Industrial Fittings by Materials

The manufacture of hydraulic and pneumatic fittings uses many different materials. Metals and alloys, plastic and nylon are all used, depending on the application.

Aluminium

PIPES ALUMINIUMProperties of Aluminium

Aluminium is the third most common element on earth and the second most widely used metal in the world. This makes it relatively cheap.

It is a low-density, low-weight, but high strength material. Additionally, it is malleable and ductile. What’s more, it is eco-friendly because it is easily recyclable.

Aluminium has good resistance to corrosion and solvents. A good conductor of heat and electricity, it is useful for conveying flammable solvents.

Alloying aluminium with elements such as zinc, magnesium, silicon or copper increases its strength and hardness.

Uses of Aluminium

A large number of products use aluminium, including: transport (automobiles, planes, and trains), packaging (cans and foil), bicycles, construction (windows, doors and frames) as well as wiring and plumbing.

Aluminium Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

Manifolds, Couplings, Pipes, Pipe wrenchesTube clampsHandlesSocket railsOutletsAir Preparation Systems  – Filter regulators, Lubricators, Air Filters and  DSNUP cylinders.
We also sell a number of aluminium tools including: Hacksaws, Impact Wrenches, Angle grinders, Screwdrivers, Air hammers, Tyre inflators, Tube benders.


Brass

Properties of Brass

FITTINGS BRASSBrass is an alloy of copper and zinc, which sometime includes lead. It is a very versatile metal, but is generally more expensive than other materials.

Brass fittings are strong and durable. They are long lasting and remain in good condition longer than most other materials. Hot and cold temperature ductility, corrosive resistance does not rust.

Brass is an easily recyclable, non-ferrous metal.

Uses of Brass

Brass can convey water, gases and chemicals. It is used in plumbing as it can tolerate high temperatures.

It is used in Locks, gears, tools, trophies, weapons and zippers. Conductive so used for speaker wire.
Brass is used to make musical instruments as it is lightweight, flexible and the gold colour makes it appealing.

Brass Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

Couplings – including Valves, Compression fittings, Ball valves, Tube fittings, Ferrules and Silencers.


Malleable Iron

Properties of Malleable Iron

FITTINGS MALLEABLE IRONMalleable iron is a heat treated iron carbon alloy. It is often used instead of steel as it is cheaper.

It is a very strong metal with a high resistance to wear and strong shock resistance. Also high heat and pressure resistant.

Does not rust easily when zinc coated.

Uses of Malleable Iron

Malleable iron is used for parts in transport industry and in the construction of railways tracks.
It is used in heating, cooling and safety systems and gas industry and in solar heating systems.

Malleable iron is also used in machine production and for small castings.

Because of its reliability it is used in petrol stations for petrol and diesel pipes. 

Malleable Iron Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

Banded black and galvanised and beaded matt black and galvanised steel pipe fittings

Pipe work accessories in black and galvanised finishes including elbows, runs and tees.


Steel and Stainless Steel

Properties of Steel

INDUSTRIAL PIPES FLANGES STEELWhat is the difference?
Both are metal alloys. Steel is made by combining iron with between 0.02%-1.7% carbon; whereas stainless steel combines iron with around 10%-30% chromium. Other elements can be added such as copper, aluminium, nickel, titanium and manganese depending on what the steel is going to be used for.

Uses of Steel

Different types of steel are created using differing amounts of carbon and other elements. The mixture depends on what the steel is required for.

Steel is liable to rust when exposed to air. However, stainless steel rusts very slowly and is anti-corrosive, so is used for surgical equipment, cookware and other applications where hygiene is important.

Stainless steel does not rust and is easy to manufacture. It is also quite strong but not as strong as steel. But is more susceptible to galling.

It is strong and malleable. Durable and thermally conductive.

Steel Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

Numerous stainless steel fittings including: ball and check valves, single and double ferule compression fittings, flanges, instrument pipe fittings, push-in fittings and pipe fittings.

As well as Manifolds, Tubes and Process Filters.

Steel fittings include: Compressor Couplings, Forged Flanges, HT sets and Ball Valves.


Copper

Properties of Copper

copper fittings and tubesThere are two types of copper: soft and rigid. Soft copper manufacture uses the annealing process. Heat treatment alters the physical properties of the metal, making it softer and more flexible.

Copper is very useful as it readily forms alloys with other metals such as brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin).

Copper’s high malleability allows for easy shaping into pipes. High ductility allows it to be stretched into copper wiring.

It is non-magnetic, a good electrical conductor and heat transfer.

Also durable and resistant to corrosion so it does not get rusty.

As copper is a natural material it is easy to recycle.

Uses of Copper

The principal use of copper is for plumbing, especially for household water supplies, boiler feed lines, and refrigeration. The copper used in pipe is usually pure copper but sometimes mixed with phosphorous.

As it is ductile and a good heat conductor is also used in electrical wiring.

Copper Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

Copper Tubing – Soft Copper, and Half Hard Copper, Plumbing Tube and PVC Coated Tubing

Fittings for use with copper pipes including: Clips and Washers, Compression Rings and Nuts, Plug Cocks, Nozzles.


Plastic

Properties of Plastic

CLEAR PLASTIC TUBING HYDRAULICSThere are a number of types of plastics both natural and synthetic. Each plastic has a different use depending on its properties and density.

Synthetic plastics include: Polyurethane, PVC, Polyamide (Nylon) and MDPE, LDP(E), LLDPE, PFTE (polyethylenes).

Plastic is a lightweight material that does not rust or corrode so it is suitable for use underground or outdoors. It is also low maintenance and very flexible when compared to metal piping.

Low thermal and electrical conductivity so heat resistant.

Easy identification when dyed different colours to signify different uses.

Uses of Plastic

Because it does not contain any water soluble elements, plastic is an excellent material for the storage and transportation of water, especially mains and drinking water. In addition, due to its ability to resist heat, handles for valves and other fittings often use plastic in their manufacture.

Heating and plumbing systems, as well as waste and irrigation, use plastic.

Industrial applications that do not necessarily use water, such as food and gas, also rely on plastic.

Plastic Products sold by Industrial Ancillaries

ABS Fittings, UPVC Fittings, Caps and plugs, Silencers, ClipsHandles, Blowguns, Hose and Tubing and Tube Coatings.