The malleable iron and ductile iron fitting is used in pipe systems to connect straight pipe or tubing sections, adapt to different sizes or shapes and for other purposes, such as regulating (or measuring) fluid flow. “Plumbing” is generally used to describe the conveyance of water, gas, or liquid waste in domestic or commercial environments; “piping” is often used to describe the high-performance (high-pressure, high-flow, high-temperature or hazardous-material) conveyance of fluids in specialized applications. “Tubing” is sometimes used for lighter-weight piping, especially that flexible enough to be supplied in coiled form.
Malleable iron Fittings (especially uncommon types) require money, time, materials and tools to install, and are an important part of piping and Plumbing systems. Valves are technically fittings, but are usually discussed separately.
We get this question a lot from customers who are often trying to determine if they should use malleable iron fitting or forged iron threaded fitting or socket weld fitting. Malleable iron fittings are lighter fittings in 150# and 300# pressure class. They are made for light industrial and plumbing use up to 300 psi. Some malleable fittings such as floor flange, lateral, street tee and bullhead tees are not commonly available in forged iron.
Malleable iron offers more ductility that is often required in light industrial use. Malleable iron pipe fitting is not good for welding (if you ever need to weld something to it).
Post time: Apr-26-2020