TPi January 2010

Fi t t ings

Parker Hannifin’s new production process is based on stainless steel extrusions S S

A-Lok compression tube fittings mechanical properties, and are in fact stronger than traditional forged parts.”

to extrusion-based fittings can bring further benefits for end users, especially those working on projects. Extruded profiles are faster to produce and are available with shorter lead times, and can typically be produced in smaller batches. This allows Parker to respond more quickly and flexibly to customer requests, which can be beneficial for projects requiring exotic materials. Parker has a policy of sourcing raw materials from high quality European sources, and this is complemented by independent intergranular corrosion testing before product manufacturing begins, plus a number of unique processing stages aimed at optimising reliability and corrosion resistance.

Parker Hannifin’s instrumentation products division has introduced a new production process based on stainless steel extrusions, to raise the quality and consistency of industry-standard compression tube fittings. The technology is aimed at users in processing markets such as oil, gas and chemicals, where the need for integrity and reliability is paramount. “By complementing our traditional forged fittings range with versions made from extruded materials, we have been able to increase the quality and consistency of finished parts without raising costs,” commented Sheldon Banks of Parker Hannifin. “The exceptional uniformity of metal grain size and shape inside extrusion- based parts means that all the new fittings possess virtually identical

Parker Hannifin believes it is the first tube fittings manufacturer to launch extrusion-based products into the mainstream twin-ferrule stainless steel compression tube fitting market, and is offering the technology on its A-Lok range. It has been able to make this move thanks to a patented extrusion process that can cope with the tough metals required for tube fittings. Parker also notes that the process is equally applicable to all the exotic alloy fitting products it supplies for corrosion- resistant applications. As extrusions allow dimensions to be very closely controlled, the fitting interchangeability demanded by large- scale users remains in place. Switching

Parker Instrumentation Products Division – UK

ipd@parker.com www.parker.com

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Tube Products International January 2010

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