Pneumatic and fluidic systems use all types of components to achieve their design intent. Fittings are the components that connect everything in the system together. It is important for the connections to fit both the mechanical and functional needs of the overall system.
Find out more about pneumatic fittings, their benefits, factors to consider when selecting the right one, and the available types.
What are Fittings?
Pneumatic fittings are components used to connect pipe, tube, and hose sections in pneumatic systems. They can be applied across various applications, including medical devices, analytical equipment, chemical dilution, and biofabrication. Many pneumatic fittings are also used for fluidic and fluid delivery systems such as ink delivery or coffee makers.
While pneumatic fittings may be overlooked in the overall pneumatic system design, they are perhaps one of the most important elements. They connect valves and all other major components and deliver leak-free pneumatic movement.
With so many fittings types available, you need to consider several factors when selecting the right option for your needs:
- Fitting material. Fitting material is crucial in determining gas compatibility and several physical properties of the part. Common fitting materials include stainless steel, brass, and thermoplastic.
- Tubing dimensions. It is best to select the tubing size first, and then select a matching fitting to the tube size.
- Pressure. Pneumatic fittings are often rated for certain operational pressure ranges based on equipment specifications and what it’s designed to do. A good rule of thumb is for the fitting to match or exceed the tubing pressure rating.
- Thread type and base seal type. You have to consider the thread type required for your application. For example, you could need pipe thread, British pipe thread, metric thread, or SAE Straight Thread.
- Approvals required. In some application use cases, you may need to install a fitting which conforms to an industry or safety standard such as NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), MDR (Medical Device Reporting), or FDA.
- Static or Swivel. A swivel fitting can adjust its position after installation which is convenient for assembly. A Static fitting is fixed and cannot be adjusted after installation.
- Special note for barbed fittings – The hoop strength of the tube holds around the barbed fitting. We specify our barb sizes for common applications, but it is also common for fittings to be used outside of their specifications depending on the tubing durometer and thickness.
Types of Fittings Based on Function
At Air Logic, we provide a wide collection of pneumatic fitting types for you to choose from:
Swivel Fittings with Integrated Base Seal
These fittings attach tubing to a threaded hole. The barb and tubing are able to freely rotate from the base, while the integrated sealing bead offers an affordable and convenient seal against the mating component.
Swivel Fittings with O-ring Base Seal
Air Logic’s swivel fittings with an O-ring base fasten tubing to a threaded hole. The O-ring provides a high-quality seal against the mating part, while the barbed connections offer a clean, cost-effective means of connection.
Swivel Fitting Specs:
- For tubing ID ranges in inches: 0.170, 1/16, ⅛, 3/32
- Wetted materials:
- Body: Nylon, PP, PVDF
- Elastomer options: Buna, Silicone, EPDM, or Viton
- Type: Swivel Elbow, Swivel Straight, Swivel Tee
Bulkhead Fittings
Air Logic’s bulkhead fittings create a tubing path through a panel and provide connections on both sides. They are often used as tubing adaptors to change the tubing size inside. Air Logic provides the nuts with every bulkhead fitting.
Specs:
- For tubing ID ranges in inches: 0.170, 0.170 to 1/16, 0.170 to ⅛, 1/16, ⅛, ⅛ to 1/16
- Wetted materials: Nylon, Polypropylene
- Type: Bulkhead
Static Fittings
Static fittings attach tubing to other tubing or threaded connections. Their barbs do not have a parting line to ensure a good seal.
Specs:
- For tubing ID ranges in inches: 0.170, 1/16, ⅛, ⅛ to 1/16
- Wetted materials: Nylon, Polypropylene, Polysulfone, PVDF
- Type: 10-32 Threaded Fitting, Cross, Elbow, Plug, Tee, Union
Pneumatic Fittings from Air Logic
Air Logic offers a full line of pneumatic and vacuum control fittings and equipment. We are committed to excellence and quality, and our Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Each element of our business ensures that Air Logic delivers quality products that meet or exceed our customers’ performance expectations. For more information about our selection of fittings, or for help determining which option is right for your needs, contact us today or request a quote.
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