- Published 17 Jan 2023
- Last Modified 26 Feb 2024
- 7 min
A Complete Guide to Pneumatic Fittings by Festo
Use our helpful guide to find out more about what pneumatic fittings are available, and how to choose the right type for your application.
What are Pneumatic Fittings?
Pneumatic fittings, also known as air fittings or connectors, are the essential building blocks of pneumatic systems, allowing for seamless airflow and connections. They provide secure and leak-free connections between pneumatic components, such as air hoses, tubes, valves, and cylinders.
Pneumatic fittings facilitate the transfer of air or gases between different parts of the system, ensuring proper flow and control. They are available in various types, materials, and sizes to accommodate different connection requirements and applications. These systems and fittings are widely used today in all manner of industries and applications, ranging from construction, assembly, and production line setups to a huge variety of industrial machinery, handheld tools and workbench equipment.
With so many pneumatic fittings available, choosing the right one can be challenging. That’s why we’ve partnered with Festo, a leading pneumatics brand, to bring you this helpful guide.
Festo offers a wide range of high-quality fittings to maximise the efficiency and durability of pneumatic systems. This guide will walk you through different types of pneumatic fittings and help you make an informed choice.
Types of Pneumatic Fittings
With a wide range of pneumatic fittings and connectors available, finding the right one can be hard work. Air connectors and adaptors are the most basic type of pneumatic fitting that join two or more pneumatic components, such as tubes and hoses. Read on to find out more about common connectors and their key features.
Elbow Fittings
- Used to change the direction of airflow in a pneumatic system
- Available in various angles, typically 90 degrees or 45 degrees
- Prevents kinks or restrictions in tubing
- Ideal for navigating tight spaces or around obstacles
Straight Fittings
- Basic fittings used to connect two tubes in a straight line
- Provide direct connection without altering the airflow direction
- Often used for extending or joining tubing sections
- Available in various connection styles such as compression or push-to-connect
Y and Tee Fittings
- Y fittings split airflow into two separate paths, creating a branching connection
- Tee fittings divide airflow into three separate paths, allowing for more complex configurations
- Useful for connecting multiple components or branching off to different pneumatic devices
- Available in different connection styles, including compression, push-to-connect, or threaded
Bulkhead Fittings
- Designed to create a connection through a panel, wall, or barrier
- Allows for secure passage of tubing or hose on both sides of the barrier
- Available in different configurations such as straight, elbow, or tee
- Commonly used for mounting components in separate compartments
Pneumatic Function Fittings
- Serve as connectors that enhance the control and safety of pneumatic systems
- They can offer many functions such as blocking, speed control, flow regulation, supply, and silencing
- Provide additional control and safety within pneumatic systems
What Connection Types are Available?
Push-In Fittings
If you're looking for quick and easy installation without the need for tools, push-in fittings are a great choice. With these fittings, simply push the tubing into the fitting and it securely locks in place. Push-in fittings are perfect for applications that require frequent assembly or disassembly, as they save you time and effort.
Festo push-in fittings are available in various materials and configurations, including threaded, threaded-to-tube and tube-to-tube connection styles.
Festo QS push-in fittings are available in a wide variety of options for maximum flexibility. Pair with PUN-H tubing for standard applications.
Threaded Fittings
When strength and stability are paramount, threaded fittings are the way to go. This type of fitting includes screw-down threading on either the inner (female) or outer (male) edge of the connector, which will be gauged to mate with matching threads on the end of a length of hose or conduit.
Threaded fittings provide a secure and robust connection between components. With a wide range of thread sizes and configurations available, you can find the perfect fit for your specific application. Threaded fittings are ideal for heavy-duty applications that require a strong and reliable connection.
Tube-to-Tube Fittings
Tube-to-tube pneumatic fittings, as the name suggests, are fittings used to connect two sections of tubing in a pneumatic system. These fittings provide a secure and reliable connection between two tubes, allowing for the transfer of compressed air or gases. Tube-to-tube adaptors are available in a variety of diameters, sizes, and materials.
How to Choose the Right Pneumatic Fitting
When selecting pneumatic fittings, it’s important to consider the specific application requirements of your pneumatic system. This is essential for creating efficient and reliable connections in your pneumatic setup. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
What Connection Type Do I Need?
Consider whether you need push-in, compression, threaded, barbed, or other types of fittings based on the tubing or components you are connecting.
Tubing Size
Check the size and dimensions of your tubing or hose to ensure compatibility with the fittings you plan to purchase. Match the fitting size to the outer diameter (OD) or inner diameter (ID) of your tubing.
Is it Suitable for High Pressure or Temperatures?
Consider the operating pressure and temperature range of your pneumatic system. Ensure that the fittings you choose can withstand the desired pressure levels and temperature extremes without compromising performance or safety.
- Festo NPQM fitting is perfect for high-pressure and temperature ranges
- NPQH fittings are resistant to welding splatter and can withstand powerful pressure ranges up to 20 bar
Material Compatibility
Take into account the compatibility of the fitting material with the fluids or gases in your pneumatic system. Some fittings are specifically designed for certain applications or fluids, such as corrosive environments, high temperatures, or specific chemical substances.
- Need a fitting with flame-resistant properties? The Festo NPQM fitting is highly safe in areas where there’s a fire risk
Application & Environment
Assess the specific application and environment. Consider factors such as vibration, moisture, exposure to chemicals or contaminants, and any special requirements for the intended use.
- If food safety is a key requirement, Festo’s NPQP fitting is resistant to chemicals, as well as being food safe and hydrolysis-resistant
- Paired with PLN tubing, it’s FDA-compliant and resistant to cleaning agents
Ease of Installation
Evaluate how easy it is to install and connect the fittings. Push-in fittings, for example, offer quick and tool-free installation, while compression fittings may require additional tools and tightening procedures.
Quality & Reliability
Look for fittings from reputable manufacturers like Festo, known for producing high-quality and reliable products. Consider factors such as durability, leak resistance, and overall performance.
What Do Pneumatic Fittings Connect to?
Pneumatic fittings are incredibly versatile and can connect to a wide range of components. One of the most common connections is to tubes or hoses, allowing the smooth flow of compressed air or gases throughout the system. Whether it's rigid or flexible tubing, Festo fittings ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
- The popular Festo PUN-H tubing is suitable for standard QS fittings and is extremely easy to install with one click
Pneumatic fittings can also connect to various pneumatic devices, such as valves, cylinders, and actuators. These connections play a crucial role in controlling the flow, direction, and pressure of the compressed air, enabling precise and efficient operation.
Fittings may also connect to specialised components like filters, regulators, lubricators, and exhaust silencers. These connections ensure proper filtration, pressure regulation, lubrication, and noise reduction, optimising the performance and longevity of your pneumatic system.
Festo has an extensive range of pneumatic fittings and components, designed to be highly efficient, durable, and easy to maintain.
