Selecting the right fitting material is one of the most important decisions engineers and technicians make when designing or maintaining fluid and gas systems. Using the wrong material can lead to leaks, premature failures, corrosion, or even safety risks.
Hy-Lok Canada supplies fittings in three primary materials, stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass, engineered for specific applications. This guide explains how to select the appropriate materials based on your operating conditions, industry standards, and safety requirements.
Material Overview: What Matters Most
When choosing a fitting material, you should evaluate:
- Corrosion resistance
- Operating Pressure
- Temperature range
- Chemical or gas compatibility
- Environmental exposure
- Cost and lifecycle value
Each metal will behave differently in different environments, under pressure, chemical exposure, and temperature swings. It’s essential to consider these elements when selecting materials for long-term reliability.
Stainless Steel Fittings
Stainless steel fittings perform across a range of industries, including mining, petrochemical, energy, food processing, laboratory settings, and water treatment facilities. Systems exposed to outdoor elements, corrosive agents, or requiring clean oxygen service commonly rely on stainless steel for longevity and safety.
Stainless steel 316 offers superior corrosion resistance, reliable sealing, and long service life even in harsh conditions, making it ideal where safety and reliability cannot be compromised.
Limitations
- Higher cost than carbon steel or brass
Carbon Steel Fittings
Carbon steel fittings are suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications, including construction machinery, automotive lines, and industrial hydraulic systems, as well as presses and lifts. Their exceptional durability is valued in applications where impact and mechanical stress are frequent.
Carbon steel is cost-effective and strong, but lacks corrosion resistance. It requires treatment for extended outdoor use.
Limitations
- Not corrosion-resistant
- Not suitable for steam, chemicals, or moisture-prone environments
Brass Fittings
Brass is best suited for low- and medium-pressure applications, particularly in environments involving gas, air, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as in low-vibration settings such as medical and laboratory systems.
Brass offers both machinability and sealing performance, and is often used in laboratories and medical systems where minimizing metallic contamination is crucial.
Limitations
- Lower pressure capability
- Not suitable for hydraulic systems or high-vibration environments
Choosing the Right Fitting Materials
Deciding between stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass fittings requires careful consideration of your project’s specific requirements. These are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
Application Type
Brass is a suitable material for plumbing due to its antimicrobial benefits and low cost. For high-pressure or corrosive applications, consider stainless steel or carbon steel for those that require extra robustness.
Environmental Conditions
Consider the environmental conditions for fittings. For exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, opt for stainless steel due to its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability. Carbon steel also performs well in challenging environments.
Hy-Lok offers carbon steel tube connectors with varying carbon content, from low to ultra-high, depending on your application.
Budget Constraints
While brass fittings are generally more affordable, it’s crucial to weigh the long-term benefits of investing in stainless steel fittings. Durability and low maintenance requirements are critical factors in the upfront costs.
Hy-Lok Canada Is The Right Supplier
Hy-Lok Canada ensures fast access to replacement fittings. Every location is stocked to prevent production delays.
Hy-Lok’s nationwide network of distributors proudly serves customers across Canada with an extensive and reliable inventory of stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass fittings.
Contact Hy-Lok Canada to learn more about our range of tube fittings, including our carbon steel options, today.