This section provides an overview for hex nipples as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 hex nipple manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked hex nipple companies as of December, 2024: 1.SAMOA Industrial, S.A., 2.Savoy piping Inc., 3.Gimatic Srl.
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1985-2014: Worked for Alstom Corporation, ABB Corporation, and Gadelius Corporation, designing Jungstrom air preheaters and mechanical design of diamond soot blowers. (ABB Corporation: https://new.abb.com/jp)
2014-2021: Worked as an engineering and project manager at Alvos Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoichi-hiroki-92192394/
A hex nipple is a type of threaded pipe fitting featuring a hexagonal center, facilitating the use of a wrench for tightening, with male threads on both ends. This fitting is commonly utilized in general piping systems for water, oil, steam, air, and gas, enabling the connection of pipe fittings and equipment with male threads. The term "nipple" is defined as a pipe fitting with male threads cut at both ends of a straight shaft.
The center portion of a nipple does not have to be strictly hexagonal. For nominal diameters larger than 3/4B (20A), both hexagonal and octagonal shapes are acceptable.
Figure 1. Example of Hex Nipple Use
Hex nipples find use across a broad spectrum of applications, from industrial to general gas piping systems. Their threaded connections offer ease of installation and disassembly. However, they are not recommended for high-pressure fluid piping due to potential leakage at the threaded connections.
The design allows for easy and secure tightening of the hex portion with a wrench or spanner, making them suitable for general-purpose piping connections.
Piping connections can be established through screwing, plugging, flanging, or welding, with hex nipples being a type of fitting joined by screwing. These fittings employ taper threads (R threads) on both ends, compatible with both tapered (R) and parallel (Rp) pipe threads, facilitating straight connections to various pipe fittings and equipment.
Figure 2. Types of Hex Nipples by Shape
Hex nipples can be hexagonal or octagonal in the center portion, depending on the nominal diameter, which, if larger than 3/4B (20A), may be octagonal.
There are two types of hex nipples: those with the same diameter threads on both ends and those with different diameters. The term "same-diameter" is typically implied for same-diameter nipples. Hex nipples with different diameters feature concentric threads.
The following table shows the correspondence between pipe fitting sizes and the nominal diameter (A) or DN (ISO 6708).
Pipe Fitting Size Nominal |
1/8 |
1/4 |
3/8 |
1/2 |
3/4 |
1 |
1-1/4 |
1-1/2 |
2 |
2-1/2 |
3 |
4 |
Nominal Size (A), (DN) |
6 |
8 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
32 |
40 |
50 |
65 |
80 |
100 |
Figure 3. Hex Nipple and Other Nipple Shapes
Alongside hex nipples, other types include barrel nipples, close nipples, and long nipples, which are tightened using a pipe wrench. These variants offer different advantages in terms of the distance between connected fittings and equipment.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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MicroStrain is based in Williston, Vermont, and is an American manufacturer of inertial and wireless sensors originally established in 1987 before being acquired by HBK in 2019. The company produces various industrial and tactical-grade sensors, wireless sensor network devices, and data analysis software. Its products include battery powered wireless 3-axis accelerometers with a rugged and weather-proofed shell, cloud-based platforms for sensor data management or analysis, and software for wireless sensor network control purposes. The company's products are mainly used by clients in the aerospace, automation, and construction industries.
Detroit Nipple Works, Inc., established in 1934 and based in Detroit, United States of America, is a manufacturer and supplier of pipe nipples. The company manufactures pipes and tubes, pipe fittings, flanges, valves, and pipe couplings. It also produces national aviation pipe tapers, backing rings, and pipe hangers. The products can be used to connect other pipes or hoses together. The company sells its products domestically and also imports to various parts of the world.
Industrial Specialties Manufacturing (ISM) was founded in 1982 in Denver Colorado. is an ISO 9001 company that supplies miniature pneumatic, vacuum, and fluid circuitry components to OEMs and distributors all over the world as well as providing custom solutions. The company serves distributors and offers not just sales but also marketing and logistics support with closed-loop feedback. Some of the types of products ISM offers include plastic fittings, customized fittings, sub-assemblies, and custom heat seal tooling.
Sanitary Fittings LLC, based in Muskego, Wisconsin, is a supplier of stainless steel tube fittings to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The company offers 3-A-compliant fittings that can be customized to meet customer demands. Its product lineup also includes gauges, hoses, and valves, and it provides a 90-day warranty. All fittings are measured for variations with a tolerance set to +/- .005″, and all 316L stainless steel fittings are tested using a Niton analyzer gun. The company also provides steam and hot water mixing stations, as well as washdown system accessories such as hose sprayers, replacement cartridges, and sanitary hoses.
