What are hoses and connectors, and what are three common types of connections?

Definition of Connector and Pneumatic Connector

A fitting is a type of piping component that can be applied in gas, liquid, or hydraulic systems. Its main function is to connect pipe to pipe, or pipe to other equipment. By using elbows or tee fittings, it can change the direction of the fluid medium, and it can also distribute one stream of fluid into multiple streams. Push-to-connect or quick fittings allow for fast installation and removal, which enhances equipment flexibility and improves the efficiency of fluid transmission within the system.

Hose fittings or hose connectors are small components specifically designed to connect hoses or other equipment. Hose connectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each serving different purposes.

Pneumatic Connectors (Flexible Fittings)

Pneumatic connectors are pneumatic connection components used for connecting, distributing, and controlling fluid media in pneumatic systems, including compressed air or inert gases. They allow for quick and convenient connection and disconnection, and can also be referred to as flexible hose and connectors.

Common types of pneumatic connectors include SMC connectors, stainless steel push-to-connect fittings, and quick couplings such as Japanese, British, American, and European styles. These quick couplings significantly enhance the flexibility and efficiency of hose and connector applications.

Three Common Connection Types of Fittings

Sleeve Connection: A cylindrical component is fitted over the ends of two pipes and fixed in place through threading, welding, or clamping. This type of connection is suitable for medium- to low-pressure applications and is not intended for frequent disassembly.

Socket Connection: A short piece of pipe is inserted into the pipe interior or pipe opening and then secured by welding, clamping, or crimping. This connection type can effectively change the pipe diameter and enhance joint strength, making it suitable for high-pressure media as well as applications where pipe sizes do not match.

Flange Connection: Two pipes, or a pipe and a piece of equipment, are joined together using a flange, bolts, and a gasket. This type of connection is detachable and suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure media and environments. Compared with sleeve and socket connections, flange connections provide a more reliable seal.

Hose and Connector Types Provided by Fokca

Push-to-Connect Fittings

The hose is directly inserted into the fitting, where a toothed locking ring secures the hose body, and a sealing ring tightly adheres to the outer surface of the hose, creating a reliable seal.

Push-to-connect fittings enable quick and convenient connection and disconnection between pneumatic hoses and pneumatic components, ensuring sealed transmission of air or liquids. They allow for fast installation without the need for tools, reduce leakage risks, and are ideal for systems with frequent modifications or maintenance. Typical applications include pneumatic systems, water treatment systems, and automated equipment.

Quick Couplings

Quick couplings are designed with an internal locking clip and latch mechanism, allowing hoses or pipelines to be connected and disconnected rapidly, significantly improving the efficiency of pneumatic connections.

They provide quick connection or disconnection of pipelines for gases, liquids, or hose systems, with some models featuring check valves or self-sealing functions. Quick couplings are available in multiple national standards such as British, European, American, and Japanese types, making them adaptable to a wide range of industries.

Quick couplings are highly convenient for pipe maintenance or replacement, especially in scenarios requiring frequent connection and disconnection, thereby improving overall system efficiency. They are commonly used in pneumatic equipment, automated production lines, hydraulic systems, as well as in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage industries.

Company Introduction

With advanced manufacturing technology, Fokca offers a wide range of products, including various types and brands of pneumatic actuators, pneumatic and mechanical valves, pneumatic hoses and tubing, push-to-connect fittings, quick couplings, and air preparation units. If you have any equipment requirements or related inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly!

We are a professional supplier of pneumatic products, providing high-quality pneumatic components and system solutions. Our product portfolio covers pneumatic actuators, cylinders, fittings, valves, air preparation units, and cylinder mounting accessories, which are widely used in the field of industrial automation.

With extensive industry experience, we are capable of designing customized solutions tailored to specific customer needs. For example, we have developed a custom solenoid cylinder for a client in Southeast Asia. You can also browse our customer case studies to learn more.