316 Stainless Steel SAE ORB Fittings (SAE J1926)

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Key specifications for our 316 Stainless Steel SAE ORB fittings program for North American distributors and OEMs.

• Standard: SAE J1926 / ISO 11926-1
• Material: 316 / 316L Stainless Steel
• Seal (O-Ring): Viton® (FKM) 90 Durometer standard
• Size Range: -4 (7/16-20) to -24 (1-7/8-12)
• Working Pressure: Up to 6000 psi (varies by size)
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent for saltwater, chemicals, DEF
• Optional O-Rings: EPDM, HNBR available on request
• Documentation: Material Certs, PPAP, Test Reports
• OEM Options: Private Labeling, Custom Laser Marking

For transitions to other thread types, see our full line of Stainless JIC and Stainless NPTF adapters.

Stainless ORB in a Complete Stainless Hydraulic System

In real-world corrosive environments, 316 stainless ORB fittings are rarely alone. They sit on pumps, valves and cylinders that have to tie into stainless hose ends, tube runs and imported equipment. These are the typical transitions we see on marine, chemical and food-grade systems:

• ORB to stainless JIC tube and hose: use this range together with our stainless 37° JIC fittings to keep lines fully stainless from port to hose/tube.
• ORB to stainless NPTF pipe work: when hard piping or legacy connections are threaded, combine these adapters with stainless NPTF pipe fittings instead of mixing in plated carbon steel.
• ORB to stainless ORFS hose assemblies: for high-vibration or zero-clearance areas, run hoses in stainless ORFS and land them on stainless ORB ports.
• ORB to BSP stainless equipment: when tying into European machinery with G ports, use this line alongside stainless BSP fittings for a fully stainless transition.
• Mixing stainless and carbon steel: where corrosion is localized to only part of the circuit, upgrade those zones to 316 ORB and connect back into our forged carbon steel ORB line for the rest of the system.

Engineer's Guide to Stainless Steel ORB Systems

Specifying a stainless steel ORB fitting is not just about the fitting itself; it's about designing a complete, corrosion-resistant sealing system. Here’s the critical knowledge for getting it right.

Why 316 Stainless Steel is Non-Negotiable

The key difference between 316 SS and other materials lies in its chemistry. The addition of **molybdenum** gives 316 stainless a powerful defense against chlorides (like salt), acids, and other corrosive agents. Cheaper 304 stainless lacks this element and will fail over time in these environments. For any mission-critical application exposed to these threats, 316 SS is the baseline requirement.

The System Approach: Fitting + O-Ring + Lubricant

A stainless fitting is only as strong as its weakest link. A successful installation requires a three-part system:

• The 316 SS Body: Provides the structural integrity and corrosion resistance.
• The Viton® (FKM) O-Ring: A standard Buna-N O-ring will degrade under the high temperatures and chemical exposure that 316 SS is designed to withstand. A Viton® O-ring is essential to match the performance of the fitting body.
• The Anti-Seize Lubricant: Stainless steel threads have a high coefficient of friction and are susceptible to galling (cold welding) during installation. Applying a metal-free, stainless-compatible anti-seize compound to the male threads is a mandatory step to ensure a non-destructive, serviceable connection.

Stainless ORB - Frequently Asked Questions