In the field of stainless steel piping, customers often hesitate to choose between Butt-Welded Fittings, Forged Fittings, and Casting Fittings. What is the difference between them? What kind of applications are they suitable for? SMLSCO combines 18 years of experience in stainless steel pipeline systems to provide a practical comparison.
01｜Butt-Welded Fitting
Structure: connected to the pipeline system by butt-welding, with smooth weld seams and natural transition between inside and outside.
Characteristics: Seamless structure, good mechanical properties, suitable for medium and large diameter, normal temperature or high temperature and pressure systems.
Common application areas: system supporting projects in oil and gas, chemical industry, electric power, shipping and other industries.
Stock Suggestion: High degree of standardization of specifications, suitable for unified management and batch stocking.
02｜Forged Fitting
Structure: Socket welding or threaded connection, high strength of forged parts, small wall thickness, strong pressure resistance.
Characteristics: Mainly used in small-diameter piping systems, common in high-pressure, compact layout and other scenarios.
Common application areas: automation equipment, pressure vessels, instrumentation supporting and other precision piping systems.
Suggestions for stocking: Various models but small size, suitable for matching type stock and replenishment on demand.
03｜Casting Fitting
Structure: Molded in a casting mold, flexible product structure, suitable for complex shapes.
Characteristics: Suitable for low and medium pressure systems, cost-effective products, fast shipment, and high versatility.
Common application areas: civil water supply, construction, HVAC, light industrial systems, etc.
Stock suggestion: suitable for fast replenishment and high-frequency shipment type stock to meet the standardized market demand.
SMLSCO viewpoint: how to choose?
The three products are not “who is better”, but “who is more suitable”. If you are:
Doing medium-large industrial projects, need standardized matching → preferred Butt-Welded
Specializing in precision packages, requiring high strength and compactness → Recommended Forged
Focus on general purpose market, high turnover efficiency → Casting is the cost effective choice.
SMLSCO can provide flexible solutions for different customers, from selection advice to inventory matching, to help you improve operational efficiency and market responsiveness.
Feel free to contact us for product details, stocking structure suggestions, or to share your logic of choice in actual use!