More about Brass Fittings

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Brass fittings comprise a wide range of pipe attachments, threaded fasteners and flare fittings. Due to its exceptional qualities—rust-resistance, hardness, durability and flexibility—brass is widely used in pluming applications, and most pipe fittings are available in brass. Brass itself is an alloy of copper that incorporates zinc as an alloying element; the ratio of brass to copper varies between types of brass.

Of the pipe attachments available, common varieties include union tees, crosses, couplings, elbows (male or female). More complex fittings, such as pipe manifolds with multiple starts, 5-way joints and custom units, are also available through manufacturers. In some cases, brass fittings are chrome plated for enhanced performance in certain systems. Fittings can be threaded or unthreaded, and may hold internal or external threads, depending on the operation.

Each fitting design provides a specific purpose. Nipples, for example, join two lengths of parallel tube or pipe. Types of nipples include hex, close and long nipples. Reducers may also join two parallel pipes, but limit the flow between them by nature of their shape. Other fittings, such as union tees, elbows and crosses, allow for the redirection of pipe flow. Brass caps fit on the end of a pipe and, as their name suggests, are used to prevent flow in a certain area of the system.

Brass fittings are also used in automotive applications, where they are used in air brakes, fuel line valves, and hose ends. Other uses include ballcock adapters, cooler and refrigerator fittings and compression fittings. A complete assortment of brass valves and fasteners is also available.

Various machining processes are used to create brass fittings. For specialized, short-run components, CNC machines are often employed. Manufacturers also use screw machines, lathes, milling devices and thread rollers to make the necessary brass fitting shapes and thread patterns.