Fittings & Tubing

Precautions 1
Be sure to read this before handling.

Design / Selection Mounting / Piping

Warning Warning
1. Confirm the specifications. 1. Operation manual
Products represented in this catalog are designed only for use Install the products and operate them only after reading the op-
K
in compressed air systems (including vacuum). eration manual carefully and understanding its contents. Also,
Do not operate at pressures or temperatures, etc., beyond the keep the manual where it can be referred to as necessary. M
range of specifications, as this can cause damage or malfunc- 2. Ensure sufficient space for maintenance activities.
tion. (Refer to the specifications.)
When installing the products, allow access for maintenance. H
Please contact SMC when using a fluid other than com-
pressed air (including vacuum). 3. Tighten threads with the proper tightening torque.
We do not guarantee against any damage if the product is When installing the products, follow the listed torque specifi-
KK
used outside of the specification range. cations.
2. Do not disassemble the product or make any 4. There may be cases of the tubing detaching
D
modifications, including additional machining. from the fitting and thrashing around uncon-
It may cause human injury and/or an accident. trollably due to tubing degradation or fitting MS
3. Check if PTFE can be used in application. breakage.
PTFE powder (Polytetrafluoroethylene resin) is included in the To prevent the situation from becoming uncontrollable, fit the
LQ
seal material. Confirm that the use of it will not cause any ad- tubing with a protective cover or fix it in place.
verse affect on the system. MQR
Caution
Caution 1. Preparation before piping
T
1. Keep the connection part of fittings and tubing Before piping is connected, it should be thoroughly blown out
from rotating or oscillating movement. Use with air (flushing) or washed to remove chips, cutting oil and
other debris from inside the pipe.
Rotary One-touch Fittings Series KS or KX in
these cases. 2. Wrapping of pipe tape Winding
The fittings may be damaged if they are used in the above When screwing piping or fittings direction
manner. into ports, ensure that chips
from the pipe threads or sealing Ex
po
2. The tubing bending radius in the vicinity of the material do not enter the piping. se
ap
Pipe tape
fitting should be at least the minimum bending Also, if pipe tape is used, leave pr
ox
.1
radius of the tubing. 1 thread ridge exposed at the thr
end of the threads. ea
If the bending radius is less than the min. value, fittings may d
damage, or tubing may crack or be crushed. The minimum 3. Confirm model no., size,
bending radius, with the exception of TS soft nylon tubing, TU etc. before installing. Check tubing for damage,
polyurethane tubing, TUH hard polyurethane tubing, TUS soft gouges, crack, etc.
polyurethane tubing, TRBU FR double layer polyurethane tub-
ing, TH FEP tubing, TL PFA tubing, TD modified PTFE tubing, 4. When connecting the tubing, take pressure or
is measured as following in accordance with JIS B 8381-1995. possible changes to the tubing length into ac-
Tubing deformation ratio at the minimum bending radius is ob- count, and allow a sufficient margin.
tained through the following formula, based on tubing diame- Failure to do so may result in fitting breakage or detachment
ter and mandrel diameter by wrapping the same radius man- of the tubing. Refer to the recommended piping conditions.
drel tube.
Tube deformation ratio at the
5. Do not apply unnecessary forces such as
L–D minimum bending radius twisting, pulling, moment loads, vibratioin and
η= 1– x 100
2d Mandrel impact, etc. on fittings or tubing.
Here, η: Deformation ratio (%) This will cause damage to fittings and will crush, burst or re-
d: Tubing diameter (mm) lease tubing.
L: Measured length (mm)
D: Mandrel diameter (mm) 6. Tubing, with the exception of coiled tubing, re-
(Twice against the minimum quires stationary installation. Do not use stan-
bending radius) dard tubing (non-coiled) in applications where
Test temperature: 20 ±5°C tubing is required to travel. Tubing that travels
Relative humidity: 65 ±5%.
may sustain abrasion, extention, or severance
due to tensile force, or may result in removal
3. Applicable for air and water. of tubing from fitting. Use caution prior to use
Please consult with SMC if using other fluids. for proper application.
4. If surge voltage pressure exceeds the max. op- 7. To install the fitting, screw the fitting into the
erating pressure, fitting or tubing may be dam- hexagonal face of the body, and tighten with
aged. an appropriate wrench.
When it is used with water, fittings or tubing may be damaged Affix the wrench at the base of the thread. If the size of hexa-
depending on the surge pressure. gonal face and wrench do not match, or tightening takes place
near the tube side, it may cause collapse or deformation of
the hexagonal face, or damage to the equipment. After instal-
ling, confirm that there is no damage to the fitting, etc.
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P0001-P0017-E.qxd 08.8.29 1:40 PM Page 14

Fittings & Tubing

Precautions 2
Be sure to read this before handling.

