How to specify pneumatic tubing & fittings?

Get to know the Thread Standards

Tubing OD (outer diameter) and pipe thread varies from each other. A ½” tube fitting doesn’t essentially have a ½“ threaded connection at the contrary end. Let’s take a look at the standard pipe threads, which are:

NPT: National Pipe Taper

BSPP: British Std Pipe Parallel

BSPT: British Std Pipe Taper

NPT has a tapered thread and is mostly commonly used in the US. This fitting has a male thread and uses an NPT standard. Female thread is labelled in a similar manner, but will be labelled with an F instead – NPT(F). Thread sealant in required when NPT fittings are installed, such as Teflon Tape.

BSPT is also known as R-thread and is commonly used in Europe. This fitting particularly requires thread sealant when installed, such as Teflon Tape.

As for BSPP, it’s also known as G-thread. It’s a straight thread but needs to be connected with a typical standardized components. BSPP thread don’t require thread sealant as it has an O-ring for sealing.

Getting Fitting Perfectly

It’s apparent that fittings for connecting tubes and hoses are available in a variety configurations such as compression fitting, barb fitting, plastic or brass push-to-connect fittings such as stainless steel or plated brass, brass threaded fitting and air couplings which are commonly used with hose.

Compression fittings creates a secure connection. It uses a small barrel-shaped piece known as ferrule which slips over the outside diameter of the tube. It’s then compressed between the nut and the other half of the fitting.

On the other hand, Barb Fitting is a simpler way to connect flexible hose or tubing. The tubing is pushed over a barb that is somewhat larger than the inside diameter of the tubing. To secure the tubing tightly, a hose clamp is added to secure it.

Plastic or brass push-to-connect fittings uses thermoplastic with stainless steel tube gripping claws, as well as threaded components made of nickel plated brass. These fittings offers an excellent solution for majority of the applications. These fittings are also highly preferred in wash down applications and high temperature.

Meanwhile, brass threaded fittings is the perfect choice for miscellaneous connections to numerable pneumatic device, but it doesn’t connect to tubing or hoses. As for quick-disconnect air couplings, it’s great for changing tool and hose connections. It’s available in various sizes and materials.  

Do you require pneumatic products for your production line or factory?

EC Pneumatic & Hardware has over 16+ years’ experience in the industry, enabling us to source the right mechanisms for your pneumatic components in Malaysia based on respective requirements. As a primer pneumatic component supplier in Malaysia, our products are of first-class quality & performance, which makes it easy to fit in your desired workflow. We also carry a collection of leading brands and manufacturers in the industry such as SWISH, CKD, Parker, SMC, ASCO, JISAN and heaps more. Check out our offerings of pneumatic products.

If you’re interested in working with EC Pneumatic & Hardware, contact us today.

To place an order or request for a quote, do contact us & our team of experts will get back to you with their professional advice. 

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