Connectors form an integral part of any original equipment that uses tubing. Radhika Pendse, marketing communications executive at John Guest, looks into the benefits of the ‘push-fit’ connection concept, and the applications in which this technology has proved beneficial.
In industry today, it is imperative to move with the times. But due to the subjective nature of design, change in this sector is even more fluid, allowing newer, more efficient designs to replace their predecessors in the blink of an eye. Connectors, although a seemingly innocuous piece of engineering, form an integral part of any original equipment that uses tubing. Their design is a matter of utmost importance for those sourcing materials for an economically viable, yet high quality product.
The push-fit concept, such as that offered by John Guest, is increasingly overtaking more traditional connection techniques – compression/solder etc. – as the preferred choice of OEMs worldwide. This is primarily down to its easy adoption into more complex processes used in manufacture. For example, push-fit cartridge systems can easily be incorporated into a pump or valve product in order to save time in the factory and facilitate a better end product.
As the modern world moves into the push-fit arena, it seems only natural to talk about why that is.
The benefits of fast installation
Plastic push-fit technology is replacing more traditional materials and methods mainly due to its ease of use. In keeping with modern day time constraints, the system is based on a ‘tools-free’ ideology, which allows for quick and safe installation. The simple push and click ensures that no harmful chemicals nor soldering irons are required for installation, whilst a confined area of work does not prove to be an obstacle either.
Furthermore, plastic tubing also overtakes its copper counterpart as an easily available and cost effective option. In addition, it remains corrosion free for its life-span, and the inherent elasticity in plastic ensures that bursts or leaks are minimised as the material expands on coming into contact with heat.
The plastic push-fit system is suited to a wide number of applications within the industrial sector. It can form part of any pipe system, whether made of copper, LLDPE plastic tubing or PEX pipe. It therefore offers designers a multitude of choices when it comes to the type of connections they wish to make. Companies like John Guest can also provide customised solutions for a number of sectors.
In the automotive sector, companies like Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes use plastic push-fit in their cars as fuel line connectors. It is also increasingly being used in robotics due to its simple mechanism, helping with assembly and integrating into the supply chain.
In the drinks dispense or beverage industry, over 95% of the UK market has push-fit connectors behind their bars/pubs – every time someone pulls a pint, it is the push-fit system that is most likely in use behind the scenes!
With respect to the blown fibre sector, push-fit technology allows the outer blown fibre co-axial tubing to be connected together without the use of specialist equipment. Technology, such as the John Guest locking system, then seals and connects the blown fibre tubing together. The range forms an integral part of the blown fibre network as it also incorporates both water block and gas block products. Manifold systems also permit the multi-supply of super-fast broadband to a large number of dwellings.
In the pneumatics arena, push-fit now forms an integral part of tools like the nail gun and jackhammer. It is present in most garages as part of the compressed air network and is often used as a component in air brake systems.
Finally, other popular modern-day applications require bespoke connectors. John Guest, for example, works with OEMs to create specialised solutions to fit into heating valves, water pumps, Jacuzzis, pre-fabricated homes, and potentially anything else that uses tubing.
Savings
In essence, the push-fit system can save time, money and effort – all extremely valuable in today’s fast-paced society. It has a wide variety of applications and can be customised to fit almost any type of tubing system. It would seem that it is, indeed, the connecting solution of the future.
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