The Ultimate End Fittings Guide For Stainless Steel Flexible Hoses

25 Aug.,2025

 

The Ultimate End Fittings Guide For Stainless Steel Flexible Hoses

Stainless steel flexible hoses are made from a unique blend of nickel, iron, and chromium and offer exceptional durability alongside the advantage of corrosion resistance. Stainless steel flexible hose fittings are one of the most common examples of stainless steel fittings in the construction and plumbing industry. The flexibility and ease of installation of stainless steel hose fittings make them valuable choices for each desired application.

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Flexible hose end connectors are a crucial stainless steel flexible hose fittings for ensuring safety and optimal flow in the fluid system. The objectives of different flexible hose connector types differ according to industry standards. For example, the semiconductor industry needs material purity as its top priority, and the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry needs hygiene and sanitation.

Our guide shares different types of end connectors required for flexible hose fittings. You can also learn about the important factors for choosing the right end connectors, and best practices for installing and maintaining end connectors for flexible hose fittings.

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A] Common Types of End Connectors for Stainless Steel Flexible Hoses

1. Fixed Flange End Connectors

Flange end connectors are one of the most common types of flexible hose fittings and they include several types one of which is fixed flange end connectors. Fixed flange end connectors offer safety from piping stress. and they can be used to absorb pump vibration and noise. Flanged end connectors can offer the assurance of product quality alongside the advantages of higher tensile strength. In addition, you can customise fixed flange end connectors according to your preferences. For example, you can choose different standards of stainless steel used in the end connector and the type of end fitting.

2. Swivel Flange End Connectors

Swivel flange end connectors, another type of flange end connector can adapt to the movement of the fluid system for specific industrial use cases. You can find examples of the applications of swivel flange end connectors in large industries such as refineries, and pharmaceutical industries. Swivel flange end connectors have also become one of the credible alternatives for industrial use cases as they ensure compliance with relevant standards. When you get swivel flange end connectors from reputed stainless steel flexible hose manufacturers, you have the guarantee of compliance with DIN, IS, ANSI, and ASA standards.

3. Weld End Connectors

Weld end connectors or butt-weld connectors are also a common sight in posts about flexible hose fittings and their benefits. Butt-weld connectors are one of the most useful hose fittings types for pipeline systems. They help in guiding the direction of flow or reducing the pipe diameter. You can also use weld end connectors for branching a pipe that would allow the flow of liquid in two distinct directions. Another valuable use case of weld connectors is the addition of auxiliary equipment in pipeline systems.

4. Threaded End Connectors

Threaded end connectors are another compatible connector that can be fitted to stainless steel hoses. Threaded end connectors are composed of corrugated metal and stainless steel woven braids. The features of threaded end connectors can help in achieving the benefits of durability and resilience to extreme conditions. Its flexible composition prevents damage that can occur due to contraction, vibration, and expansion.Threaded end connectors can also guarantee the benefits of reducing piping stress, which may emerge due to misalignment.

5. Seismic Connectors

Seismic connectors are a mandatory component in the architecture of piping systems for ensuring safeguards against earthquakes, in areas prone to such natural disasters. The basic goal of seismic connectors is to ensure flexibility in pipeline systems, which can help in absorbing seismic movement. Seismic connectors are easy to install. They need less space and impose less load on the main pipeline.

6. Vibration Connectors

Industrial operations with heavy machinery have to rely on vibration connectors for absorbing mechanical vibration. Industrial machinery can experience the force of noise and vibrations, which would lead to long-term implications.Vibration connectors are one of the productive hose fittings types for reducing the stress in piping systems. The applications of vibration connectors are relevant for piping systems that go through thermal expansion.

Vibration connectors are manufactured with a stainless steel hose featuring a copper pipe without any brazing. Therefore, vibration connectors can endure higher temperatures in comparison to brazed fittings. You can use vibration connectors to prevent the compressor vibration from reaching the pipeline system. In the long run, vibration connectors can help you maintain component integrity in industrial connectors, alongside avoiding damage to piping systems.

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B] Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right End Connector

1. Operating pressure and temperature

The operating pressure and temperature are the first factors for determining the right end connector. Operating pressure and temperature can provide a clear impression of the amount of stress the end connector will have to handle. As a result, you can identify the best materials that would stand up to the task of enduring the specified operating temperature and pressure of fluid in the piping system. Flexible end connectors that are capable of adapting to different operating pressure and temperature specifications can serve as the best option for you.

2. Media being conveyed

The material or the fluid that would pass through the piping system is also another vital aspect in finding the right end connector. You can select the right end connectors according to the type of material being conveyed through the piping system. The material used in the end connector should have the capability to maintain resilience. You must choose end connectors that do not react with the fluid being transferred through the pricing system. It is important to focus on how the type of material or media being transferred through the piping system can affect the functioning of a specific end connector.

3. Hose length and flexibility requirements

Another important set of requirements for flexible hose end connectors refers to hose length and flexibility. Depending on the use case, you may have to install stainless steel fittings like flexible hoses around poles or other barriers. Before you choose an end connector, you must also pay attention to the length of the hose and the flexibility of installation. The distance between endpoints can help in defining the ideal length of the hose. You should also pay attention to flexibility which can serve vital improvement in ease of installation. In addition, flexibility offers the benefit of achieving optimal performance for different use cases.

