Different types of AN-fittings
In addition to the classic AN fittings that were already used during the Second World War, there have been lots of new variants that open up opportunities for how to connect things. In this article, we show the majority of useful connections.
Four categories
The list of AN connections can be divided into four categories:
- Hose ends - This includes all AN fittings that are mounted on a hose.
- Adapters - Adapters thread other threads together with hose end (AN).
- Weld bungs - Welded to the product which then connects with a hose end.
- Pipe fittings - these are clamped on an aluminum pipe.
Hose ends
Hose ends
There are three main categories for hose fittings
- Regular - For AN hose with rubber core
- PTFE - For AN hose with plastic core
- Push-on For special Push-on hose without outer steel braid
Regular hose ends
Hose ends for AN-hose
Hose ends for AN hose with rubber core are available in three variants from AN4-AN20 with associated hose in both steel braid and nylon braid.
-Hose end
The classic hose end that is mounted on a hose with a rubber core to fit a female thread in the end of the hose that fits the rest of the an-system.
-Hose end full-flow
Same principle as above, but with slightly coarser material to get a stronger fitting with the same flow as a regular AN hose end. A good alternative if you need stronger connections in a system.
-Hose end forged
A fitting that can withstand tough environments. These fittings can be advantageously mounted where there is an exposed environment and wear. The body between the press sleeve and the thread is forged and has a thicker material than ordinary fittings to be more brittle and not as sensitive to shocks and gravel spray. These are often used under the car fitted, for example, the gearbox and rear diff where it is a tough environment.
The hose used to above hose ends has a rubber core and is at least steel braided.
PTFE hose ends
Hose fitting PTFE
The classic PTFE hose end that is mounted on a hose with a plastic core to get an thread that fits the rest of the an-system.
-Hose hend full-flow PTFE
Same principle as above, but with slightly coarser material to get a stronger fitting with the same flow as a regular AN hose end. A good alternative if you need stronger connections in a system.
-Hose end forged PTFE
A fitting that can withstand tough environments. These fittings can be advantageously mounted where there is an exposed environment and wear. The body between the press sleeve and the thread is forged and has a thicker material than ordinary fittings to be more brittle and not as sensitive to shocks and gravel spray. These are often used under the car fitted, for example, the gearbox and rear diff where it is a tough environment.
The hose used has a plastic core and is at least steel-braided. This type uses an Olive to seal against the hose.
Push-on hose ends
Hose ends for push-on hose
Push-on hose fittings are available from AN4-AN12 to rubber hose, so-called push-on hose.
If the containing fuel or liquid will exceed 70 degrees working temperature, always use a hose clamp even on a Push-on AN fitting due to that the hose expands slightly at higher temperatures.
The hose used is a reinforced rubber hose that have a perfect fit with a push-on hose end.
Adapters
AN-Adapters
There are many different adapters. Here we show some:
Adapter, Joint, Plug, Banjo, Sensor adapter, Carburetor adapter, Hose adapter, Quick fitting, Bulkhead, Check valve, Pneumatic, ORB etc.
The adapters have the AN-thread in one end and the desired connection in the other end.
If you want to see all the adapters, the products are here.
BSP - AN
Metric thread - AN (Female-Male)
UNF - AN
NPT - AN
Tube thread - AN
Quick release - Full flow
NPT - NPT reducer
NPT - Plug
AN - Plug
NPT - Pug (Female)
AN - AN (Male-Male)
AN ORB-AN Swivel (Female-Female)
AN - AN (Female-Female)
AN-AN Swivel (Female-Male)
AN - AN (Female-Female)
AN ORB-AN
AN - Banjo
Weld bungs
AN Weld bungs
Welding bung / Weld connections can be welded to different pipes and surfaces in order to be able to mount a hose end to them.
Weld bung male
Welding bung male is welded on any surface and used together with a hose end. These are available in both steel, aluminum and stainless steel depending on where you are going to weld it.
Welding bung male is available in sizes AN4-AN20.
Weld bung female
Welding bung female is welded on any surface and used together with an adapter. Then a ORB adapter is mounted on the female weld bung.
The adapter used is called an o-ring adapter or ORB.
Welding connection female is available in sizes AN4-AN20.
Weld bung hose end
Hose end weld bung for push-on or hose. Welded on any alu surface and used together with a hose.
The hose used is a reinforced rubber hose that gets a perfect fit with a push-on fitting.
Hose fittings for welding are available in AN4 -AN16 sizes.
Tube ends
Tube ends
Tube ends are clamped to a designated aluminum pipe by means of clamping rings. This is similar to the technology used when PTFE couplings are clamped to PTFE hose.
Tube ends
Tube ends for alu tubes
These pipe fittings / Tube ends are intended for a specific aluminum pipe in inch size (AN) which must match perfectly when a clamping ring is transferred and compressed to get a tight clamping connection.
Conclusion about the different AN-fittings
With the help of all the different AN fitings and hose, we can lead fuel, air, oil, water and brake fluid from one part to another in a simple way. Just like building lego.
With hose fittings that are pressed onto a hose, you can use AN adapters and welding bungs to connect this hose to almost any thread or material.