Crimping and the "Art & Science of CampbellCrimpnology™"

Q. What is “CampbellCrimpnology”?
A. “Crimpnology” is a term we coined and trademarked. It refers to all the technology involved with crimping. For instance, every ferrule, sleeve, fitting and coupling we make is designed to mate as an integrated attachment system. We offer the most comprehensive line of crimping products for air, steam, petroleum, chemical, and multi-purpose hose in the industry. And perhaps most importantly, we provide easy procedures for selecting the appropriate products and crimp specs for the application. All of this is “Crimpnology”. We’ve really done our homework.

Q. Why is crimping such a hot topic?
A. Quality ... differentiation ... and cost. In this hyper-competitive market, our customers are looking for an edge. Crimped assemblies are high quality and repeatable. They look better than clamps and have unique features and benefits. In many cases crimping uses lower-cost materials and is an easier, more efficient assembly process. These facts get everyone excited ... sales, marketing, production, and the bean counters!

Q. Is crimping for everyone?
A. No. Let’s face it ... some distributors are more progressive than others. Talented, growth-oriented distributors are aggressively pursuing Crimpnology. Their sales, marketing, and production personnel work as a team and share the same goal. Crimping isn’t just a process for them ... it becomes a way of life!

Q. What do you mean by the “Art & Science” of Crimpnology?
A. Our customers are smart. When we provide them with the “science” ... in the form of products, procedures, crimp specs, and support ... they massage it, shape it, and mold it to meet their needs. That’s the “art”. So a true “Crimpnologist” will find ways to improve our procedures, streamline the assembly process, lower their costs, and find new applications.

Q. Will band clamps become obsolete?
A. Some in the industry have made claims that this is the beginning of the end of the band clamp era. The reality is that band clamps are here to stay. They are convenient, field-repairable, inexpensive products, and there will always be a demand for them.

Q. Are all crimpers created equal?
A. No. There are crimpers designed specifically for hydraulic products and there are crimpers designed for both industrial and hydraulic products. Most hydraulic crimpers are not practical for Crimpnology. An industrial crimper is best with industrial products. They range in size, speed, and cost (from $15,000 and up) depending on the needs of the distributor. Uniflex, Finn Power, and Custom Crimp manufacture the three most popular industrial crimpers.

Q. What is the future of Crimpnology?
A. As our customers master the “science” and improve the “art”, more distributors will become “Crimpnologists”. The cost of ferrules and sleeves will decrease as volume increases. They’ll come to Campbell with more applications and we’ll, ultimately, engineer more products for crimping. Although, crimping will never be used exclusively, it will be used as an important tool for our customers to better meet the demands of the end-user.
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Glossary of CampbellCrimpnology™ Terms

Crimp Chart -- A chart designed to assist in determining the crimp spec, which includes allowance for serration style, fitting, and ferrule/sleeve O.D. and design.

Crimp spec (or specification) -- The outside diameter of the ferrule/sleeve after assembling and crimping.

Cut-slots -- Notches cut into the turned-in end of a ferrule that allows the interlock portion to crimp straight down into the fitting interlock without opening outward during crimping.

Ferrule: A tube-like product with one end turned in so as to affect an interlock into a groove on a matting fitting or coupling.

Ferrule length -- The overall length of the ferrule as measured from the turned-in end to the open end.

Ferrule/Sleeve I.D. -- The inside bowl diameter of the ferrule; the inside diameter of the sleeve; the inside diameter of either where the hose is placed.

Gauge -- The thickness of the ferrule/sleeve material.

Interlock groove -- A groove designed into the fitting/coupling to accept the turn-in end of the ferrule.

Shank length -- The hose barb area measured from the end of the fitting to the interlock groove.

Sleeve -- The tube-like product with no interlock provisions.

Turn-in -- The interlocking end of the ferrule.

Campbell Coupling Selection Guide

From the Selection Guide below, you can choose an appropriate coupling based on the hose type and application working pressure.

Hose construction will affect the working pressure of a hose system. The following chart outlines the maximum working pressure of each Campbell coupling based on the type and size of hose used and identifies the Campbell catalog section in which the coupling can be found.

Hose Assemblies vs. Hose Systems

A hose assembly is a collection of components using attachments, such as band clamps or bolt clamps.

A hose system uses Campbell’s integrated-designed fittings, couplings, ferrules, sleeves, or U-bolt clamps and is assembled using Campbell crimping procedures and specifications. A hose system is repeatable, measurable, and performance rated.

All Campbell pressure ratings are verified by extensive hydrostatic burst testing with hoses to ASTM D380 standards. Test results for specific hoses can be provided upon request.

The Safety Factor

The RMA requires that hose working pressures include a safety factor commensurate with their intended application. Most hoses are required to meet a 4x safety factor, except the following: Water hose rated under 150 PSI requires a 3x safety factor; Steam hose requires a 10x safety factor; and Hose conveying
gas in a liquid state requires a 5x safety factor. (For example: a 150 PSI rated air hose has a 4x safety factor and must be successfully tested to a minimum of 600 PSI.)

Campbell’s fitting and coupling pressure ratings match the RMA safety factor requirements with most hoses. Due to the wide variety of industrial hoses, as well as variations in design, construction, and material, we cannot guarantee that our pressure ratings meet the safety factor requirement with every hose.

If you have any questions about pressure ratings, please contact Campbell Fittings.

(1) For normal fluids (not hazardous, combustible, flammable, volatile, corrosive, ammonia or LPG). Individual testing should be employed for non-normal fluids to ensure capability. Pressures shown are only valid for the fitting/coupling/attachment and hose combinations indicated and for their threaded mating parts. System working pressure does not include end pull forces. Not for plastic fittings/couplings. All hose systems must be assembled using Campbell procedures and crimp specifications. See elevated temperature derating chart above. Consult factory for reduced temperatures. Never exceed the working pressure of the lowest rated component in the hose system. Maximum working pressure includes the highest pressure the system will experience, such as spikes, surges, and water hammer effects. (For example: If a system consists of a hose rated to 150 PSI and the couplings are rated to 500 PSI, the system should never be used in excess of 150 PSI.)

(2) Hose descriptions:
Air - any smooth bore rubber air or water hose. Includes most general purpose hose
Chemical – any smooth bore rubber chemical hose, including plastic lined (PTFE, UHMW, XLPE). Does not include soft tube hose
PVC – any smooth bore PVC or vinyl hose
Rubber – any smooth bore rubber hose except steam, hot tar & asphalt, chemical, and soft tube hose
Soft – any smooth bore rubber hose with a thick, soft tube. Usually gum rubber and some food-grade hose
Steam – includes hot tar and asphalt

(3) Ball & Socket pressure ratings are based on 1.5 x WP.

(4) Due to limitations with flanges, consult factory for temperatures other than 70°F.

(5) Campbell COBRA Cam & Groove Couplings are identified by the name “Campbell” on the body, by the ferrule interlock groove, and by the part number, which includes a “C” suffix. Not for air or gas service.

(6) Maximum temperature 160°F.

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* System temperature is affected by both the media and the environment.

N/R means NOT RECOMMENDED!

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