A new production process based on stainless steel extrusions is raising the quality of industry-standard compression tube fittings without ratcheting up the costs, claims tube fittings manufacturer Parker Hannifin. The new technology is aimed at users in processing markets such as oil, gas and chemicals, where the need for integrity and reliability is paramount. "By complementing our traditional forged fittings range with versions made from etxtruded materials, we have been able to increase the quality and consistency of finished parts without raising costs," said Sheldon Banks of Parker Hannifin. Parker Hannifin believes it is the first tube fittings manufacturer to launch extrusion-based products into the mainstream twinferrule stainless steel compression tube fitting market, and is offering the technology on its A-LOK range. It has been able to make this move thanks to a patented process that can cope with the tough metals required for tube fittings. Parker also notes that the process is applicable to all the exotic alloy fitting products it supplies for corrosion-resistant applications. As extrusions allow dimensions to be closely controlled, the fitting interchangeability demanded by large-scale users remains in place. Switching to extrusion-based fittings can bring further benefits for end users, especially those working on projects. Extruded profiles are faster to produce and are available with shorter lead times, and can typically be produced in smaller batches. This allows Parker to respond more quickly to customer requests. Another important aspect of Parker's quality chain for this new product range is the company's policy of sourcing raw materials from high-quality European sources, Parker is phasing this new materials technology into production over coming months, but will make extruded products available now on a project-by-project basis.