The basic components of a Hose Master flexible metal hose

Sudbury International carries Hose Master metal hoses.

Hose Master manufactures hosing solutions that are available in Canada through Sudbury International Engineered Products Limited. To understand how these flexible metal hose assemblies create value for different applications, Hose Master recommends reviewing their anatomies. Each flexible metal hose contains four basic components: corrugated tubing, braid, braid collars, and end fittings.

While this parts from Sudbury International are simple, Hose Master can customize them to make various configurations and serve various markets.

Corrosion resistance, pressure rating, flexibility

The core component of a flexible metal hose is corrugated tubing, which comprises the bulk of an assembly and also affects corrosion resistance, pressure rating, and flexibility. Corrosion resistance depends on the alloy chosen for the media: 321 stainless steel is resistant enough for most applications, but 316 stainless steal and C276 may be required for additional resistance. Hose Master determines the pressure rating of each hose with various pressure testing; low ratings can be used for many standard tasks, while more critical applications might require hoses that withstand higher pressures. Hose Master’s proprietary forming processes create hoses with high flexibility.

The braid contributes to the assembly’s ability to withstand high pressure. Multiple factors contribute to its functionality, like wire diameter, number of wires per carrier, number of carriers on the braiding machine, and percentage of braid coverage. Adding extra braid layers can boost the pressure rating of a Sudbury International flexible metal hose.

Braid collars join the inner corrugated hose and braid together during the cap-welding process, in which a TIG weld joins the hose, braid, and braid collar into the cap weld bead. These components also protect and isolate corrugations near the cap weld from any movement; after cap welding, the corrugations become a heat-affected zone and cannot cycle functionality with the rest of the hose. Broad collars preserve the assembly’s cycle life by distributing all bending stresses properly over corrugations.

End fittings are available in many options, enabling customization of flexible metal hoses for various tasks. Customers are advised to verify the size, alloy, and pressure requirements of every application before deciding on fittings.

To learn more, contact Sudbury International.

• Tweet