Key pneumatic fittings for essential connections
In systems powered by pressurised air, pneumatic fittings (commonly called compressed air connectors) ensure reliable operation. By delivering secure connections between tubing and components, these fittings play a key role in the efficient operation of compressed air systems. To choose the most suitable fittings for your system, it is essential to know the various types of pneumatic fittings and their specific uses.
Key factors when selecting pneumatic fittings
System reliability and lifespan depend on selecting the appropriate pneumatic fittings. Important considerations include:
Connection standards in pneumatic systems
The level of complexity in your pneumatic system dictates which connection type is most suitable. The main options are:
- Simple connection
- Multiple connection
Requirements by application and operating environment
The required properties of pneumatic fittings depend on the specific application and operating environment. Key factors to consider include:
- General purpose applications: Fittings engineered for a wide range of industrial applications
- Resistance to corrosion: Reliable stainless-steel pneumatic fittings for use in harsh or high-moisture environments.
- Resistance to weather: Fittings engineered to withstand extreme environmental conditions
- Compliance with food safety (FDA): Food-grade fittings manufactured with FDA-approved materials for processing equipment
- Antistatic: Fittings engineered to prevent static electricity accumulation in critical applications.
- Clean room: Fully oil-free and fluoropolymer high-purity hyper fittings suitable for use in cleanroom applications
- Rotary applications: Fittings engineered for rotating machinery and dynamic applications
Fitting material
Fitting material selection is determined by the particular demands of your system:
- Fitting materials appropriate for a wide range of applications:
- PBT
- Brass
- Nickel-plated brass
- Fitting material options for harsh, corrosive, or wash-down environments:
- Fitting materials for specialised environments, including cleanrooms, electrostatic-sensitive applications, or exposure to severe weather:
Fitting connection type
- Threaded fittings
- Tube-to-tube fittings
- Adapters
Fitting shape
- Straight fittings
- Elbow fittings
- Other shapes: T-shaped fittings, Y-shaped,...
Thread size and/or tube diameter
To ensure compatibility, pneumatic fittings are available in a wide range of thread sizes and tube diameters.
One-Touch Fittings for fast, reliable pneumatic cnnections
One-touch fittings simplify pneumatic connections with a quick, tool-free design. Widely used across industries, they provide reliable, time-saving push-in connections. The popularity of SMC’s one-touch fittings lies in their extensive range, offering options in different types and sizes to match diverse tubing diameters. Thanks to their compact form and push-to-connect mechanism, these fittings offer space efficiency and leak-free performance, even in vacuum systems.
To choose the most suitable fittings for your application, browse our functionality-based fitting navigation.
