Hydraulic Adapters & Fittings Manufacturer | BSP, NPT, JIC, Metric Adapters
leak-free, high-pressure, corrosion-resistant fluid connection
A hydraulic adapter is a connector that joins different types or sizes of hydraulic hoses, tubes, or components in a fluid power system. It allows seamless flow of hydraulic fluid between parts with different thread types, standards, or sizes. Hydraulic adapters can also enable the splitting, merging, and direction-changing of the medium.
Some common adapter models are below. Strongflex can also produce other models of adapters, if you do not find the right model, you can contact us, we will send you detailed information about the product you want.
Strongflex Hydraulic adapters
Types of Hydraulic Adapters
There are many types of hydraulic adapter fittings. You can view detailed product categories in our hydraulic adapter catalog. Currently, we generally classify them according to the structure, material, pressure rating, sealing method, and thread type of the connector.
Classification by connector structure:
1. Straight Hydraulic Adapters, have both ends on the same straight line. The threads at both ends can be external or internal. They are suitable for situations where there is sufficient space and no change in pipeline direction is required.
2. Elbow connectors, or elbow hydraulic adapter fittings, can be further subdivided into 45° Elbow Adapters and 90° Elbow Adapters based on the bending angle. They are suitable for changing the direction of the pipeline, reducing bending stress on the hose, saving installation space, and reducing hose fatigue.
3. Tee hydraulic adapters have three ports and are used for splitting or combining fluid flow, commonly found in multi-circuit systems.
4. Four-way hydraulic adapters have four directional ports, the most common being the cross connector, often used in complex systems or test circuits.
5. Swivel connectors/rotating connectors allow one end of the pipeline to rotate relative to the other while connected, facilitating installation and adjustment.
6. Plugs/screw plugs: Used to seal oil pipe openings.
Adapters are classified by material:
Carbon steel hydraulic adapter: Most commonly used, usually galvanized or phosphated for corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel hydraulic adapter: Used in corrosive environments (marine, food, chemical) or where high cleanliness is required.
Brass hydraulic adapter: Often used in instrumentation, low-pressure systems, or with corrosive fluids; has good electrical conductivity.
Classified by pressure rating:
Connectors of different designs and standards have rated working pressures.
Low pressure
Medium to high pressure (such as the common JIC 37° series)
High pressure/ultra-high pressure (such as SAE flanges, certain ORFS series)
Classification of pipe connectors by the method of connecting the pipe ends:
1. Threaded connection: Two connectors are screwed together.
2. Welded connection: The connector end is a welding interface, welded to the pipe. This is a permanent connection, with high strength and is non-removable. Commonly used in heavy-duty equipment.
3. Hose connectors:
- Reusable type: The connector core and outer sleeve are detachable, used for assembly onto the hose, and are repairable.
- Permanent/crimped type: The outer sleeve is permanently crimped onto the hose using a special crimping machine, providing reliable sealing and requiring specialized tools.
- Internal/external threaded hose connectors: One end is the hose crimping end, and the other end has various threads.
4. Flared type: The connector end is flared, providing metal-to-metal sealing through a conical surface. Common types include JIC 37° Flare and SAE 45° Flare. It has strong vibration resistance and is reliable and durable in high-pressure applications.
5. Compression fitting/bite type: A ferrule is used to compress the metal pipe, requiring no welding. Suitable for steel tubes and stainless steel tubes. Easy to install, detachable, and provides reliable sealing. Commonly found in instrument piping, medium and high-pressure industrial systems, and precision hydraulic systems.
6. O-ring adapter: The adapter end has a flat surface and an O-ring seal, offering excellent leak prevention and strong vibration resistance. Suitable for high-pressure systems, such as high-pressure hydraulic systems and construction machinery. However, it is important to consider the material of the O-ring and its suitability for the temperature and corrosive environment.
