, alongside Flühs Lifetime ceramic valves, Thermostar, and Motion diverters, is a common core component in electronically controlled faucets.
Flühs manufactures many products in the field of systems engineering. Here you will find an overview of the most important products.
THEBOX: Flühs electronic mixing unit. THEBOX combines a mechanical Flühs Thermostar thermostatic cartridge for precise temperature control, a durable lifetime valve for flow regulation and shut-off, as well as a Motion 3-way diverter for flexible control of the water flow. The three ultra-smooth valves are specially designed for electronic control with compact and energy-efficient motors.
UNIT: Technically sophisticated – for maximum integration into OEM systems. Flühs Drehtechnik supplies high-precision 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" units for use in three-hole fittings that meet the highest requirements for dimensional accuracy, flow rate and material quality. The valve bodies are optimally designed for use in industrial series production and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
PUSH2RELEASE: Invisible function. Visible design. The Flühs Push2Release (P2R) is an innovative handle adapter that can be combined with all Flühs valve models. Developed for modern in-wall solutions, it meets the highest demands for a minimalist, flush-mounted design. In its initial position, the P2R is completely level with the wall or tile surface and blends seamlessly into a design-oriented bathroom architecture.
S18 COMPLETE: The pre-assembled in-wall solution Flühs Thermostar S18 Complete is based on the proven Thermostar S18 thermostatic valve. The system is integrated into a compact pressed housing and has four connection options that can be individually activated or deactivated as required. Integrated backflow preventers provide additional safety and simplify installation.
S25 COMPLETE: The pre-assembled in-wall solution Thermostar S25 Complete is based on the powerful Flühs Thermostar S25 thermostatic valve. The valve is integrated into a robust pressed-part housing and has four connection options that can be individually activated or deactivated depending on the installation set-up. Backflow preventers are already factory-fitted.
TMM S18: The Thermo-Motion-Modular S18 (TMM) is a fully pre-assembled concealed solution for modern shower systems. It combines the Flühs Thermostar S18 thermostatic valve with the Motion-C 33 control valve. Both valves are integrated into a pressed-part housing and are joined by a connector with a selectable length.
PROMIX DC: The Promix DC single-lever mixer stands for uncompromising reduction in form and function. It is based on the proven Promix 25 and was developed especially for applications where minimalist design is paramount.
SHUT-OFF: This is a wall shut-off valve for shutting off main and secondary supply lines. The valve body acts as a straight-through valve, while the shut-off function is achieved by a Classic or Lifetime headwork (customized headworks can also be used).
Flühs is an experienced manufacturer of systems engineering products in the plumbing industry. Our valve assemblies can be configured to customer‑specific requirements. From the concept stage, we take a holistic approach so the valve can be adapted to multiple installation and usage scenarios. Our Lifetime and Classic headworks can be combined with custom valve bodies, providing a high degree of installation flexibility. Our formula for premium assemblies for systems engineering remains unchanged: high‑grade materials, precise state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing processes, and an in‑house quality‑management system based on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Over 200 patents are the result of our power to innovate, which has been with us for around a century. Flühs is a recognized training company for technical professions with diverse specializations. We are proud that most apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their training.
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