Why Does Sourcing Industrial Pipework Components from One Supplier Make Sense?
Industrial pipework projects can involve far more components than first expected. Pipe and tube, fittings, valves, flanges, manifolds and supports may all be required before fabrication, machining and specialist assemblies are even considered.
When these products are sourced separately, procurement can quickly become complicated. Different specifications, materials, connection types and delivery schedules all need to come together at the right time.
Working with a supplier that can support more of the complete requirement can make that process considerably easier.
At Aston Fittings, we supply an extensive range of industrial pipework and instrumentation products alongside manufacturing, machining and fabrication capabilities. This allows us to support customers with individual components as well as wider project requirements.
Reducing the Complexity of Industrial Procurement
Buying a fitting may be straightforward. Procuring everything needed for an industrial pipework installation is different.
A project could require stainless steel tube, compression fittings, threaded fittings, ball valves, flanges and pipe supports. Instrumentation applications may additionally need manifolds and specialist valves.
Each item has its own specification, and compatibility matters.
Using fewer suppliers can reduce the number of enquiries, purchase orders and deliveries that need to be managed. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to consider related components together rather than treating every purchase in isolation.
Making Sure Components Work Together
A component can meet its individual specification and still be unsuitable for the wider system.
Connection type is an obvious example. BSPP, BSPT and NPT threaded connections have different characteristics, while compression fittings need to correspond with the tubing and system requirements.
Pressure, temperature, material and media compatibility also need consideration.
Looking at the complete requirement helps identify potential incompatibilities before products reach the installation stage.
At Aston Fittings, our ranges cover products including single and twin ferrule compression fittings, stainless steel threaded fittings, 3000lb fittings, flanges, manifolds, valves, pipe and tube. This breadth allows customers to source complementary components according to their project specification.
Standard Products or Something More Bespoke?
Not every industrial requirement can be solved using catalogue components.
An installation may have restricted space, unusual connection arrangements or a requirement for a component manufactured to a particular drawing. Existing equipment can also create challenges when replacement or additional parts are required.
This is where manufacturing capability becomes particularly valuable.
Alongside our stocked and supplied product ranges, Aston Fittings provides sub-contract machining, CNC machining and pipe fabrication, helping customers source components made for specific applications.
For more involved requirements, complete instrumentation packages can bring compatible components together into an integrated solution.
One Requirement, Different Materials
Material selection is another area where projects can become more complex.
Stainless steel is widely used because of its strength and corrosion resistance, but it isn’t automatically the correct material for every application. The operating environment, transported media, temperature, pressure and relevant project standards all influence the decision.
Aston Fittings can provide solutions across materials including stainless steel and carbon steel, with specialist materials available for particular requirements.
Our pipe and tube capabilities, for example, extend from 1/8″ to 56″ bore, with seamless and welded options available in different material grades.
Having access to multiple options allows material selection to be based on the actual application rather than simply what happens to be readily available.
Supporting a Project Beyond the Individual Component
Industrial supply is ultimately about more than putting products in a box.
A valve needs to connect correctly. A flange needs to match the required standard and rating. Tube needs suitable fittings, and the completed pipework needs appropriate support.
Where bespoke work is involved, dimensions and manufacturing accuracy become even more important.
Bringing these requirements together can simplify procurement while giving engineers and purchasing teams a clearer view of the overall system.
Talk to Aston Fittings About Your Next Requirement
Whether you need one specific fitting or components for a larger industrial installation, Aston Fittings can support requirements across pipe, tube, fittings, valves, flanges, manifolds, pipe supports, machining, fabrication and instrumentation packages.
By combining an extensive product range with manufacturing capabilities and technical knowledge, we can help customers source compatible products while reducing the complexity of dealing with multiple requirements.
Contact Aston Fittings on +44 (0)121 778 6001 to discuss your next industrial pipework, instrumentation or engineered component requirement.
