AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees, union straight fittings, union […]
When to use (or not use) BSPT fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’re not terribly familiar with hydraulic fittings, you may think BSPT is a typo. Is it supposed to be BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) or perhaps NPT (National Pipe Thread)? No, it’s not a typo – we’re actually talking about British Standard Pipe Taper, which is the version of […]
Holmbury grows with expanded lab and office space
Holmbury Inc. recently hosted an open house, to highlight the growth the company has made in the past several years at its U.S. headquarters in Eastlake, Ohio. The manufacturer of flat face couplings has nearly doubled its space, expanding with two extra suites to the south and north of its original space. In the southern […]
What is the proper torque for hose assemblies?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When installing hydraulic hose assemblies, if tight is good, then tighter is better, right? To be sure a hydraulic hose never accidentally loosens during operation, should we get the biggest pry bar we can find to help lock that hose fitting in for good? Not precisely — torquing your hose […]
What’s in the cards for leakage?
Will hydraulics ever get past the leakage issue? I’ve heard people discuss this question countless times over the three decades that I’ve worked in and written about the technology. Time and time again, people bash this useful technology because of perceived problems with leakage. I have encountered this negative talk on factory floors, in educational…
When should you use reusable hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings, also known as hose ends, are critical components of hydraulic systems as they connect hoses to the system’s various fluid ports at the pumps, valves and actuators. There are two primary styles for hose end fittings: permanent crimped-on and field-serviceable screw-on, also known as reusable hose ends. This […]
A review of hydraulic fittings and flanges
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Improper selection or improper use of hoses, tubing, fittings, and assemblies can result in machine failures, leaks, personal injury, or even property damage if the failure is catastrophic. Understanding your plumbing standard chosen for your hydraulic system, and following the generally accepted installation standards reduces the chance of failure and […]
What are hydraulic couplers?
Hydraulic quick couplers are indispensable tools in various industries that rely on hydraulic systems. They play a crucial role in connecting and disconnecting hydraulic hoses and attachments swiftly and efficiently. These couplers provide a secure and leak-free connection, allowing for seamless fluid transfer in hydraulic systems. Typically made of durable materials like steel or brass, […]
Kurt Hydraulics introduces stainless steel couplings
Kurt Hydraulics has introduced a new lineup of stainless-steel couplings for applications ranging from marine hydraulics to food production and medical processes to fertilizer and chemical handling or other tough applications requiring wash downs. Kurt Hydraulics stainless-steel couplings are manufactured from high carbon grade 316 SS with high nickel and chromium content, which provides resistance […]
How can metric fittings provide hydraulic system leak protection?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We use metric fittings to connect and seal hydraulic valves, pumps or actuators to their respective plumbing in a metric-based circuit. They prevent leaks in hydraulic systems by providing a leak-free seal at the component’s fluid port. There are several types of metric fittings, including compression fittings, flare fittings, bite-type […]
What are the different standards for metric hydraulic fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Several standards for metric hydraulic fittings exist, including DIN 2353, ISO 8434-1, ISO 6149-1, and BS EN ISO 12151-2. Each of these standards has its unique features and specifications, which are essential to know. They ensure that the fittings used in hydraulic systems meet the required standards and are compatible […]
How do you install metric fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are no secrets here, but installing metric hydraulic fittings depends on the type of fitting being used. You will need several tools to install them. Generally, you will need various wrenches, a hose cutter (if you’re making metric hose assemblies), a deburring tool, and, in some cases, thread sealant. […]
What are metric hydraulic fittings and how do you specify them?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor I vividly remember visiting my stepfather’s auto shop as a kid, where he’d worked on what was primarily American iron. Being the 80s, most vehicles were American-made, so his familiarity with imperial nuts, bolts and tools was understandable. When Japanese cars permeated the market, he was ill-prepared in both knowledge […]
NPT Series of quick couplings from Oleocon Hydraulic
The NPT Series of quick couplings offered by Turkish manufacturer, Oleocon Hydraulic, features flat surfaces that are easy to clean. Thus, the entry of extraneous particles into the hydraulic system is minimized. Other benefits include: • imperviousness at minimum levels and is environmentally sensitive • by keeping the air inlet at minimum levels during connection, […]
When should you use permanent hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings (also called hose ends) are crimped or threaded onto either end of a hydraulic hose assembly and provide the technician with an interface to connect the system’s conduits. Hose end fittings come in two primary styles; field-serviceable screw-on and permanent crimped-on. This article discusses when you should use […]
The case for push-to-connect pneumatic fittings in industrial automation
Contributed by John Joyce • Global Marketing Director, Brennan Industries Industrial automation requires a high level of performance while enhancing safety, saving time, boosting quality, and lowering costs. Pneumatics is used heavily in automation to provide gripping, clamping, pick-and-place, and more. As a result, reliable, efficient, and leak-free systems are imperative. Pneumatic fittings […]
Hydraulic fittings and couplings trend toward safety
Hydraulic fittings and couplings are often overlooked in mobile machinery design, yet they play a critical role in any fluid power system. In extremely high-pressure hydraulic applications, a leak or accidental disconnection can cause serious personal injury or damage to machinery. Therefore, machine builders must select fittings of the correct size, material, pressure and temperature […]
What are SAE flanges?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Permanent plumbing connections, such as those piped or welded, offer the most reliable form of connection for your hydraulic system. But, of course, when the connection is neither flexible (like a hose) nor detachable (like a weld), you have little reason ever to remove the plumbing until you change the […]
When should you use banjo hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There isn’t much in the fluid power world taking a unique spin on a familiar concept. Pumps, valves and actuators operate and look much the same as decades ago, especially if you ignore electronic advancements. Hydraulic components like the internal gear pump and electrohydraulic actuator are certainly worth your time […]
Supplier expertise helps make hydraulic test stand vision a reality
Collaboration is key between customers and their manufacturers and distributors, as a recent custom build from Power Drives Inc., a manufacturer and distributor specializing in industrial fluid transference and filtration, shows. A long-term customer of the Tonawanda, N.Y. PDI Express Hose Center had come in with a new project to tackle: A hydraulic snowplow cylinder […]
Dayco expands hydraulics hose and couplings line in North America
Dayco, an engine products and drive systems specialist for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket sectors, is rounding out its hydraulic offering with the expansion of its KWIK-FLEX product line, a competitively priced line that was only available on a limited basis in Canada. KWIK-FLEX now includes more comprehensive coverage for the most popular types and […]
FEM quick couplings for working pressures up to 350 bar
Parker Hannifin has launched the new optimized FEM Quick Coupling Series which offers an increased working pressure up to 350 bar and a decreased pressure drop for better flow properties. The revised and updated FEM and FEC series have profiles corresponding to ISO 16028 and exceed the technical requirements in the ISO 16028 specifications. They […]
How to find the right fittings for your hydraulic system
With a myriad of choices available, it is critical you fully understand your system needs before choosing your hydraulic fittings. Contributed by John Joyce, Marketing Director, Brennan Industries Inc. Making the shift to connections with elastomeric O-ring seals is the focus in today’s fluid power industry. But before following everyone’s lead, it’s important you understand […]