Stainless Steel Cam and Groove or 'Camlock' Fittings

Stainless Steel Cam and Groove Fittings, often referred to as Camlock fittings, provide a fast, tool-free method of connecting hoses and pipes in industrial fluid transfer systems. These fittings use a cam-and-groove mechanism where the male adapter is inserted into the female coupler and secured by locking the cam arms—creating a strong, leak-resistant seal in seconds. Their simplicity and speed make them a go-to choice for applications where hoses are frequently connected and disconnected.

Key Features

Key features and benefits of Stainless Steel Cam and Groove or 'Camlock' Fittings.
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Key Features

Cam and groove fittings allow for rapid coupling and decoupling without the need for wrenches or clamps. This speeds up workflows and reduces downtime during hose changes or maintenance.
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Key Features

Manufactured from high-grade stainless steel, these fittings resist corrosion from chemicals, saltwater, and acidic substances. This ensures long service life even in aggressive environments.
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Key Features

The cam arms securely lock the male and female parts together, creating a tight seal. This prevents leaks and ensures safe fluid handling under pressure.
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Key Features

Available in Types A–F, dust caps, and dust plugs with various thread and hose tail options. Suitable for a wide range of pipe, hose, and tank connections.
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Key Features

Ideal for water, fuel, oil, chemicals, and food-grade liquids. Their versatility allows use across many industries with varied fluid types.
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Key Features

Typically available from ½” up to 6” in diameter. This allows precise sizing to match hose and pipe dimensions for optimal performance.

Why Are They Important

Camlock fittings are important because they offer fast, reliable, and reusable connections that reduce the need for threaded or permanent joints. In operations where hoses are connected and disconnected regularly—such as tank transfers, washdowns, or mobile systems—time and safety are key. These fittings provide a strong seal without tools, significantly reducing installation and changeover time while minimising the risk of cross-threading or leaks. Their stainless steel construction adds resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making them suitable for both sanitary and industrial-grade applications.

Where Are They Used?

These fittings are used in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, food and beverage, marine, oil and gas, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and waste management. In breweries and dairy plants, they allow for quick sanitation and fluid transfer. On fuel trucks and in marine terminals, they provide safe, rapid hose connections for loading and unloading. In agricultural sprayers or water tanks, they simplify hose changes and maintenance. Their adaptability and robust performance make them an essential component in any application that demands efficient fluid handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pipeline fittings are used to connect straight sections of pipe, change flow direction, adapt pipe sizes, or terminate a piping system. They’re essential for building efficient, flexible, and safe fluid or gas transport networks.

A fitting joins pipes together or modifies flow (e.g., elbows, tees, reducers), while a flange is a flat disc used to bolt two pipe sections or components together. Flanges allow for easier disassembly and maintenance.

They are commonly made from stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper, or plastic depending on the application. Stainless steel and carbon steel are preferred for industrial, high-pressure, or high-temperature systems.

Standard pressure ratings include 150lb, 300lb, 600lb, and higher depending on the material and design. The correct pressure class must match your system requirements to ensure safe operation.

ANSI B16.5 is a standard that defines dimensions, tolerances, and pressure ratings for pipe flanges and flanged fittings. It is widely used in industrial and high-pressure piping systems.

It is not recommended unless proper adapters are used. Mixing standards can result in misalignment, poor sealing, or mechanical failure.

Selection depends on factors such as pressure, temperature, fluid type, pipe size, and applicable standards. Material compatibility and environmental conditions should also be considered.

No. For hygienic applications, only stainless steel fittings with smooth, crevice-free surfaces (often polished) and specific certifications (e.g., 3A, FDA) should be used.

Typical fittings include elbows, tees, reducers, caps, nipples, couplings, and unions. Each serves a unique function in controlling direction, flow, or connectivity.

Common types include weld neck, slip-on, blind, threaded, socket weld, and lap joint flanges. Each type serves a different installation or operational need.

Yes, provided they are rated for the appropriate pressure and temperature conditions. Materials like carbon steel or stainless steel are suitable for steam lines.

Yes, many suppliers (including us) can provide custom-machined or hard-to-source parts for specific projects. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.

FAQ

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Stainless Steel Cam and Groove or 'Camlock' Fittings