Everything You Need to Know About Our Tube Fittings

At Stainless Trading, we take great pride in presenting high-quality, durable products. If you would like to know more about our steel fittings, then keep reading. Below, we answer some of your most-asked questions.

Tube fittings serve as essential parts of piping and tubing systems. They are used to join, secure and regulate the flow of gases or liquids. These crucial elements are essential for maintaining fluid handling systems in a variety of sectors, including plumbing, chemical processing, and food and beverage production.

If you need to link a tube to another component, you would use a fitting to create a leak proof connection. They are available in a wide range of designs to meet your needs, including the following:

1. Threaded,
2. Push-to-connect
3. Flare
4. Compression fittings 

The kind of fitting used will depend on the application. Here is an overview of these popular tube fitting types:

Threaded fittings are screwed in place. Because they are easy to add and remove, they are perfect for use in systems where they would need to be connected and disconnected often.

These fittings are designed to make the installation process easier. They do not require any special tools to install and are great for use in pneumatic systems.

A flare fitting has a tapered end that fits into a tube to produce a secure and watertight seal. It is often the option of choice in air conditioning systems.

These fittings are generally preferred in the plumbing industry and require the compression of a ferrule and nut to produce a seal. They are usually great for use in high-pressure systems.

If you want to ensure that your system remains intact, you’ll need to ensure a reliable seal. Here are a few tips on how to achieve this: 

Select the right type. As mentioned already, there are several different types of tube fittings, each with its own pros and cons. Make sure that you are going for one that will best meet your needs. 

Make sure that it is the right size. Size matters when it comes to tube fittings, so it’s important to get the right one. Check that the fitting matches the pipe because mismatched duos can leave your system with gaps and, ultimately, leaks. 

Tighten it well. It’s also crucial that you tighten your fittings well. However, avoid over tightening a fitting, as this could damage it, leading to leaks.

Use a sealant. There are products on the market that can help you ensure a watertight seal. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using excessive amounts of sealant, as this can interfere with the threads.

Conduct a test. Before operating your system, make sure that you are running a test to determine whether there are any leaks. If you do find any problem areas, be sure to tighten the fittings before testing again.

The truth is that tube fittings are made using various different types of materials. However, we highly recommend stainless steel for a number of reasons. 

Firstly, this metal is known for its incredible strength and resilience. It has high load-bearing capabilities and can withstand high pressures. Moreover, it is resistant to corrosion, which ensures its functionality, even when exposed to harsh chemicals. 

Stainless steel is also the best-suited option for industries where hygiene is critical. This includes the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The metal does not provide a suitable environment for bacteria and will not stain, ensuring many years of faithful use.

Plus, it offers a sleek and modern appearance, making it great for applications where the fitting will be visible. 

However, keep in mind that not all stainless steel fittings are made to the highest quality standards. That’s why you should choose a reliable manufacturer if you want to enjoy these great benefits and more.

Stainless Trading is the leading producer of tube fittings and other steel products in Australia. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! You can call us at 03 8726 9914 or fill out a contact form.