Endstücken

Endstücken is a German term used to denote end pieces that close, terminate, or connect at the ends of components in various technical disciplines. The word is the plural of Endstück and serves as a generic category for end-oriented components rather than a single standardized product. Common forms include Endkappen (end caps) for tubes and hoses, Endstopfen (end plugs) for sealing pipe ends, and Endanschlussstücke (end fittings) that provide mechanical or fluid connections. In electrical and wiring contexts, similar end-term components include ferrules or terminal ends that terminate conductors.

Endstücke fulfill several roles: sealing and protection against contamination or damage, providing a finished appearance to ends, ensuring proper alignment or mounting, and offering a point of attachment to other components. Materials vary by application and include metals (such as steel, aluminum, brass), plastics (PVC, nylon), and elastomers (rubber or silicone). Manufacturing methods encompass turning, milling, casting, extrusion, stamping, and, for plastic parts, injection molding.

Installation methods depend on the specific type: press-fit or slip-on caps, threaded or screwed end fittings, adhesive-bonded plugs, or crimped ferrules. Dimensional tolerances and compatibility with adjoining components are important to guarantee a reliable fit and function.

The term Endstücken is used across industries such as plumbing, mechanical engineering, automotive, electronics, and furniture manufacturing. In German technical writing, Endstücke are distinguished from related terms like Endkappe, Endstopfen, or Endfuß by their particular function and fit.