tubeandfitting

Tube and fitting is a broad category of components used to connect tubes and piping to form fluid or gas handling systems. The term covers tubes themselves and the fittings that join them, provide redirects or branching, and create sealed joints. They are manufactured in metal and plastic and are used across plumbing, heating, cooling, chemical processing, and instrumentation sectors.

Tubes may be metal (stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, brass) or plastic (PVC, CPVC, PEX, polyethylene, nylon). Fittings come in corresponding materials and a range of connection types, including compression, flare, soldered/brass, threaded, push-to-connect, crimp, and welded joints. Some fittings are designed to join dissimilar materials or to accommodate changes in size or direction.

Connection methods determine sealing and strength. Compression fittings use ferrules to squeeze a metal sleeve around the tube; flare fittings rely on a flare seating; soldered or welded joints create a continuous metal path; threaded fittings seal with joining threads and, often, thread sealant; push-to-connect fittings lock tubing with an internal grip and an elastomeric seal; crimp fittings use external ferrules and a crimping tool.

Standards and quality: Tube and fitting components are manufactured to industry standards to ensure compatibility and performance. Standards from ISO, ASTM, DIN, and other bodies specify materials, tolerances, pressure ratings, and testing requirements.

Applications and selection: They are used in plumbing, HVAC, automotive, chemical processing, and medical devices. Selection factors include pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, vibration, ease of assembly and maintenance, and the intended lifecycle. Suppliers organize products by material, size, and connection type.