Samoa Industrial, S.A., established in 1958 and headquartered in Asturias, Spain, manufacturer that develops products for fluid handling and management during the maintenance of vehicles, infrastructures, and industrial machinery. The company's product line includes pneumatic piston pumps, manually operated pumps, battery grease guns, used fluid equipment, meters, and more. It also offers kits and packages that include electric pumps, outlet and suction hoses, delivery guns, and suction accessories. Its lever-action grease pumps have a cast iron head for maximum durability. It serves industries such as automotive, construction, agriculture, mining, and more.
Gimatic Srl was founded in 1985 and headquartered in Roncadelle, Italy as a subsidiary of Barnes Group, based in Bristol, Connecticut. The company is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of equipment in the end-of-arm tooling market for manufacturing-based industries. The company’s product categories include automotive manufacturing, tooling & factory automation, food & beverage, home applications, and pharma & medical. Product categories for these segments include vacuums and vacuum pumps, suction cups, sensors, machines, and other components.
Nextgen Steel & Alloys, headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of steel and alloy products. Its diverse product range includes stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel products such as bars, sheets, and tubes, catering to various industries like food processing, construction, aerospace, and more. Additionally, the company offers wire rods for applications like concrete reinforcement and manufacturing nails, screws, and wire mesh. It also provides forged products used in crafting gears, shafts, and machine parts.
SANVO Fine Chemicals Group, founded in 1994 with headquarters in China, is a manufacturer of chemical products. The company's product line includes aerosols, adhesives, sealants, waterproofing chemicals, and coating chemicals. SANVO Fine Chemicals Group's services include assistance in conceptualization and custom production, packaging, and after-sales support. The company's fine chemical products are produced for the automotive, hardware, and building material industries. The company operates manufacturing plants built according to European standards and an automatic production line with gas chromatography, spectrophotometers, and other testing instruments.
Savoy Piping Inc. is a manufacturer of pipes and tubes established in 1987, in India. The company produces seamless and welded pipes, fittings, and tubes in stainless steel, Carbon Steel, Nickel alloy, Titanium, Copper, and many other materials which have applications in various industries. There are also bars, sheets, and plates of pure metals available like Copper, Brass, and Aluminum and these products serve sectors like oil and gas, refineries, petrochemicals, power plants, and water distribution.
Excel Metal & Engg. Industries founded in India, in 1990 is a manufacturer and supplier of steel products. The company's product portfolio includes Buttweld Fittings, Flanges, Socket Weld Forged Fittings, Threaded Forged Fittings and Tube Fittings. Their products are used for changing the direction of flow and reducing the pipe size and fitting of piping systems. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing
Payal Engineering is an Indian check and ball valve manufacturer that was established in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 1985. The company produces ball valves for regulating the flow of gasses or liquids, instrument valves for controlling the flow, temperature and pressure of fluids, and flow control valves for adjusting flow rates or directions in hydraulic systems. It also offers pressure gauges and SS pipe fittings for connecting pipes and tubes of different shapes and/or sizes. The company’s products are commonly used in India’s energy, oil and gas, chemical processing, and food and beverage industries.
Rishabh Steel Industries, an India-based manufacturer established in 1975 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, specializes in producing flanges and pipe fittings. Renowned for flanges and pipe fittings across various material grades, its offerings encompass an array of products such as stainless steel, duplex steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, as well as Inconel, Monel, and more. These solutions cater to diverse industries like piping, mining, construction, and chemical equipment, meeting rigorous quality standards through offered different sizes.
Skyland Metal & Alloys Inc. is a manufacturer of various metal products and parts established in 1991 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The company produces a wide range of forged socket weld and threaded fittings, 5-way metal pipe fittings, butt weld pipe fittings, and flanges such as lap joint or weld neck models. Its products are available in various materials including carbon, stainless, or alloy steels, aluminum, brass, titanium, and copper. Aside from its products, the company also offers low temperature fabrication services to its clients in the oil and gas, nuclear, pharmaceutical, and power sectors.
Hi-Tech Engineering Company is an American manufacturer of stainless steel (SS) fabricated industrial components that was established in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2007. The company’s product lineup includes SS eye nuts, elbows, hex nipples, and victaulic end ball valves, as well as industrial ball valves and camlock couplings. It also offers steam traps for safely removing condensate from steam systems, and sight glass for visual inspection of media in tanks or pipes. The company’s products are used primarily in the oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and pharmaceutical industries.
Tectran, a US-based company established in 1972, is a manufacturer and marketer in the transportation equipment industry. The company’s expertise lies in producing air, hydraulic, and electrical components and systems. The company serves heavy truck, trailer, and bus sectors, but has extended its product line to cater to other transportation equipment markets. Tectran offers maintenance, operating, security, and safety solutions through an extensive network of mobile parts marketers across the globe. The company excels in quality and durability, by actively participating in industry specification groups, ensuring cutting-edge designs for demanding market applications.
