Any reason to not go with AN-12 threads over 3/4" NPT ?

Cannons powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed gas) using a valve or other release.
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

Been doing a little research and realize I can use AN-12 threads over and over again and they never wear out when the 3/4" NPT are only good a few times then you have to toss them. I also am told I don't have to use teflon tape when using the AN-12 threads.

Pro's and cons ?

My project will only see 200PSI at the most.

What are your thoughts ?
User avatar
deathbyDWV
Corporal
Corporal
Posts: 576
Joined: Sat May 16, 2009 4:02 pm
Location: Owasso, OK

I'm really not sure. I've never heard that. I only use npt and I use them all over and over. I think you'd still need Teflon...
Life's too short to mark off the items on your wish list...
User avatar
velocity3x
Corporal 4
Corporal 4
Posts: 828
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:09 pm
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Contact:

I'm not familiar with "AN" threads. Did you mean UNF-12or UNC-12?
User avatar
MrCrowley
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 10078
Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:42 pm
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Been thanked: 3 times

velocity3x wrote:I'm not familiar with "AN" threads. Did you mean UNF-12or UNC-12?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN_thread
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

velocity3x wrote:I'm not familiar with "AN" threads. Did you mean UNF-12or UNC-12?
AN stands for Army Navy.
If you look at Nitrus oxide connectors on race cars it's what they use to hold 1000PSI or more. Usually they are anadized Aluminum, either Black, Blue or Red. The connectors are just very flexible compared to NPT threadings.
User avatar
POLAND_SPUD
Captain
Captain
Posts: 5402
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:43 pm
Been thanked: 1 time

I think that NPT are better becasue they are easier to find... it really is not that difficult to seal a joint so I don't think it makes any sense

There are different techniques that can be used with NPT/BSP threads if you want to seal them without using teflon tape or loctite...

this method won't work with all fittings... only those that have a sort of lip where you can place an o-ring and then as you screw in the other fitting a seal is formed between the lip, the o-ring and the surface of the other fitting
Children are the future

unless we stop them now
User avatar
D_Hall
Staff Sergeant 5
Staff Sergeant 5
United States of America
Posts: 1948
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:37 pm
Location: SoCal
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 45 times

AN threads are not intended to be leak tight anymore than a screw at the hardware store is intended to be such. The threads just correspond to the fittings.... Which are compression fittings.

HOWEVER, the standard AN fitting is a pretty trick deal. It "just happens" to be compatible with SAE hydraulic fittings. So, if you have an AN fitting and an SAE fitting, all you need is an O-ring and you'll have a nice joint good to several thousand PSI.

Also note that "AN" fittings are increasingly hard to find if you look for them as such. Why? Because private industry decided that they were way cool and co-opted them. But of course, industry could never call them "AN" fittings.... Translation? Look for a "JIC-37" fitting. It's an "AN" fitting with current nomenclature.

Personally? If AN fittings were cheap and ubiquitous, I'd use 'em for everything. But they aren't. So I stick with whatever is cheapest, most available, and up to the task. Often that's NPT or NPTF, but obviously not always.
(Yes, I deal with "AN-based" hydraulic systems on a daily basis)
Simulation geek (SDT/GGDT/HGDT) and designer of Vera.
User avatar
tatfree
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 pm

Thanks that was exactly what I needed.
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post