We talk about the most common materials used to make hydraulic fittings and the biggest fitting categories. We also discuss important considerations when choosing the right fitting.
The hydraulic hose fittings are the pipe fittings that are used to connect hoses, pipes and tubes to the cylinders, valves, pumps, and other components of the hydraulic applications and systems. Fittings are really small parts but can have a great impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the hydraulic systems as well as safety and reliability.
Materials Used to Make Hose Fittings
Hoses and fittings are available in different styles and materials depending on the type of application they are used. The most commonly used fittings are available in steel, brass, plastic, and stainless steel. The hydraulic fittings are also available in aluminum as well but they are not used commonly.
Steel Fittings:
Steel fittings are made by a combination of iron with other elements to make it more durable and heat resistant, for instance, carbon steel can tolerate a temperature range from -65°F to 500°F.
Brass Fittings:
Brass has greater strength and durability as compared to stainless steel. They provide a leak-proof seal and can operate under pressure up to 3000 psi, however, lower pressure is recommended for the fittings made from brass.
Plastic Fittings:
They are usually not considered suitable for hydraulic systems because they have lower strength and durability. It has good resistance to corrosion and is lower cost.
Stainless Steel Fittings:
They are great and considered suitable for high pressure, as well as high-temperature applications. They can operate in temperatures ranging from -425°F to 1200°F. They have excellent resistance to corrosion in extreme environmental conditions and are durable.
Aluminum Fittings:
They are corrosion resistant and lighter in weight as compared to steel. They are usually used in automotive industries.
Categories of Hydraulic Hose Fittings:
There are two categories of hydraulic hose fittings:
Permanent/Fixed Crimp Fittings - They are the most commonly used fitting but they require the use of a crimping machine in order to connect them to the hose.
Field Attachable Fittings - They are suitable if it is difficult to get hold of a crimper and they are compatible with the hose.
There are a few things that need consideration when selecting the hydraulic hose fittings:
Application
It is important to consider the type of hydraulic application it is to be used.
Size
Determining the size required for the hydraulic system is important because the wrong size will not be able to connect to the hose.
Pressure Tolerance
It is a very important factor to consider. How much pressure can be tolerated by the fitting you are selecting? In case of wrong selection, it can result in cracks, and leaks. O-ring seals are highly recommended to provide a leak-proof and reliable seal.
Vibration
Vibration can affect the operation and can result in damage and leakages. If the hydraulic system has a pressure that is expected to cause vibration it is important to check and inspect areas that might be prone to damage and leakages frequently.
Temperature
Another important factor to consider is the temperature tolerance. The temperature range for tube fittings is dependent on the material and seal. It is important because there are hydraulic systems that are operating at extremely high temperatures or extremely low temperatures, so, if the fitting is not recommended for extremely high temperatures or low temperatures, it can cause breakdowns and leakages.
Chemical Compatibility
The fittings should not only be compatible with the hose but also with the liquid, fluid, or gas that is to be transmitted from the hydraulic system because if this fact is not considered it may result in explosion, fire, or toxic fumes.
So, it is important to consider all the above-mentioned things in order to make the right choice and avoid any mishaps. Also make sure to check and inspect the hydraulic system frequently.
Different types of Hydraulic Fittings available in the market are:
Crimp Fittings:
The hydraulic crimp fittings are mostly easy to attach and are widely used in a permanent or fixed installation. The hydraulic crimp fittings include U Series, Parker Series, W Series, and JJ Style Hose-ends. They are designed precisely according to the industrial standards, these hydraulic hoses and fittings are suitable to work in a high-pressure environment.
Crimp U series/Standard- The crimp "U" Series hydraulic hose end fittings are lightweight hydraulic hose fittings that tightly crimp on to the cover of hydraulic hoses to form a secure compression connection.
Crimp "P" Series - The Parker series hose end fittings include the hydraulic hose fittings for Parker’s 43 Series and 71 Series that is considered ideal for use on any variable crimper or Parker brand crimper.
Crimp "W" Series (Bite to Wire) - Crimp "W" series hose end fittings are designed to work well with braided as well as spiral hoses. These fittings include flareless compression male hose ends, NPTF female pipe rigid hose ends, NPSM female pipe swivel hose ends, and many more.
Spiral Hose Ends - "JJ" Style Series (Skive) - The Spiral hose ends are high pressure "JJ" style series (skive) hose ends which includes JIC female swivel hose ends, JIC male rigid hose ends, and O-ring face seal (ORFS) hose fittings. These hose ends are corrosion resistant and promise great performance for years down the line.
Stainless Steel Hose Ends - They are high-quality stainless steel fittings including HY series crimp, 43 series crimp, BW series crimp, quick connect fittings, and more, which makes them highly corrosion resistant.
Stainless Steel 43 Hose Ends - The 43 Series hydraulic fittings are bite to the wire stainless hose fittings that can be used with a large number of braided hydraulic hoses. These hoses include SAE 100R2, R1, R16, R17, and 2SC.
Stainless Steel BW Hose Ends - The BW Series is a highly versatile bite to the wire fittings that can be used on both braided hydraulic hoses as well as some spiral hoses.
Stainless Steel HY Hose Ends - The HY Series fittings are cost-effective and permanent fittings that are easy to install and allows quick hose assemblies with Parker’s crimpers. The HY Series fittings are conveniently connected in a shorter time.
Reusable
The reusable hose ends used in different kinds of hydraulic hose assemblies allow secured transmission of the hydraulic fluid in the piping system and the high-pressure hoses and hose connectors handle the pressure generated during this process. These hydraulic hose ends employ an easy installation mechanism and, unlike other fittings, they do not demand crimping. The reusable hose ends are available in different models like SAE 100R2AT Reusable Hose Fittings, SAE 100R5 Reusable Hose Fittings, SAE 100R1AT Reusable Hose Fittings and many more.
Barbed Hose Ends
The high-quality push lock hose ends are easy to attach with assembly hoses and are appropriate for high, medium, as well as low-pressure applications in oil and water lines. There are Push Lock Barbs and Beaded (Barbed) Hose Ends.
Cam & Groove
The cam & groove fittings are available in aluminum, stainless steel, polypropylene, and brass materials. These hose fittings and adapters are of high quality and durable.
Specialty Hose Ends
The specialty hose ends are used for less common hose applications such as for beaded, ultra-high pressure (no skive), refrigerant, Teflon stainless, suction, and JJ style skive high-pressure hose ends. They include Ultra High-Pressure No Skive, Textile Cover Hose Ends (R5), Thermoplastic Hose Ends, and Hose Ends for Stainless Hose.
Hose Clamps
Hose clamps are used to seal a hose and a fitting together. They are used to attach a hose on a barb or nipple.
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