How to Choose the Right Camlock Fittings

Selecting the right camlock fittings is much like choosing a new pair of shoes. If you get a size too small, it creates pressure that can harm your health. If you pick the wrong material, your shoes might wear out quickly, causing you to spend more money on a new pair.

Material, size, type, and pressure rating are the main factors that will influence your decision to get the ideal camlock fittings. The team at Simlecco has put together this guide to help you make the proper fitting for your application. Following our advice won’t keep you from getting sore feet, but it can help you avoid leaks and broken pipes or tubes.

Factors That Impact Your Camlock Fittings Selection

The correct camlock material will suit the fluid or gas you work with. Generally, stainless steel, brass, and aluminum are used to create camlock fittings. Your Simlecco representative is an excellent resource for selecting the best material for manufacturing or commercial needs. Our professionals can also provide tips on adequately measuring the tubes or pipes you plan to connect to camlocks.

In the next few sections, you’ll learn about various types of fittings, including A, B, C, D, E, F, DC, and DP), as well as pressure ratings and compatibility based on the liquid transported in your hoses or pipes.

Select Your Camlock Fitting Material 

The unique cam and groove design of camlock fittings makes it easy to connect and disconnect hoses and pipes. However, the ideal material used varies depending on your applications. Here’s an overview of Simlecco camlocks used with different liquids:

• Aluminum: Lightweight and good for general purposes. Not suitable for corrosive chemicals.
• Stainless Steel: High corrosion resistance and durability. They are used in various industrial settings.
• Brass: This durable material is ideal for plumbing and other water distribution applications.
• Polypropylene: Chemical-resistant for specific applications. Ask your sales representative if your operations require polypropylene camlock fittings.
• Carbon steel: These high-end fittings are perfect for the petroleum industry.

Determine the Size You Need

Measure hose or pipe size before ordering your camlocks. Then, consider material tolerances and flow requirements to determine the amount of flexion needed. Use a caliper instead of a measuring tape for accurate measurements.

TIP: Measure the outside diameter of the tubing rather than the inside diameter to get a more accurate result and a better fit.

Know the Correct Temperature Ratings

What is the correct temperature rating for your camlock fittings? Typically, the gasket determines the appropriate temperature rating. Metal camlock couplings are generally more heat resistant. Therefore, this is the most conservative way to calculate your temperature tolerance needs. For example, although they are corrosive resistant, polypropylene fittings can only withstand conditions below 158°F.

Consider Flow Requirements

To determine your flow requirements, you’ll have to go back to the manufacturer’s specifications for your hoses, tubes, or pipes. Then, it’s easy to find camlock fittings that support that flow rate. As a rule of thumb, large-diameter tubing produces higher flow rates. Ensure that the fittings you choose are compatible with your equipment.

Pick the Right Type of Fitting

Camlocks are nifty devices that securely connect hoses and pipes. However, they’re only helpful if you choose the correct cam and groove coupling for your purposes.

The types of camlock fittings available at Simlecco include the following:

• Type A camlocks have a male adapter with a female thread.
• Type B fittings contain a female coupler and a male thread.
• Type C fittings consist of a coupler with a hose shank.
• Type D have a female coupler and thread.
• Type E camlocks have an adapter with a hose shank.
• Type F is a male adapter with a male thread.
• Dust Cap (DC) fittings have a unique design that prevents contamination.
• Dust Plug (DP) camlocks are useful when you want to seal off an adapter.

Here are some tips to help you avoid broken, cracked fittings that can slow down your operations or bring them to a halt.

Type A camlocks are super handy for coupling a hose and threaded pipe. Type B camlocks are the right choice for joining a threaded pipe to a male camlock fitting. Then, there are type C camlocks with female cams and hose shanks, making it easy to join hoses and pipes. On the other hand, type D fittings come with female cams and end threads that connect different sizes of male camlock fittings.

In rare applications, type E camlocks, which have male cams with a hose shank, can help connect a tube or pipe to a female camlock fitting. Finally, Type F camlocks, which have male-threaded cams securely join female camlocks of different sizes.

DC camlocks fit comfortably over a male camlock adapter, while DP camlocks will plug the opening of a female camlock coupler.

Check the Pressure Rating

A high-pressure camlock delivers superior functionality in environments with pressurized liquids or gases. This type of camlock fitting makes it easy to quickly connect/disconnect hoses or pipes used in certain industrial processes. Talk to the knowledgeable team at Simlecco to find camlocks that withstand extreme operational pressure and account for safety margins to protect your people and equipment.

Meet Your Perfect Simlecco Camlock Fitting

Did you know a Simlecco camlock expert can help you understand camlock fittings of various types, sizes, and configurations? We start by getting to know your operations and expectations. Then, our team will help you sift through the pros and cons of different fittings available in our inventory.

Contact Simlecco to learn more about choosing the high-performing, cost-effective camlock fittings for your business.