/ Technical Guide / By Victory Technical Team (Zhuji Aoke Factory)
Choosing the right pneumatic fitting isn’t just about connecting Tube A to Port B. It’s about optimizing airflow efficiency, space utilization, and system reliability.
Whether you are designing a high-speed automation circuit or routing air brake lines on a heavy-duty truck, selecting the wrong configuration can lead to pressure drops, leaks, or kinked hoses.
As a manufacturer of millions of fittings annually, Victory Technology has compiled this comprehensive comparison guide to help you choose the exact fitting type for your application.
📊 Table 1: Quick Selection Guide (At a Glance)
Not sure which shape to use? Start here.
| Fitting Category | Shape / Geometry | Best Application | Key Advantage | Factory Pro Tip |
| Straight Fittings | Inline (I-Shape) | Connecting cylinders & valves | Most Compact | Use internal hex models for tight spaces. |
| Elbow Fittings | 90° Turn (L-Shape) | Tight corners & chassis frames | Prevents Kinking | Swivel body allows 360° alignment. |
| Tee Fittings | 3-Way (T-Shape) | Manifolds & distribution | Strong Branching | Good for compact 90° distribution. |
| Y Fittings | 3-Way (Y-Shape) | Flow splitting & automation | High Flow Rate | Use “Y” instead of “T” for faster cylinder response. |
| Bulkhead Fittings | Panel Mount | Passing through walls/panels | Vibration Proof | Essential for truck chassis & control cabinets. |
| Valves & Controls | Inline Control | Speed & safety control | Active Regulation | Check valves protect compressors from backflow. |
| Reducers | Mixed Sizes | Adapting different tubes | Problem Solver | Reduces leak points by eliminating extra couplers. |
| Inch Fittings | Imperial (NPT) | North American Equipment | DOT Compatible | Never mix Inch tubing with Metric fittings! |
🛠️ Table 2: Technical Specification Matrix
Match your tubing size and thread requirements.
| Category | Compatible Tubing (OD) | Thread Standards | Function | Typical Use Case |
| Straight | 4–16 mm / 1/4″–1/2″ | M, BSP, NPT | Tube-to-Thread | Air tools, cylinders, linear actuators |
| Elbow | 4–16 mm / 1/4″–1/2″ | M, BSP, NPT | 90° Direction Change | Routing lines around machinery corners |
| Tee | 4–16 mm | M, BSP, NPT | 3-Way Splitting | Air distribution blocks, brake circuits |
| Y-Splitter | 4–12 mm | M, BSP, NPT | Low-Resistance Split | Robotics, pick-and-place arms |
| Bulkhead | 4–16 mm / 1/4″–1/2″ | M, BSP, NPT | Static Panel Mount | Truck chassis pass-throughs, enclosures |
| Valves | 4–12 mm | M, BSP, NPT | Throttle / Check / Hand | Cylinder speed control, safety isolation |
| Reducers | Mixed (e.g., 10-8mm) | N/A (Tube-to-Tube) | Size Transition | Retrofitting new parts to old systems |
| Inch (US) | 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ Only | NPT / UNF | Imperial System | US/Canada trucks, DOT auxiliary lines |
⚡ Table 3: Performance & Efficiency Rating
How does the fitting affect your system’s performance?
| Fitting Type | 💨 Airflow Efficiency | 🔒 Vibration Resistance | ⏱️ Installation Speed | 💰 Relative Cost |
| Straight | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fastest) | $ (Low) |
| Elbow (90°) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Tee (T) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Y-Fitting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Better Flow) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Bulkhead | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best) | ⭐⭐ (Requires Hole) | $$$ |
| Hand Valve | ⭐⭐⭐ (Restriction) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
| Inch (NPT) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tapered) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
📝 Note on Efficiency:
- Straight fittings offer zero restriction.
- Elbows and Tees introduce turbulence (pressure drop).
- Y-Fittings are 20-30% more efficient than Tees for splitting flow due to the smoother angle.
🏁 Summary: Which One Do You Need?
- For maximum speed & low cost: Stick to Straight Fittings wherever possible.
- For tight spaces: Use Elbows to prevent tubing from kinking.
- For high-speed automation: Choose Y-Fittings over Tees for faster response times.
- For trucks & heavy machinery: Use Bulkhead Fittings to secure lines through the chassis frame.
- For the US Market: Always specify Inch Fittings (NPT) to ensure compatibility.
❓ Still have questions?
Victory Technology manufactures all 8 categories in-house.
