Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Matching Fitting Materials to System Media

Selecting the right pneumatic fittings and hydraulic fittings depends heavily on the media flowing through your lines. Standard pneumatic systems using compressed air typically rely on nickel-plated brass, polyurethane (PU) tubing, and nitrile rubber (NBR) seals. If your system runs water alongside air, ensure your push-to-connect air & water fittings are rated for both media to prevent internal corrosion.

• Polyurethane (PU) tubing: Highly flexible with excellent abrasion resistance, ideal for standard 0-10 bar pneumatic lines.
• Nickel-plated brass and brass: Provide excellent structural integrity and corrosion resistance for air compressor fittings and quick couplers.
• Nitrile Rubber (NBR) seals: The industry standard for air and common hydraulic oils, offering reliable sealing up to standard operating limits.

Verifying Thread Standards and Pressure Limits

Mixed thread standards cause the majority of connection leaks in industrial fluid power. You must match your port threads precisely, whether they are BSP (British Standard Pipe), NPT (National Pipe Thread), or metric. For pneumatic components, common sizes like G1/4 ports or 1/8 inch NPT require exact matching.

• Thread Verification: Never force a BSP male thread into an NPT female port; the thread pitches differ and will fail under pressure.
• Sizing Tubing: Match the tube outer diameter (OD) exactly to your push-to-connect fitting sizes, typically ranging from 4mm to 12mm.
• Pressure Thresholds: Ensure your chosen air compressor pressure switch and regulators match your system limits, such as standard 90-120 PSI automatic operation.

Choosing Hoses and Crimping Systems for High-Pressure Lines

While pneumatic systems usually operate under 10 bar using push-to-connect setups, hydraulic systems demand high-pressure hydraulic hose and permanent fittings. If you assemble lines in-house, investing in a reliable hydraulic hose crimping machine is critical. This machinery secures hydraulic hose fittings permanently to the hose end, preventing dangerous blowouts. Always verify that your hydraulic components, hoses, and crimpers are system-compatible before assembly.