Caps for hydraulic connections are very common, especially in the industrial sector. In fact, these products lend themselves to multiple uses-both in the construction and engineering markets-where they are often used to ensure cleanliness within the ‘quick disconnect and proper operation of a machine or hydraulic system.
Plastic caps for hydraulics, however, are not all the same and must meet different usage requirements. Some, for example, are designed to close pipes and have sealing lugs that match the diameter and ensure a tight seal. Others, however, are combined with gaskets and threads for increased security.
Thus, there are many different types. But let’s see why they are so important, what they are used for, how to choose them correctly, and what to do when standard caps do not meet one’s needs.
Main requirements and functions of hydraulics caps
Hydraulics is a very broad field, and caps are used to seal or protect (from dust, dirt, and other external elements) a hose or fitting, ensuring the flow of a liquid and the operation of a system or machinery.
Caps are not all the same: there are different shapes, sizes and colors. Many different types exist to meet all market needs.
The requirements of plastic caps for hydraulic hoses
To be functional, plastic hydraulics caps must meet some important requirements.
Specifically, they must be:
- quick and easy to insert
- of the right size
Regarding ease of insertion, caps are usually made with slats under the head. This ensures easy and correct placement, including adapting the cap to different types of hoses.
The size of both the cap and the accessories should also not be underestimated. For example, the cap should not be smaller or larger than the hose into which it is to be inserted. This is an important detail that prevents fluid spills.
Great care is also needed when choosing cap accessories: for example, a cap with a thread that is too short could cause a hydraulic hose to leak pressure.
So, to choose the right cap, one must consider all these aspects. This is the only way to ensure the perfect functioning of the system, avoiding possible leakage and contamination.
Le funzioni principali dei tappi per tubi idraulici
Plastic pipe caps and hydraulic components serve several purposes.
They are useful for:
- protecting the open ends of hoses and hydraulic components from contamination and dirt
- sealing hydraulic hoses, preventing spillage
- sealing a fitting or a specific component of a system
- isolating hydraulic hoses and components, ensuring continuous liquid flow
- performing temporary tests to verify the integrity of a system, highlighting its strength and any leaks
In particular, plastic caps for hydraulic hoses can be used to ensure water passage or smooth operation of pumping, heating, and air conditioning systems.
Plastic for hydraulic hoses: the advantages of this material
In an increasingly environmentally conscious and plastic-free world, it may seem unseemly to talk about the use of plastic caps for industrial sectors. However, plastic, on the other hand, is a very versatile, durable and lightweight material that does not have very high costs and can be used in a very large number of projects.
It can be used in a variety of areas because it resists corrosion, temperature changes, and weathering (a special feature we have already pointed out for the oleodynamic sector).
A difficult to replace material
It is true that despite its advantages, the market is always looking for new options to replace plastic. But it is also true that it is not easy to find an alternative material, especially in the hydraulics industry.
Hydraulic hose caps, in fact, are part of a subsector of the construction and engineering market that must meet multiple needs and in which plastics play a key role and in which maximum strength and versatility are required.
Of course, one can still be careful and environmentally friendly. How? By using, for example, materials that are biodegradable, recycled, reclaimed or that can be easily discarded.
Discover our line of environmentally sustainable caps!
How to choose the right cap?
Four elements must be considered when choosing the right plastic hydraulics cap:
- the size of the hose
- the quality of the material
- the characteristics of the system
- your own requirements
Compatibility with the fluid must also be evaluated, identifying the most suitable plastic material. In addition, the cap must avert leaks and be easy to fit.
One piece of advice: to make plastic hose caps last longer, it is ideal to arrange for a series of routine maintenance, replacing damaged ones with new ones.
Why choose BMP TAPPI for your hydraulic hose caps
At BMP TAPPI you can find hydraulics caps to meet different usage needs. We have a wide range of products in our catalog with more than 500 million parts in stock for different industries, from automotive to pneumatics.
If a product is missing from the catalog and a company needs caps of certain sizes (for state-of-the-art machinery or to protect discontinued components, for example), customization can always be considered.
The creation of custom hydraulics caps includes the choice of color, size, and design. A phase in which we involve both our in-house technicians and the research and development department to offer the best possible solution according to needs.
At BMP TAPPI, we are also very attentive to environmental issues to the extent that one of our corporate values is about sustainability. Our plastic technical caps are non-toxic and biodegradable: when they have completed their life cycle they begin to degrade independently, without releasing pollutants into the environment.
Do you need hydraulic hose caps?
See the catalog with all BMP TAPPI products and discover the products available.
Contact us for more information!