4. Installation space limitations

The next crucial factor you must check before choosing an end connector would point to limitations of installation space. Size and space constraints are challenging obstacles to installing pipeline systems as some connectors might require more space compared to others. You can find different types of connectors with varying weights and sizes that can work with specific installation space dimensions. For example, overhead piping systems can use seismic connectors to address the concerns of restrictions on installation space.

5. Environmental conditions

If you’re installing stainless steel flexible hoses in a region that presents harsh environment conditions, consider these conditions and choose the right stainless steel flexible hose from the varying flexible hose connector types. You should also pay attention to the quality of the material used in the end connectors. Quality connectors tend to last longer in harsh environmental conditions.

C] Installation and Maintenance of End Connectors

1. Installation of End Connectors

Expert installation services for end connectors can guarantee service productivity alongside improving the quality of installation. Here are the fundamental tips for installing end connectors.

  • Utilise Pipe Guides and Hangers: Pipe guides and hangers are important requirements before you install the stainless steel hose, as they help in verifying the weight of the pipe.
  • Exclude Shipping Restraints: Remove the shipping restraints from the hose after installation, followed by a visual inspection and a functionality test.
  • Measure with Caution: Always focus on the accuracy of measurements for installing different hose fitting types and avoid concerns of misalignment.

2. Common maintenance issues and solutions

  • Burst Fitting and Leakage: If the fitting blows off the hose, it could lead to considerable damage. You can solve the issue by replacing the hose assembly.
  • Brittleness of Hose: Exposure to heat can lead to the hardening of flexible hoses. The solution for such problems would be to reduce the temperature of the fluid to normal ranges.
Discover the Best Fitting Solutions for Your Hoses

Conclusion

The productive uses of stainless steel hose fittings can provide added value for many industrial applications. Advancements in manufacturing technologies for piping systems have offered the scope for introducing new and innovative fittings. End connectors are one of the most significant components in piping systems for ensuring optimal efficiency.

Select the Right Corrugated Metal Hose

Corrugated metal hoses come in many configurations. These tools can help ensure you select the right corrugated metal hose for your application.

There are many components in a metal hose assembly and care should be taken when selecting each of them. Moreover, the components have their own unique technical limitations so it is important to make sure each of the components is compatible with your application. In much the same way as a “chain is as strong as its weakest link”, a metal hose assembly will only perform to the limits of its weakest component.

Once the components have been selected, the quality and skill of the fabricator assembling the components becomes important. The procedures and care used when fabricating assemblies also has a dramatic effect on the assembly’s overall performance.

Hose Master has invested a considerable amount of resources to researching metal hose fabrication and developing a state-of-the-art fabricating center. In addition, we share the welding technology we have developed with our fabricating distributors. All of this is done to promote quality and consistency in fabricating metal hose assemblies.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Flanged Flexible Metal Hose.

In this section, we will discuss the various components that make up a corrugated metal hose assembly, and what information a metal hose fabricator will need in order to make an assembly for your application. If you need assistance determining the information, we have also included an explanation of how to analyze the application and make the appropriate selections.

Specifying a Corrugated Metal Hose Assembly:

In order to make an assembly, the fabricator will need answers to the following five questions. For more information about any of these questions, or for a list of available options, click the topic heading for a more detailed explanation.

  1. Hose (type, alloy, and size)
  2. End Fittings (type, alloy, and size for each end)
  3. Length of the assembly (either overall length or live length)
  4. Fabrication options
  5. Accessories

If you have the answers to these questions, a metal hose fabricator will be able to make the assembly. If you do not know the answers to all five questions, you will need to obtain them. The next section is designed to help you determine the answers.

Analyzing an Application:

To properly design a metal hose assembly for a particular application, the following design parameters must be determined. To help remember them, they have been arranged to form the acronym “S.T.A.M.P.E.D.

  1. Size – The diameter of the connections in which the assembly will be installed is needed to provide a proper fit. This information is required.
  2. Temperature – As the temperature to which the assembly is exposed (internally and externally) increases, the strength of the assembly’s components decreases. Also, the coldest temperature to which the hose will be exposed can affect the assembly procedure and/or fitting materials. If you do not provide this information it will be assumed that the temperatures are 70° F.
  3. Application – This refers to the configuration in which the assembly is installed. This includes both the dimensions of the assembly as well as the details of any movement that the assembly will experience. This information is necessary to calculate assembly length and required flexibility.
  4. Media – Identify all chemicals to which the assembly will be exposed, both internally and externally. This is important since you must be sure that the assembly’s components are chemically compatible with the media going through the hose as well as the environment in which the hose is installed. If no media are given, it will be assumed that both the media and the external environment are compatible with all of the available materials for each component.
  5. Pressure – Identify the internal pressure to which the assembly will be exposed. Also, determine if the pressure is constant or if there are cycles or spikes. This information is important to determine if the assembly is strong enough for the application. If no pressure is given it will be assumed that the pressure is low and there are no pressure surges or spikes.
  6. End Fittings – Identify the necessary end fittings. This is required since fittings for the assembly must be chosen to properly fit the mating connections.
  7. Dynamics – Identify the velocity at which the media will flow through the assembly. Since corrugated metal hose does not have a smooth interior, rapid media flow can set up a resonant frequency that will cause the hose to vibrate and prematurely fail. If no velocity is given, it will be assumed that the velocity is not fast enough to affect the assembly’s performance.