Air Supply Operating Environment

Warning Warning
1. Type of fluids 5. Do not use the ordinary fittings and tubing
Please consult with SMC when using the product in applica- in locations where static electricity would be
tions other than compressed air. problematic.
Regarding products for general fluids, please contact SMC
concerning applicable fluids. It may result in the system failure and trouble. In such places,
use of antistatic fittings (Series KA) and antistatic tubing
2. When there is a large amount of drainage. (Series TA) are recommended.
Compressed air containing a large amount of drainage can
cause malfunction of pneumatic equipment. An air dryer or 6. Do not use the ordinary fittings and tubing
water separator should be installed upstream from filters. in locations where spatter is generated.
3. Drain flushing Spattering may result in a fire hazard. In such a place, use of
flame resistant fittings (Series KR/KRM) and tubing (Series
If condensation in the drain bowl is not emptied on a regular
TRS/TRB) are recommended.
basis, the bowl will overflow and allow the condensation to
enter the compressed air lines. It causes malfunction of 7. Do not use in an environment where the
pneumatic equipment. product is directly exposed to cutting oil, lu-
If the drain bowl is difficult to check and remove, installation of
a drain bowl with an auto drain option is recommended.
bricant, coolant oil, etc.
For compressed air quality, refer to SMC’s Best Pneumatics catalog. Please contact SMC if using for an environment exposed to
cutting oil, lubricant or coolant oil, etc.
4. Use clean air.
Do not use compressed air that contains chemicals, synthetic 8. Take note that if nylon tubing and soft nylon
oils including organic solvents, salt or corrosive gases, etc., as tubing are used in a clean room,
it can cause damage or malfunction. the antioxidant on the surface of the soft nylon tubing may
come off, thereby lowering the cleanness level.
Caution 9. Do not use in environments where foreign
1. Install an air filter. matter may stick to the product or get mixed
Install an air filter upstream near the valve. Select an air filter in the product’s interior.
with a filtration size of 5 μm or smaller. This may cause leakage or disconnection of the tubing.
2. Take measures to ensure air quality, such as
by installing an aftercooler, air dryer, or water Maintenance
separator.
Compressed air that contains a large amount of drainage can
cause malfunction of pneumatic equipment. Therefore, take
Warning
appropriate measures to ensure air quality, such as by provid- 1. Perform maintenance inspection according
ing an aftercooler, air dryer, or water separator. to the procedures indicated in the operation
3. Ensure that the fluid and ambient tempera- manual.
ture are within the specified range. If handled improperly, malfunction and damage of machinery
If the fluid temperature is 5°C or less, the moisture in the cir- or equipment may occur.
cuit could freeze, causing damage to the seals and leading to 2. Maintenance work
equipment malfunction. Therefore, take appropriate measures
to prevent freezing. If handled improperly, compressed air can be dangerous.
For compressed air quality, refer to SMC’s Best Pneumatics catalog. Assembly, handling, repair and element replacement of
pneumatic systems should be performed by a knowledgeable
and experienced person.
Operating Environment 3. Drain flushing
Remove drainage from air filters regularly.
Warning 4. Removal of equipment, and supply/exhaust
1. Do not use in an atmosphere having corro- of compressed air
sive gases, chemicals, sea water, water, wa- When components are removed, first confirm that measures
ter steam, or where there is direct contact are in place to prevent workpieces from dropping, run-away
with any of these. equipment, etc. Then, cut off the supply pressure and electric
power, and exhaust all compressed air from the system using
Refer to each construction drawing on the fittings and tubing
the residual pressure release function.
material.
When machinery is restarted, proceed with caution after
2. Do not expose the product to direct sunlight confirming that appropriate measures are in place to prevent
for an extended period of time. cylinders from sudden movement.
3.Do not use in a place subject to heavy vibra-
tion and/or shock.
4.Do not mount the product in locations where
it is exposed to radiant heat.
14
 Fittings & Tubing
Precautions 3
Be sure to read this before handling.

