What is a Push-to-Connect Fitting?
Push-to-connect fittings (also known as push-in or quick-connect fittings) are reusable connectors that quickly attach tubing for compressed air, pneumatic, or fluid systems. Designed for ease of use, they form a tight, leak-free connection with a simple push.
How Do Push-to-Connect Fittings Work?
When tubing is inserted, the collet’s stainless-steel teeth grip the tube, while the O-ring forms an airtight seal. Pressing the release ring disengages the collet, allowing the tube to be easily removed.
Where Are Push-to-Connect Fittings Used?
Commonly used in automation, pneumatic control systems, HVAC, packaging lines, and industrial machinery, making them ideal for installations that require quick disconnection and system flexibility.
Are Push-to-Connect Fittings Reusable?
Yes, they can be reused multiple times without degrading the seal, making them excellent for prototyping, testing, and maintenance applications.
Pressure Connections Push-to-Connect Fittings Product Options
At UPC, all our components are tested for performance and ready to ship, providing reliable solutions for engineers, MRO teams, and system designers. Our Pressure Connections push-to-connect fittings product options include:
| Push-to-Connect Type |
Description |
Additional Information |
Options |
| Straight |
Provide a quick, secure connection between two straight tubes or components. |
Ideal for compact pneumatic systems and automation equipment. |
Available in multiple tube OD sizes and thread types for compatibility. |
| Elbow |
Connect tubing at 90° angles for directional changes in tight spaces. |
Constructed from nickel-plated brass or composite materials for corrosion resistance. |
Offered in male, female, and swivel configurations. |
| Tee |
Split or combine air flow from a single source. |
Allow tool-free installation for flexible line layouts. |
Offered in male branch, female branch, and union tee designs. |
| Union |
Join two tubes in-line or at an angle without threading or compression. |
Enable quick installation and disassembly for system adjustments. |
Offered in multiple tube sizes for pneumatic and low-pressure circuits. |
| Cross |
Create four-way connections to distribute air or fluid to multiple lines. |
Compact design ideal for control panels or manifold systems. |
Plastic, composite, or brass. |
| Bulkhead |
Allow tubing to pass through walls or panels while maintaining a sealed connection. |
Common in custom enclosures and machine assemblies. |
Various material and size options. |
| Y |
Split airflow between two outlets at a 45° angle, providing even pressure distribution between them. |
Compact, low-profile design saves space in multi-line systems. |
Various material and size options. |
| Stem |
Connect two push-to-connect fittings or extend tubing runs. |
Common for reconfiguring or adapting setups. |
Metallic, nickel-plated brass, stainless steel, plastic, composite |
| Tube Plug |
Seal unused tubing ports quickly and securely. |
Ideal for system testing, maintenance, or temporary line closures. |
Plastic, composite, stainless steel |
Push-to-Connect Fitting Advantages
UPC’s pneumatic push-in fittings offer the following benefits:
- Tool-free connection and disconnection.
- Reusable and removable for maintenance or reconfiguration.
- Available in brass, composite, and stainless steel materials.
- Corrosion-resistant design ensures long service life.
- Compatible with nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, and PTFE tubing.
- Compact fittings save space in tight pneumatic layouts.
Push-to-Connect Fitting Applications
Push-to-connect fittings are trusted by OEMs, MROs, and system integrators for reliable sealing and ease of installation. They are commonly used in pneumatic, automation, and low-pressure hydraulic systems. Industrial applications include:
Industries
- Automation & robotics
- HVAC & fluid power systems
- Packaging & manufacturing
- Industrial machinery & equipment
Applications
- Air line distribution systems
- Pneumatic control panels
- Cylinder and valve connections
- Maintenance retrofits and testing stations
Push-to-Connect Fitting Selection Criteria
Use the following table of selection criteria to determine the best fit for your application:
| Selection Criteria |
Description |
| Connection Type & Size |
Match tubing OD and thread standards (NPT, BSPT, or metric). |
| Material |
Choose brass for durability, composite for lightweight designs, or stainless steel for corrosive environments. |
| Working Pressure & Temperature |
Verify based on media type and system conditions. |
| Configuration |
Select from straight, elbow, tee, bulkhead, Y, or cross fittings depending on system layout. |
| Tube Compatibility |
Ensure fit with nylon, polyurethane, or polyethylene tubing. |
| Locking Mechanism |
Consider collet or release-ring designs for secure retention and easy removal. |
Why Choose UPC for Your Push-to-Connect Fitting Needs?
In the market for high-quality plastic, stainless steel, or brass pneumatic push-in fittings? UPC has you covered. Reasons to choose UPC include:
- Trusted Partnerships: UPC partners with Pressure Connections to provide high-quality brass compression fittings engineered for lasting performance and precision.
- Extensive Inventory: Offers a complete selection of straight, elbow, tee, bulkhead, and union compression fittings to support a wide range of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Reliable Quality: Each fitting is precision-machined for leak-free sealing, corrosion resistance, and consistent performance under pressure.
- Fast, Dependable Service: Large in-stock inventory ensures short lead times and quick order fulfillment for OEMs, MROs, and system integrators.
- Expert Technical Support: UPC’s knowledgeable team guides customers to help identify the correct fitting type, size, and material for their specific applications.
- One-Stop Supplier: In addition to compression fittings, UPC offers a full range of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components for complete system solutions.
Contact UPC for Pressure Connections Push-to-Connect Fittings
Contact
UPC for more information regarding our Pressure Connections push-to-connect fittings, or
request a quote today.
