Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings

Socket welding is an excellent welding option to join fittings and pipes. Based on applications, Socket weld pipe fittings include socket weld elbow, socket weld tee, socket weld lateral tee, socket weld cross, socket weld cap, socket weld coupling, socket weld half coupling, socket weld union, and socket weld reducer insert.

1. Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings Definition

Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings are family members of high-pressure pipe fittings. Socket Weld Fittings, with a Socket Weld, a pipe is inserted into a recessed area of the fitting and both the pipe and fitting are square cut. They are available in class 3000, 6000 and 9000.

In contrast to butt weld fittings, Socket Weld Fittings are mainly used for small Pipe Diameters. These fittings have the advantage of providing strength similar to a welded joint while offering speed and efficiency when joining pipe, tube, fittings, and valves together.

2. Standard for Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings

Stainless steel socket weld fittings are rated for 3000 LB, 6000 LB, and 9000 LB.
Forged stainless steel material conforms to ASME A182
Forged stainless steel fitting dimensions conform to ASME B16.11
NPT threads conform to ASME B1.20.1
Socket weld pipe fittings conform to ASME B16.11
Forged stainless unions conform to MSS SP-83
Forged stainless outlets conform to MSS SP-97
Forged stainless socket weld inserts conform to MSS SP-79

①　Size: 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″, 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″, 4″
②　Grade: F304 / 304L / 304H / 316 / 316L / 317 / 317L / 321 / 310 / 347 / 904L
③　Type: Elbow, Tee, Lateral Tee, Union, Cross, Coupling, Cap, Insert.

3. Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings Catalogue

Stainless steel socket weld fittings are available in pressure 3000 LB, 6000 LB and 9000 LB.

45 Degree Elbow

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld 45D elbow
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld 45D elbow
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld 45D elbow

90 Degree Elbow

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld 90D elbow
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld 90D elbow
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld 90D elbow

Tee

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld tee
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld tee
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld tee

Lateral Tee

1/8″ to 2″ class 3000 socket weld lateral tee
1/2″ to 2″ class 6000 socket weld lateral tee
1/2″ to 1 1/2″ class 9000 socket weld lateral tee

Cross

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld cross
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld 45D cross
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld 45D cross

Pipe Cap

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld pipe cap
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld pipe cap

Full Coupling

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld full coupling
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld full coupling
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld full coupling

Half Coupling

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld half coupling
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld half coupling
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld half coupling

Pipe Reducer

1/8″ to 4″ class 3000 socket weld pipe reducer
1/8″ to 4″ class 6000 socket weld pipe reducer
1/2″ to 2″ class 9000 socket weld pipe reducer

Reducer Inserts Type 1

Nominal Pipe sizes from 1/4″ x 1/8″ to 2″ x 1 1/2″

Reducer Inserts Type 2

Nominal Pipe sizes from 1/2″ x 1/4″ to 2″ x 1 1/4″

Union

1/8″ to 3″ class 3000 socket weld union
1/8″ to 2″ class 6000 socket weld union

4. Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings Dimensions

5. Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings Weight

6. Stainless Steel Socket Weld Fittings Material Types

304 Socket weld Fittings
304L Socket weld Fittings
304H Socket weld Fittings
310/310S Socket weld Fittings
310H Socket weld Fittings
316/316L Socket weld Fittings
316Ti Socket weld Fittings

317 Socket weld Fittings
317L Socket weld Fittings
321/321H Socket weld Fittings
347 Socket weld Fittings
347H Socket weld Fittings
410 Socket weld Fittings
904L Socket weld Fittings

7. Socket Weld Fittings VS Butt Weld Fittings

Socket weld fitting end shall be square cut, well, the end of the butt weld fittings should be beveled.
The socket weld Fittings usually resist around half the strength of butt weld fittings. Butt weld fittings have been found to be the best in terms of fatigue, strength, compliance with temperature, and resistance to corrosion.
Socket weld fittings are quite easy to install, butt weld fittings could be difficult to weld and fit up properly.
Socket weld fittings, the price is much higher than butt weld fittings with a similar size. However, the extra cost with butt weld fittings is higher for installation than socket weld fittings.

8. Socket Weld Fittings VS Galvanized Steel Fittings

Stainless steel has chromium melted into it. This chromium makes it resistant to rust for a long time. Galvanized steel has a coating of zinc on the surface only.
Comparing the cost, galvanized steel is cheaper than stainless steel. But the service life is no longer stainless steel.