Abstract: A thermoplastic material spreading head including: a valve having a movable needle and a needle cup; a first duct for feeding fluid thermoplastic material to the valve; a second duct, connected in fluid communication to cup; the needle being movable in the body between an open position allowing passage of thermoplastic material flow from the first duct to the second duct, and a closed position in which the needle interferes with the cup to arrest the thermoplastic material flow; an actuating and detecting intake for selective positioning of the needle, for injection in the intake of a pressurized actuation fluid adapted to move the needle at least to the open position; and a pressure sensor arranged on the intake to sense the pressure of the pressurized actuation fluid and provide a confirmation of the position of the needle at least in the open condition.