What Is One-Touch Fitting?
One-touch fittings are fittings that easily connect different parts, such as pipes and tubes, by simply inserting them.
Also referred to as “push-in fittings” for thermoplastic resin tubing. As the name suggests, the fitting can be connected or disconnected with a single operation (one-touch fitting). Usually, the connection part of the fitting consists of a push button or lever, which can be easily connected or disconnected by operating them.
In addition to being quick to connect and disconnect, they can be easily operated manually without the need for tools or specialized knowledge. This is expected to reduce work time and increase productivity. In addition to simply connecting tubes, there are also parts designed for branching, orientation, and extension.
Thread diameters, diameters of tubes that can be connected, and design working pressures vary from product to product. Therefore, it is necessary to select one that matches the conditions of use and the specifications of the equipment to be connected.
Uses of One-Touch Fittings
One-touch fittings are used in a variety of industries and applications. They are generally used in piping, pneumatic equipment, compressed air tubing, etc. The following are examples of uses of one touch fittings.
1. Piping
They may be used to connect pipes and tubes in industrial facilities and construction sites. One touch fittings are used in water supply systems, air conditioning systems, and gas supply systems. They may also be used for connection applications around tanks and pumps.
2. Pneumatic Equipment
Widely used for connection to pneumatic equipment. Pneumatic equipment is equipment that uses air as its power source, and one-touch fittings are convenient for connection.
Typical devices used for connection are air cylinders and air valves. Air cylinders are devices that use compressed air to perform linear motion and are used for supply and exhaust ports for cylinder actuation air.
Air valves are devices that use compressed air to control fluid flow and are used for piping and tubing connections to input and output ports.
3. Agriculture and Horticulture
Used in hydroponics systems. One touch fittings are used to connect water and nutrient solution supply pipes and circulators.
Principle of One-Touch Fittings
One-touch fitting consists of a main body, seal ring, lock mechanism, and release button.
The main body is the part into which air tubes, and other components are inserted. It is made of resin or metal and contains a lock mechanism and a seal ring. When an air tube is inserted, the lock mechanism firmly holds it in place and the seal ring prevents fluid leakage.
To release, push down the release button. When the release button is pressed, the locking mechanism is released and the air tube can be pulled out. Generally, a spring structure is used, and the lock is released only as long as the button is pressed.
One-Touch Fitting Types
One-touch fittings are available in straight, elbow, union, delta union, cross, and other types, depending on the shape.
1. Straight
Fittings are used to connect pipes or tubes in a straight line; they are used when two pipes are to be directly connected. One side is often a tube fitting mechanism and the other side is a male thread.
2. Elbow
Fittings for bending pipes and tubes, used for connections at right angles or 45-degree angles. They enable the directional change or rerouting of piping. Products with the ability to change direction freely after screwing closed are also available.
3. Union
This is a fitting that allows tubes to be connected to each other. The connection part can be easily disassembled, so it is used when periodic replacement or periodic cleaning of the tubes is required. They are also useful for extending tubing.
4. Delta Union
This is a fitting with a T- or Y-shaped branching connection. Sometimes called T- or Y-shaped fittings.
5. Cross
This fitting is for crossing four pipes or tubes. It is called a cross because of its shape. It is used to connect two orthogonal pipelines.