Flare fitting
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Flare fittings are a type of compression fitting used with metal tubing, usually ductile (soft) copper, though other materials are also used.
Tube flaring is considered a forging operation.[1] It is usually a cold working operation but can be done hot. Tube flaring is primarly used to hold a special flare nut in place so the tube may be connected to other components.
The tool used to flare tubes consists of a die that holds the tube and a mandrel that is inserted into the tube to enlarge the diameter, the cross section is also deformed by this process. [2]
The nut is then tightened, compressing the flared portion of the tubing between the male fitting and the nut. Flare fittings offer a high degree of long term reliability and for this reason are often used in mission-critical and inaccessible locations.
There are several styles of flare fitting available, including the 45° SAE style (available at many hardware stores, and very commonly used), the 37° AN style, and JIC. Note that 45° and 37° flare fittings and tools are incompatible and should not be mixed.
[edit] References
- ^ Manufacturing and Engineering Technology: Serope Kalpakjin
- ^ Tube Flaring
