Does piping connection material impact performance?
There are plenty of advantages to operators of aluminum pipe systems. Such as:
- Corrosion resistant
- Lightweight
- Ease of installation
- Low cost over time
However, not all aluminum system are created equal as different manufacturers use different materials to connect aluminum pipe segments. This leads many operators to question whether these different materials can impact the performance of their system. The answer is, yes.
Nylon versus Fiberglass
Nylon is frequently used as an aluminum pipe connector. It is high strength, high toughness, and medium insulation which hold up well in compressed air applications.
The fiberglass used in aluminum pipe systems is made up of 70% polyamide 6 (nylon) and 30% fiberglass. With the introduction of the fiberglass you see an increase in strength, toughness, and insulation. This makes Polyamide fiberglass more durable than standard polyamide.
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Compression Strength (MPa) | Impact Strength (KJ/m2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon (Polyamide 6) | 79 | 21 | 7 |
| Polyamide Fiberglass | 98 | 24 | 60 |
Polyamide fiberglass connections are a clear choice for aluminum piping connections. With significantly higher tensile, compression and impact strength, polyamide fiberglass connections can better guard your piping system against any mishaps or leaks.
