Tube Fitting Manufacturer

If you’re searching for a reliable tube fitting manufacturer, you’re likely sourcing for a real project. Whether it’s instrumentation, hydraulics, food processing, gas lines, or high-pressure systems, selecting the right supplier directly impacts safety, compliance, and long-term performance.

This guide covers:

Leading manufacturers and how they differ
Common tube fitting types and applications
Price ranges and material options
Technical principles behind compression and flareless fittings
How to choose the right partner

Leading Tube Fitting Manufacturers (Quick Comparison)

Swagelok

Often considered the gold standard in instrumentation fittings. The well-known Swagelok tube fitting uses a two-ferrule compression system for leak-tight sealing.

Excellent for high-pressure gas and instrumentation
Extensive documentation and global distribution
Premium pricing

Typical price: $10 – $120+ per fitting

Parker Hannifin

Strong competitor in compression and hydraulic systems, including flareless and swaged tube fitting designs.

Strong in industrial and hydraulic sectors
Competitive performance
More flexible pricing than premium brands

Grainger (Distributor Model)

Large distributor offering massive inventory and fast shipping.

Best for urgent MRO needs
Higher cost for bulk purchases
Not a manufacturer

Regional Manufacturers (India, China, etc.)

Lower pricing
Wide quality variation
Verify ISO, ASTM, and pressure certifications

Eagle (Sanitary & Hygienic Focus)

Eagle specializes in stainless sanitary tube fittings for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

304 & 316L stainless steel
3-A, FDA, ISO certifications
Fast lead times
Competitive bulk pricing
Custom configurations available

What Is a Tube Fitting?

A tube fitting connects tubing (measured by outside diameter) rather than pipe (measured by nominal pipe size). It provides leak-proof sealing, mechanical retention, pressure containment, and directional flow control.

Common examples:

Compression tube fitting
Tube fitting union
Tube fitting connector
1/4" tube fitting
1/4 NPT push-to-connect fittings

Tube Fitting Types and How They Work

Compression Tube Fittings

Use one or two ferrules that compress around the tube as the nut tightens.

Best for instrumentation and gas lines
No welding required
Reusable if properly installed

Flareless / Swaged Tube Fittings

Ferrule bites into tubing wall to create mechanical grip and seal.

Used in hydraulic systems
Suitable for vibration-prone environments

Push-to-Connect Fittings

Common in low-pressure pneumatic systems.

Quick-connect tube fitting connectors
Best for air and automation lines

Sanitary Tube Fittings

Used in food, dairy, and pharmaceutical environments.

Tri-Clamp connectors
Hygienic unions
Polished stainless fittings

Surface finish and cleanability matter more than pressure rating in hygienic systems.

Tube Fitting Size Basics

Tubing is measured by:

Outside Diameter (OD)
Wall thickness
Material type

Common sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and metric sizes (6mm, 8mm, 10mm).

Price Expectations by Type

Type	Typical Price Range
Compression fittings	$5 – $80
Premium brands	$15 – $150+
Push-to-connect	$3 – $40
Sanitary stainless fittings	$15 – $300+

Material impact on price:

Brass = lower cost
304 stainless = mid-range
316 stainless = premium
Exotic alloys = high-end

Tube Fitting vs Pipe Fitting

Tube Fitting	Pipe Fitting
Measured by OD	Measured by nominal pipe size
Tighter tolerances	Thicker walls
Often compression-based	Threaded or welded
Used in instrumentation	Used in plumbing and heavy industry

What Is NPT Tube Fitting?

NPT (National Pipe Thread) refers to tapered threads used for sealing. A “1/4 NPT tube fitting” typically has one compression end for tubing and one tapered NPT threaded end for pipe connection.