Fittings & Couplings

Three more new technical documents have recently been published by ISO and are now available from the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), dealing with hydraulic flange connections and electrohydraulic valves....More

Industrial and laboratory OEM designers are constantly being challenged to come up with more versatile, user-friendly, light weight and cost-effective product solutions for their equipment and instrumentation. An important component in this design process is the selection of tubing connectors for the transfer and management of compressed air and other fluids, particularly for mission-critical applications....More

Rotating joints transmit fluid from multiple circuit lines through a single manifold that rotates continuously. Not surprisingly, then, they are often referred to as rotating manifolds. In general, fluid enters ports in the stationary half of the manifold and exits through ports on the other half, which rotates with the machine. A rotary seal between the two halves contains the pressurized fluid, yet allows relative rotation between the halves. Ball bearings at either end keep the two halves aligned under load and allow high-speed rotation....More

SAE 316 stainless steel fittings are used in most of the toughest hydraulic applications because of their high corrosion resistance, especially at high temperatures. But some applications can push the limits of stainless steels. SSP Fittings, Cleveland, recently adopted Expanite, a proprietary process to improve the corrosion resistance of their stainless steel components. However, the process also produces additional benefits. The lower friction exhibited by the finish means less make-up torque is needed for installation....More