Maintenance Mounting / Piping

Caution Caution
1. Be certain to wear safety glasses at all times 4. Tightening the threaded portion of the con-
nection thread M3, M5 or M6
K
during periodical inspections.
2. Replace fittings or tubing having the follow- 1) M3
First, tighten it by hand, then give it an additional 1/4 turn with a M
ing problems. wrench. A reference value for the tightening torque is 0.4 to 0.5 N·m.
1) Cracks, gouges, wearing, corrosion 2) M5, M6 and 10-32UNF H
2) Air leakage First, tighten it by hand, then give it an additional 1/6 turn to 1/4 turn with
3) Twists or crushing of tubing a wrench. A reference value for the tightening torque is 1 to 1.5 N·m.
4) Hardening, deterioration, softening of tubing Note) Excessive tightening may damage the thread portion or KK
deform the gasket and cause air leakage.
3. When replacing tubes or fittings, do not try If the screw is too shallowly screwed in, it may come D
to mend or repair and then reuse them. loose or air may leak.
5. Chamfered female thread size of the connec- MS
One-touch Fittings tion thread M3, M5, 10-32UNF
Mounting / Piping Confirming to ISO16030 (air pressure fluid dynamics – LQ
connection – boards and stud ends), the chamfered thread
Caution sizes shown below are recommended. MQR
1. Tubing insertion and removal from one-
touch fittings
Female thread size Chamfered port size øD (Recommended value) T
øD
M3 3.1 to 3.4
1) Attaching of tubing M5 5.1 to 5.4
(1) Cut the tubing perpendicularly, being careful not to dam- 10-32UNF 5.0 to 5.3
age the outside surface. Use an SMC tubing cutter “TK-1”,
“TK-2” or “TK-3”. Do not cut the tube with pliers, nippers, 45°
scissors, etc., otherwise, the tube will be deformed and
trouble may result. Recommended Piping Conditions
(2) The outside diameter of the polyurethane tubing swells
when inernal pressure is applied to it. Therefore, it may be 1. When connecting piping
possible that the tubing cannot be re-inserted into the
one-touch fitting. Check the tubing outside diameter, and to the one-touch fitting,
when the accuracy of the outside diameter is +0.07 mm or use pipe length with suffi-
larger for ø2, +0.15 mm or larger for other sizes, insert cient margin, in accor- Straight
into the one-touch fitting again, without cutting the tubing dance with the piping con- line Mounting
to use it. When the tubing is re-inserted into the one-touch
fitting, confirm that the tubing goes through the release ditions shown in Figure 1. pitch A

button smoothly. Also, when using a tying band, etc.,

Figure 1 Recommended
(3) Grasp the tube, slowly push it into the one-touch fittings to bind the piping together, make
piping
until it comes to a stop. sure that external force does not
(4) Pull the tubing back gently to make sure it has a positive come to bear on the fitting. (see Figure 2) Unit: mm
seal. Insufficient installation may cause air to leak or the Mounting pitch A Straight-line
tube to release. Tubing size pipe length
Nylon tube Soft nylon tube Polyurethane tube
2) Removing of tubing ø3.2, 1/8" 44 or more 35 or more 25 or more 16 or more
(1) Push flange evenly and push the release button sufficiently. ø4, 5/32" 56 or more 44 or more 26 or more 20 or more
(2) Pull out the tube while keeping the release button de- ø3/16" 67 or more 52 or more 38 or more 24 or more
pressed. If the release button is not held down sufficiently, ø6 84 or more 66 or more 39 or more 30 or more
the tube cannot be withdrawn. ø1/4" 89 or more 70 or more 57 or more 32 or more
(3) To reuse the tubing, remove the previously lodged portion ø8, 5/16" 112 or more 88 or more 52 or more 40 or more
of the tube. If the lodged portion is left on without being ø10 140 or more 110 or more 69 or more 50 or more
removed, it may result in air leakage and removal of the ø3/8" 134 or more 105 or more 69 or more 48 or more
tube difficult. ø12 168 or more 132 or more 88 or more 60 or more
2. Connecting products with metal rods ø1/2" 178 or more 140 or more 93 or more 64 or more
After connecting the products with metal rods (Series KC, ø16 224 or more 176 or more 114 or more 80 or more
etc.) to the one-touch fittings, do not use tubes, resin plugs or
reducers, etc. These may come off the fittings.
3. When mounting tubing, resin plugs, metal
rods, etc., do not press the release button
before mounting.
Also, do not press the release button before mounting. This
may result in detachment.

