Hose crimpers are powered and un-powered tools for joining deformable metal fittings with sections of rigid and flexible hose and tubing. They range from simple, portable, handheld devices that are designed for piecework to sophisticated, sometimes automated, bench-top, work cell, or freestanding machines that are engineered for precision and high-volume runs. Hose crimpers apply force with 360 degrees of contact at the outer diameter (OD) of the adhering metal fitting or component for joining with a length of hose, tube, or pipe. Typically, handheld hose crimpers are used for one-off or low-volume runs. Hose crimping machines are used for more demanding applications such as industrial hose crimping, metal forming, shop floor production runs, and machine shop maintenance. Hydraulic hose crimping and pneumatic hose crimping equipment for automotive and aerospace applications are also available.

Specifications

Most hose crimpers are specified according to product type, hose style, and coupling style. Crimp force and maximum crimp are also important to consider. Additional parameters for hose crimpers include:

• die
• die ring
• crimp diameter
• crimp length
• hose insertion

Powered crimping machines differ in terms of physical dimensions such as height, depth, and width; standards-based capabilities; and set-up time and full cycle time. Cycle times vary with hose and fitting styles and sizes. Accessories for hose crimping machines range from hand pumps to electric pumps. Tools and dies are color-coded.

Types

Categories of hose crimpers include:

• hydraulic hose crimping machines
• pneumatic hose crimping machines
• programmable hose crimping machines

Hydraulic hose crimpers are designed for use with hydraulic hoses and custom hydraulic hose assemblies. Hydraulic hoses are graded by fluid compatibility, pressure, and temperature. They have a rubber interior surrounded by layers of woven wire and rubber. When used with hydraulic hose crimpers, the hose ends must be cut square and the right hose fittings used. Pneumatic hose crimpers, as their name suggests, are designed for use with pneumatic hoses and custom pneumatic hose assemblies. These hoses also require square ends and fittings, but are used in industrial air supply systems. Programmable hose crimping machines are also available. They feature a keypad or touch screen and integral software. Crimp algorithms compensate for hose and fitting variations and distortions within the crimper itself, an issue with larger and heavier hose fittings.

Standards

Standards-based capabilities for hose crimping machines typically refer to specifications from organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), a German national organization for standardization.

Related Information

CR4 Community—Hydraulic Hose End Cutting

Image credit:

Kuriyama of America, Inc.