Fabrication Options

Corrugated metal hose is used in a very broad spectrum of applications. Just as the hose, fittings, and other assembly parts must be tailored to suit the demands of the service, so must the methods of joining these components. While standard production joining methods work very well for the majority of service demands, the following extremes may dictate special joining or fabrication techniques:

  • Pressures
  • Temperatures
  • Corrosion
  • Other conditions

Hose Master has developed specialized welding, brazing, joining, and fabrication procedures to assure the integrity and serviceability of metal hose assemblies in even the most extreme applications.

The fabrication options to be considered are:

  • Specialized attachment techniques
  • Testing options
  • Additional cleaning requirements
  • Packaging

In each of the following sections, the standard method and available options are explained. Select the options best suited for your application.

Specialized Attachment Techniques

Industry Standard

This method will be used unless another method is specified
Standard fabrication of an assembly generally consists of:

  • Cutting the hose and braid through a hose corrugation valley.
  • Installation of a braid collar over each end of the hose.
  • Trimming of any excess braid.
  • “Cap” welding the hose, braid, and braid collar together.
  • Cleaning the cap weld surface.
  • Placement and alignment of a fitting on the cap weld.
  • “Attachment” welding the fitting to the cap weld.
  • Silver brazing is also available. Consult factory.

Half-Corrugation

Standard fabrication sometimes leaves a portion of the cut corrugation, or corrugation “lip”, just under the base of the fitting. In specialized applications this residual lip may not be desirable. To prevent any exposed corrugation edges from causing damage, the hose can be specially prepared for welding by cutting the corrugation on the crest, rather than in the valley, thereby removing the lip.

Smooth Transition Weld

For applications in which corrosion is a concern, all crevices and fissures must be minimized. Specialized hose and fitting preparation, in conjunction with proprietary welding techniques, is available to provide a full penetration hose-to-fitting weld that is smooth and crevice free.

Braid-Over Construction

Assemblies operating at the upper limits of their rated working pressure or in severe service may benefit from a braid-over construction. The fitting is first welded to the unbraided hose. Then a special metal reinforcing ring is installed over the fitting and next to the weld. Finally the braid is drawn over the end of the hose and the ring, and welded to the side of the fitting. This technique reduces the amount of heat introduced into the braid wires, nearly eliminates the heat effected zones of the cap and attachment welds, and maximizes the wire strength. Braid-over construction may also be used for specific high cycle applications.

Testing Options

Note: Always test an assembly with a medium that has a smaller molecular or atomic size than the service required.

Standard Leak Testing

Every corrugated hose assembly is leak tested prior to shipment. Standard testing consists of pressurizing the assembly with air and then submerging the entire assembly under water. This method is reliable and sufficient for the majority of applications.

Hydrostatic Testing

While the standard test is designed to detect leaks, hydrostatic testing is designed to test the assembly’s strength. Testing of an assembly to its full permissible test pressure can be economically and accurately accomplished by filling the assembly with liquid while concurrently evacuating all air. The assembly is then hydrostatically pressurized using high pressure pumps. The test pressure is maintained for a predetermined period of time.

High Pressure Gas

Testing with air under water, at pressures of up to psi, is available for specialized applications. For a more sensitive test, the use of gases such as nitrogen or helium can be requested.

Dye Penetrant

Dye penetrant testing is available for both leak and for weld bead inspection, in accordance with Hose Master procedures or to customer specified standards.

Helium Mass Spectrometer

This is the most sensitive leak detection method generally available. The standard test method is to attach the assembly to a mass spectrometer and generate a very high vacuum in the assembly. The exterior of the assembly is then flooded with helium. The relatively tiny helium atoms penetrate even very small openings and are drawn into the mass spectrometer where they are detected and the leak size quantified. Helium Mass Spectrometer testing can be modified to satisfy customer or regulatory agency requirements.

Additional Cleaning Requirements

The hydroforming method of corrugated hose manufacturing inherently yields a very clean product. However, specialized cleaning for specific applications is available upon request. Contact Hose Master’s Customer Service Department for details.

Packaging

All assemblies are shipped with protectors over sealing surfaces such as threads and flange faces. Spacer bars are installed on all shorter double-flanged assemblies to prevent compression of the assembly during shipping and handling. Special packaging is available to suit customer requirements, including crating, plastic bagging, labeling, and custom fitting protectors.

Hose Master places emphasis on continual improvements within our manufacturing processes, product offering and services. Hose Master reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any products contained herein.

For more information, please visit Expansion Joints Supplier.