Recommended No good
Figure 2 When using a tying band to bind the piping together
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P0001-P0017-E.qxd 08.8.29 1:40 PM Page 16

Fittings & Tubing

Precautions 4
Be sure to read this before handling.

UNI Thread Fittings Fittings with Sealant

Mounting Piping

Caution Caution
1. First tighten by hand, then use a proper 1. The standard torque for the fittings are
wrench, which could be suitable for the hex- shown in the table below. In short, tighten
agon across flats on the body to tighten with by hand, then turn it two or three turns with
the proper tightening torque given below. a wrench.
Connection Female Thread: Rc, NPT, NPTF Connection thread size Proper tightening torque (N·m)
Approx. wrench tightening NPT 1 16 , NPT, R 1 8 7 to 9
Nominal size Proper tightening torque angle after tightened by hand NPT, R1 4 12 to 14
of UNI thread (N·m) deg
NPT, R3 8 22 to 24
1 8 5 to 7 30 to 60 NPT, R1 2 28 to 30
1 4 11 to 13 30 to 60
3 8 14 to 16 15 to 45 2. If the fitting is tightened with excessive tor-
1 20 to 22 15 to 30
2
que, a large amount of sealant will seep out.
Connection Female Thread: G
Remove the excess sealant.
Approx. wrench tightening 3. Insufficient tightening may loosen the
Nominal size Proper tightening torque
of UNI thread (N·m)
angle after tightened by hand
deg
threads, or cause air leakage.
1 8 3 to 4 30 to 45 4. Reuse
1 4 4 to 5 15 to 30 1) Normally, fittings with a sealant can be reused 2 to 3 times.
3 8 to 9 15 to 30
8 2) To prevent air leakage through the sealant, remove any
1 14 to 15 15 to 30
2 loose sealant stuck to the fitting by blowing air over the
threaded portion.
2. The gasket can be recycled up to 6 to 10 3) If the sealant no longer provides effective sealing, wrap
times. It can be replaced easily when it has sealing tape over the sealant before reusing. Do not use
the sealant in any form other than a tape type.
sustained damage. A broken gasket can be
removed by holding it and then turning it in 5. Once the fitting has been tightened, backing
the same direction as loosening the thread. it out to its original position often causes
If gasket is difficult to remove, cut it with the sealant to become defective. Air leakage
nippers, etc. In such a case, use caution not will occur.
to scratch the seat face because the seat
face of 45° gasket of fitting is the sealing Tubing
face. Design / Selection
3. Please consult with SMC if using for other
fluids than air. Caution
4. Other precautions on handling, etc. are the 1. When using a tubing other than from SMC,
same as those for one-touch fittings. be careful of the tolerance of the tubing O.D.
and tubing material.
Chamfered area for female thread 1) Nylon tubing ≤ ±0.1 mm
2) Soft nylon tubing ≤ ±0.1 mm
(Recommended value) 3) Polyurethane tubing ≤ +0.15 mm,
By chamfering as shown in the following table, machining of ≤ –0.2 mm
threads is easier and effective for burr prevention.
When the tolerance of the tubing O.D. is insufficient, or the
tubing I.D. is different from SMC dimensions, do not use the
tube, because the following problems may occur: difficulty in
connecting the tubing, leakage, disconnection of the tubing, or
fitting damage.
øD

When used with tubing other than those from SMC, due to
their properties, the products listed below are not subject to
warranty.
Rz12.5
KQG, KQB, KFG, KF, ø2KJ, ø2M
45°
2. When using fittings other than those from
Female Chamfered port size øD (Recommended value) SMC, be certain to confirm that operating
thread size G Rc NPT, NPTF
1
conditions are such that no problems will
8 10.2 to 11.5 10.2 to 11.8 10.5 to 11.8
1 4 13.6 to 14.5 13.6 to 15.8 14.1 to 15.8 arise.
3 8 17.1 to 18.5 17.1 to 19.4 17.4 to 19.4
1 2 21.4 to 22.5 21.4 to 25.1 21.7 to 25.1

16