Tube fittings are essential for maintaining a consistent, leak-free flow path in pipes and hydraulic systems. Depending on the equipment, your worksite may use flareless or flared tube fittings to get the proper sealant. So, when is the best time to use these different tube fittings?
Below, we’ll discuss flared vs. flareless tube fittings, how they differ, and how you can get quality hydraulic fittings and valves from Hy-Lok Canada!
What Is the Difference Between Flared and Flareless Fittings?
Both flared and flareless fittings are essential for fluid control systems, but what sets them apart? While these two fittings serve a similar purpose, they can’t be switched out for each other. Let’s break down their differences below:
Flared Fittings
Flared fittings feature tapered end connectors that fit into a tapered (or ‘flared’) tube and are secured with a threaded nut. This design allows workers to easily install these fittings without requiring specialized tools.
Flared fittings are ideal for liquid and gas systems due to their sealant method, but they’re also designed to perform reliably in high-pressure hydraulic systems, common in industries like natural gas and HVAC.
A huge benefit of flared fittings is that they can be disassembled and reinstalled at any point, which can help simplify tasks like maintenance, modifications, or system recalibration.
Some applications for flared tube fittings include:
- Gas connections
- HVAC systems
- Refrigeration systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Air conditioners
- Medical equipment
- Food processing
- Plumbing systems
Flareless Fittings
Flareless fittings, on the other hand, are attached using compression methods instead of expanding the end of a tube. They are designed with a single nut and two ferrules, so tubing doesn’t need to be flared to create a secure connection.
These types of fittings are used to secure a connection between tubing and threaded valves, or other threaded components and are extremely effective in systems with high vibration, where the flared method can be a less efficient sealant.
You’ll usually find flareless fittings in thicker tubing, where trying to manipulate the metal to flare is very difficult or even impossible to do and maintain a secure connection.
Some applications for flareless tube fittings include:
- Medium to high-pressure hydraulic systems
- Aerospace machinery
- Military machinery
Tube Fittings from Hy-lok
If you’re looking for quality flared or compression tube fittings, you can find what you need from Hy-Lok Canada. Both our flared and flareless tube fittings are in compliance with SAEJ514 standards, and our 37° flared fittings are also compatible with ISO8434, ASTM-B-117, and UNI 5687.
Our fittings are made from steel and manufactured with controlled bar stock machining or hot/cold forming. We can also use brass or steel upon request for more specified applications.
Support Your Industrial System with Fittings and Valves from Hy-Lok Canada
Whether you require flared or compression fittings for your hydraulic system, count on Hy-Lok to provide high-quality, durable components that will stand the test of time. Visit our Products page to learn more about our industrial fittings and valves, and contact us to place an order!