Flexible Metal Hose Manufacturer | Flex Steel Hose
Did you know all metal hose companies are NOT the same? There’s a variety flexible metal hose manufacturers to choose from BUT its the method used to assemble the hose that’s important. Flexible metal hoses usually don’t break in the middle, they break at the hose weld. This means that the method used to assemble and weld the hose is extremely important. Currently there are no codes or specifications governing metal hose welds. This is a relationship between you and the vendor you choose to fabricate your hose assembly. It’s very important to choose a flexible hose manufacturer that understands the ins and outs of how flexible metal hoses work and how to fabricate them correctly. Aero-Flex is a flex hose manufacturer that you can rely on!
The Way Your Hose Is Constructed Is Important
Our flex metal hose construction process is unique in the industry. Typically hose companies cut the hose from the reel and MIG weld a fitting or flange with no additional end fitting preparation. For a low pressure non critical applications this is ok but unfortunately with this method you don’t get full penetration in the hose weld. The hose material is just a few thousandths thick and the fitting you are welding to the hose can be 5-10 times thicker. If you put too much heat into the weld you will penetrate through the wall of the hose material. If you don’t reduce the thickness of the wall of the fitting, what you are left with is a hinge point that over time will fail. Hoses like this are not constructed for longevity, they are constructed for low price. This is what makes our flexible hose assemblies stand out of the rest flex metal hoses!
Choosing The Right Alloy For Your Application
Aero-Flex will choose an alloy to construct your flexible metallic hose that is compatible with your specific application. For example, using 316 Stainless Steel is great for minor corrosion or high purity environments. In instances where high corrosion is a factor, nickel or monel is widely used in these applications. For most applications the standard 321ss core with 304ss braid will work fine. Our Flexible Metal Hose Assemblies are extremely abrasion resistant and are widely used in industries where high vibration is a factor. Actually, reducing vibration in your machinery can have a lasting affect on the life span of your machinery. Ask us what alloy is right for your next Flexible Metal Hose application.
Implement Our Innovative Design
Aero-Flex chooses a different method to fabricate our flex metal hoses. We have a proprietary method of preparing the hose for welding that is different than 99% of our competitors. It involves how we form the hose core and how it relates to the braid and the braid band that ties all 3 together. During prep we perform a process that thins out the wall of the end fitting so that when welded to the hose we get full penetration and that removes the hinge point we referenced earlier. The result is our flex steel hoses are stronger and more durable for a longer lasting flexible hose assembly over time. This also creates a smooth transition between the hose core and the end fitting. It also removes sharp edges of the core that can interfere with flow inside the flexible metallic hose.
A Clean Hose Is Important
Our hose assemblies are cleaned several times throughout the process. Once before prep and welding and then a final cleaning after pressure testing. During final cleaning Aero-Flex pickles the welds to remove impurities (carbon) that has risen to the surface during the cool down of the weld. This prevents any rusting on the welds once it hits moisture in the air or environment its installed in. Our competitors only use soap and water and in some cases a mild citric passivation. This is not strong enough to remove the impurities in the weld and that weld will rust within hours or days once in the field. These are just a few things that set us apart from the rest of the flexible metallic hose industry. We hope that you make the right choice and choose Aero-Flex for your next flexible metal hose project!
When Should A Metal Hose Be Used
There are a lot of different types of hoses on the market today and each of them have their own specific application. Aero-Flex specializes in the fabrication of custom flexible metal hose assemblies for applications where other types of hose materials won’t work. For example, a high temperature or corrosion environment or a really low temperature environment like in cryogenic applications. Here are some examples of applications that require a flexible metal hose.
- Temperature Extremes
- Corrosive Chemicals
- Permeation Concerns
- Fitting Flexibility Advantage
- Abrasion Concerns
- Reduce High Vibration
- When Full Vacuum Is Required
- Fire Safety
What Goes On The End Of A Metal Hose?
Threaded End Connections
There are several different threaded end connections that can be used on a metal hose (stainless steel flex hoses). There are also several hydraulic fittings & adapters that can be welded on the hose or can be used to adapt the hose to existing equipment. For the most part materials include carbon steel, 304 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel.
Aero-Flex can also machine a custom threaded end connector to the specific dimensions and alloys you require for your application. Ask us about custom threaded hose connectors and we would be happy to get you a quote.
A Few Examples…
- Male NPT
- Female NPT
- Male JIC 37° Flare
- Female JIC 37° Flare
- ORFS (O-Ring Face Seal)
- Threaded Union
- Cam Lock
- Half Coupling
Flanged End Connections
Typically flange end connections are used on hoses larger than 2″ in diameter. Aero-Flex supplies off the shelf ANSI B16.5 flanges in 150#, 300#, 600#, 900# and 1500# classes. ANSI B16.5 flanges come standard in alloys like carbon steel, 304 stainless steel, 316L stainless steel and 321 stainless steel. When required an Alloy 400 or Nickel 625 flange can also be supplied. Aero-Flex can also machine custom flange connections upon request to your exact drawing specifications and specific alloys. Ask us about your next project that requires flexible metal hoses with custom flange connections and we would be happy to get you a quote.
A Few Examples…
- Weld Neck Flange
- Lap Joint Flange (Floating)
- Socket Weld Flange
- Slip-On Flange
- Plate Flange
- Sanitary Flange
- Threaded Flange
Aerospace End Connections
Aero-Flex provides end connections used on hose and tube assemblies used in Aerospace applications. The aerospace fittings are very similar to the JIC industrial end fittings especially since they are both 37° flares but they do have differences. The most notable difference between these standards are in the threads. For instance, AN fittings use an increased root radius thread (“J” thread) and a tighter tolerance (Class 3) to achieve a 40% increase in fatigue strength and a 10% increase in shear strength. In fact, material requirements can differ greatly. These two fittings function the same, they look the same but are slightly different. But, JIC fittings should not be used for Aerospace applications.
A Few Examples…
- AN Nuts & Sleeves
- MS Nuts & Sleeves
- AS Nuts & Sleeves
- Beam Seal Fittings
- V-Band Flange
- Custom Aerospace Fittings