Hydraulic Adapters Classified by Thread Type
NPT Fitting
ORFS Fitting
JIC 74° Cone Flared Tube Fitting
BSP Thread Fitting
BSP Thread 60° Cone Fitting
6162 Flange Fitting
Metric Thread O-ring Face Sael Fitting
Metric Thread Bite Type Tube Fitting
Metric Thread 74° Cone Flared Tube Fitting
JIS Metric Thread 60° Cone Adapter
Other Adapter
Hydraulic Adapter Specifications
Material: Stainless steel (SUS304/316), carbon steel (1020/45#), brass
Surface treatment: Zinc (trivalent chromium), nickel plating, passivation
Working pressure: Up to 63 MPa (9135 PSI)
Working temperature: -40°C to +120°C
Thread types: NPT, BSPT, JIC, SAE, ORFS, Metric
Connections: Threaded, hose fitting, flange
Sizes: 1/8″ to 2″ or customizable
Applications of Hydraulic Adapters
1. Resolving discrepancies in connection standards: This constitutes the most common application of hydraulic adapters. Given that hydraulic connection standards often vary across different manufacturers, countries, and types of equipment, adapters serve to bridge these differences by converting and connecting disparate thread types and fittings—such as metric and imperial standards—at the two ends of a connection.
2. Altering piping configurations and routing: To facilitate installation and maintenance, accommodate spatial constraints, or branch/consolidate fluid lines, adapters can be utilized to modify the connection layout as well as the flow path and direction of the hydraulic medium.
3. Connecting diverse hydraulic components: Adapters act as a bridge linking various system elements—such as pumps, valves, cylinders, hydraulic hoses, and instrumentation—thereby interfacing the ports of these distinct components.
Specific application scenarios within equipment include
Construction Machinery and Agricultural Equipment
Used in excavators, loaders, harvesters, and cranes to connect hydraulic hoses and components utilizing different thread standards.
Metallurgy and Heavy Industry
Used to facilitate conversions and connections between various interfaces on large-scale machinery; pressure-resistant and vibration-dampening adapter fittings are critical to the reliability of these connections and also facilitate subsequent maintenance.
Industrial Machinery
Used in hydraulic presses, injection molding machines, and automated systems.
Automotive and Transportation
Used in hydraulic braking systems, power steering systems, and maintenance and repair equipment.
Hydraulic Adapter Fittings Application
Why choose Strongflex adapters?
Our hydraulic adapters are made from high-quality stainless steel or high-strength carbon steel. High-precision machining ensures they maintain structural integrity even when subjected to high pressure, vibration, and shock.
We offer free samples and a variety of surface treatments, custom sizes, and materials to suit specific applications. Finished products undergo salt spray testing to ensure long-term, stable operation in humid and chemically corrosive environments.
Our adapters are designed to fully comply with international fluid connection standards, including SAE, JIC, BSP, and NPT, making them easily compatible with a wide range of pipes, hoses, and valves.
There are many types of hydraulic hose adapters fittings. When choosing, you should consider the specific application scenario. We can provide hydraulic adapters in batches, and we also support custom production if the quantity is large enough.
Factors to consider when selecting hydraulic adapters that meet industry standards
• Thread type: Select a fitting with a thread (BSP, NPT, metric) that is compatible with your system components.
• Pressure rating: Ensure the fitting meets the pressure requirements of your hydraulic system.
• Material standard: Select a material such as stainless steel or carbon steel that meets industry specifications for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Surface coating: Select fittings with a protective coating, such as zinc plating, for enhanced rust and wear resistance.
FAQ About Hydraulic Adapter Fittings
What materials are hydraulic hose adapters made from?
Hydraulic adapters are typically made of carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, or aluminum.
Carbon steel: most common, good strength and cost balance
Stainless steel: excellent corrosion resistance
Brass: suitable for low-pressure or non-corrosive systems
What’s the difference between a hydraulic adapter and a hydraulic fitting?
Hydraulic adapters are primarily used to connect different thread types or standards, while fittings connect hoses or tubes within the same standard.
What are the types of hydraulic adapters?
There are many types of hydraulic adapters, classified according to their performance.
Based on the connection method, they can be categorized as straight adapters, elbow adapters, tees, crosses, and bulkhead adapters.
Based on the thread type, they can be categorized as NPT adapters, SAE adapters, BSP adapters, metric adapters, etc.
Each type has unique sealing methods and is compatible with specific systems or regions.
What industries use hydraulic adapters?
Hydraulic adapters are widely used in construction machinery, agriculture, mining, industrial equipment, oil & gas, and automotive hydraulic systems.
