Today, industrial machines and industrial equipment are outlined and manufactured in every area of the world. The hydraulic systems that help make the machines and equipments we use on a regular basis use a variety of adapters and fittings. The adapters and fittings that help make the machines will also use a variety of thread forms and sealing methods.
While it may be easy for many people to identify the sealing method that has been used by the appearance, thread forms may not be as easy to identify. Thread forms are not as easy to identify as the sealing method because the majority of them will look the same. When one attempts to identify thread forms, it can turn out to be a laborious process that takes up a significant amount of time.
On the other hand, identifying a fitting can be done with ease. An elimination process can be used to determine the type of fitting that was used.
What Type of Fitting are You Using?
A hydraulic hose fitting can be permanent or it can be reusable. A permanent hydraulic hose fitting is used often in the fluid power industry. This type of hose fitting is used so often in this industry because of the ease of use and the ability to quickly attach, especially compared to a reusable fitting. Permanent hydraulic hose fittings can also be viewed as being more reliable than reusable hydraulic hose fittings.
Reusable hydraulic hose fittings are not permanently attached to the hydraulic hose. A reusable hydraulic hose end does not require an attachment to the hydraulic hose. When a reusable hydraulic hose is used, a collar will be placed over the end of the hose. After the placement of the collar, a stem will be threaded into the collar and this will create an even seal. The hydraulic hose fitting can be tightened using tools or the hose fitting can be tightened using one’s hand.
Reusable hydraulic hose fittings are not used as often today due to many viewing this type of technology as old. One can identify a reusable fitting because of the way it fits. A reusable fitting will fit easily onto a hose by using a clamp or a wrench. Reusable hydraulic hose fittings will generally cost more than permanent hose fittings, and the assembly process is generally longer.
What Type of Connections are You Using?
The type of hydraulic fittings you use will not be the same. The fittings will vary based on the type of thread, the size, and the layout. However, there are some common types of hose fittings: thread interface, mated angle, and O-ring.
A thread interface connection has a male and a female thread. When the two sides are held together by a threaded connection, the tapered threads will become impaired and pressure will be applied. After the pressure is applied, a seal will be formed.
When a mated angle coupling is used, a seal is formed when the female and male couplings are screwed together. Hose fittings that use an angle seat will have a parallel thread or a straight thread. There is more than one type of O-ring seal design, and they are as follows: O-ring flange, O-ring seal, and O-ring boss.
The togetherness and the strength of a hose assembly will heavily depend upon the fittings and the components. It is also important that the assembly meets the necessary guidelines and requirements. This should be the case regardless of where the designing and the manufacturing took place. It is important to inspect fittings and hoses to ensure a secure connection exists.
We know it can be difficult to identify and choose a hydraulic fitting, and this is where we step in to help. If you want to learn more about choosing a hydraulic fitting, please do not hesitate to contact us today.