Best fitting material when going into Aluminum ?

Cannons powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed gas) using a valve or other release.
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

Getting ready to tap a 1/2" thick surface of 6061 Aluminum for 3/4" NPT and was wanting to know what's the best material to use when dealing with fittings that will be going into the Aluminum.
I'm assuming something that is softer than the Aluminum , but .......

Thanks
User avatar
c11man
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
Posts: 783
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:37 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

i dont quite under stand what your asking? :/
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

c11man wrote:i dont quite under stand what your asking? :/
Basically , I have female threads in 6061 Aluminum . When buying Male fittings, what material would be the best ?
User avatar
c11man
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
Posts: 783
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:37 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

oh it doesnt mater much. I mix brass steel and alliminum all the time
User avatar
Moonbogg
Staff Sergeant 3
Staff Sergeant 3
United States of America
Posts: 1737
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:20 pm
Location: SoCal
Has thanked: 166 times
Been thanked: 102 times

Any material is fine, but if you use aluminum on aluminum, use an anti-seize paste or they may bind together.
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

c11man wrote:oh it doesnt mater much. I mix brass steel and alliminum all the time
I had always figured that the male should always be the softer of the two materials, that way if you strip something out you can retap out the hole.

Example.
Using steel as the fitting going into Aluminum. If you cross threaded the female with the steel than your screwed.
User avatar
c11man
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
Posts: 783
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:37 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

easy fix, make sure not to cross thread :D
User avatar
DR
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:16 pm

Assuming that your use of 3/4" NPT thread, is nothing more than to attach a 3/4" Modified Sprinkler Valve, then just use a 3/4" NPT PVC fittings (i.e. -3/4" NPT SCH80 PVC Pipe NIPPLE)

If you're planning on using it to plumb a high-pressure gas, then you better stick with brass fittings. Use Teflon Tape, tightly wrapped, but only 3-4 tight wraps, MAX. The use of a high-pressure <a href="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Hardwar ... 00&hei=200" target="_blank">Teflon Paste</a>, will also help to seal the fitting, as well as being a superior lubricant, for any future disassembly.
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post