CEJN, founded in 1995 and based in Skovde, Sweden, is a manufacturer of quick connect products and solutions for different industries such as construction machines, data centers and aviation among others. Their products include quick connect coupling solutions, hose and cable reels, hoses and hose kits. The CEJN Group employs 550 people worldwide and operates 17 sales offices, 5 production facilities, and one international head office. Additionally, independent distributors sell and promote CEJN products.
Mahadev Brass Industries, established in 2009 and based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of Brass Inserts. The company's product range includes Brass Sanitary Pipe Fittings, Brass Flare Fittings, Threaded Brass Inserts, Brass Tube Assembly Elbow, and Brass Pin Type Grease Nipple. These products are used for connecting, sealing, and regulating the flow in plumbing and construction applications. They primarily serve industries such as plumbing, construction, automotive, and household applications. The company also offers customized service, OEM service, product exporting, and manufacturing.
Rajtilak Metal, established in 1991 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial pipe fittings, flanges, and fasteners. The company specializes in custom-made piping connections and high-temperature nickel alloy fasteners. Its products include seamless buttweld pipe, socket weld, and threaded fittings conforming to ASME, ANSI, and EN standards. Its flanges, including slip-on, weld neck, and blind flanges, are used for joining pipes or closing off pipe ends and are suitable for low- and high-pressure systems. The company's products serve oil and gas, petrochemical, and water treatment industries, with ready stock available in common grades and sizes.
Amardeep Steel Centre, a company established in 1984, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial raw materials and process equipment in India. The company provides various products such as pipes, tubes, plates, fittings, fasteners, etc. made of different metals and alloys. These products are used in industries like oil and gas, paper and pulp, steel, sugar, etc. It also offers process equipment like heat exchanger, pressure vessel, reactor, and is registered with all the Ministry of Defense companies and exports to many countries.
Marcel Piping Projects Supply Pvt Ltd is a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of steel and piping products based in Mumbai, India. The company product catalog, includes flanges, butt weld fittings and forged fittings used in the oil and gas, dams, petrochemical and shipbuilding industries. Its products come with additional services like electro polish, hot dip galvanizing and Epoxy & FBE coating. Also, the products are marked with Grade Lot number, size,degree and the company's trademark. In addition, the company is CE and ISO-certified and supplies piping products to more than 50 countries.
K. K. Industries is a manufacturer and distributor of metal products and is located in Mumbai, India. The company forges steel to produce pipes, flanges, tubes, fittings, sheets, and plates made of Stainless Steel, Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel, Duplex Steel, including, Cupro Nickel, SMO 254, Alloy 20, Titanium, and many other metals and alloys that are in demand. The company carries a huge inventory that mainly caters to the manufacturing industry, structural construction and architectural sectors.
Metallica is an Indian manufacturer and supplier of steel pipes and fittings that was established in New Mumbai in 1975. The company primarily produces various steel pipes for different industrial applications, including welded, seamless, EFW, LSAW and SSAW pipes. They also offer related accessory parts such as flanges, gaskets, and pipe fittings. These are commonly used in power generation, chemical processing, construction, and infrastructure. Metallica exports its products to over 70 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Australia via its network of partner distributors and sister companies.
Guru Gautam Steels, established in 1984, is headquartered in Maharashtra, India, and operates as a supplier of various industrial materials, including steel pipes, round bars, sheets and plates, fittings, flanges, and other products. The company specializes in providing a wide range of seamless and ERW pipes, encompassing different grades, forms, and sizes, which adhere to universally recognized standards at the national and international levels. The corporation ensures the preservation of mutual commercial interests among its stakeholders, thereby facilitating the production or sourcing of the appropriate product and its timely delivery at competitive prices.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | SAMOA Industrial, S.A. |
18.8%
|
2 | Savoy piping Inc. |
18.8%
|
3 | Gimatic Srl |
18.8%
|
4 | Sanitary Fittings, LLC |
12.5%
|
5 | Nextgen Steel & Alloys |
6.3%
|
6 | Payal Engineering |
6.3%
|
7 | Detroit Nipple Works, Inc. |
6.3%
|
8 | SANVO |
6.3%
|
9 | CEJN Industrial Corporation |
6.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the hex nipple page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
India | 13 | 56.5% |
United States of America | 4 | 17.4% |
China | 2 | 8.7% |
Spain | 1 | 4.3% |
Italy | 1 | 4.3% |
Sweden | 1 | 4.3% |
Japan | 1 | 4.3% |