Stainless steel tube fittings are available in three basic designs:
- Compression fittings
- Butt weld fittings
- Cone and thread fittings.
These designs are differentiated by their end connections. Each design has its pros and cons. However, these advantages and disadvantages are only classified as positive and negative for specific applications. A compression fitting will slide over the tube. A ferrule design will coin and seal the tube. Butt weld fittings will permanently join the tube. These fittings require welding of the surrounding metal to the tube with the fitting. Lastly, cone and thread stainless steel pipe fittings are sealed through a chamfered and threaded end.
Under Pressure
If you are trying to figure out what fitting is best for your project, you can contact a stainless tube fittings supplier. They can help you to determine which design you need. They may ask you if the stainless steel tube fitting needs low, medium, or high-pressure capacity. For example, medium-pressure applications and high-pressure applications require different fittings. Medium-pressure Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings are not strong enough to withstand high pressures. You can inquire with the supplier company about which stainless steel pipe fitting is best for your project at hand.
The Costs
Stainless steel pipe fittings are relatively affordable. The cost varies between four and twenty dollars per stainless steel pipe fitting. The most commonly used stainless steel pipe fitting is a coupling. A coupling joins two pipes together effortlessly. In some cases, you may need to extend the length of your piping. A coupling is an inexpensive, fast, and reliable fix. Stainless steel is a durable material that will last decades when properly maintained.