Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What fluid power components does FasTest provide connectors for?
A: FasTest provides fluid power connectors for hydraulic hose assemblies, cylinders, pumps, motors, control valves, manifolds, pneumatic components, hydrostatic drives, actuators, hydraulic tubing and pipe, test ports, heaters, heat exchangers, and accumulators. Both standard and custom-engineered connectors are available.
Q: What pressures can FasTest fluid power connectors handle?
A: FasTest offers fluid power connectors across a wide pressure range. Standard products cover most common hydraulic and pneumatic test pressures. High-pressure connectors like the FasMate® FN series are rated to 5,000 psi (345 bar), and the HPB series handles even higher-pressure proof testing applications. Custom connectors can be engineered for specific pressure requirements.
Q: What hydraulic fitting standards does FasTest support?
A: FasTest fluid power connectors are available for JIC (SAE 37°), SAE O-ring boss, ORFS (O-ring face seal), BSP (British Standard Pipe), metric, and NFPA port patterns. Custom configurations for proprietary or non-standard port types are available through our engineering team.
Q: Are FasTest connectors compatible with hydraulic oils and synthetic fluids?
A: Yes. FasTest provides seal material options compatible with petroleum-based hydraulic oils, synthetic fluids, water glycol, phosphate esters, biodegradable fluids, and other common hydraulic media. Contact our team for seal material recommendations for your specific fluid.
Q: How do FasTest connectors improve safety in high-pressure testing?
A: FasTest fluid power connectors eliminate the need for wrenching onto test ports under time pressure—the primary cause of cross-threading, incomplete engagement, and energized disconnection injuries. Pressure-assisted sealing technology increases seal force as pressure rises, and safety locking mechanisms prevent accidental disconnection during the test cycle.
Q: Can FasTest connectors be used on automated test stations?
A: Yes. FasTest fluid power connectors are used in both manual and automated test environments. Pneumatically operated connectors and ICON™-equipped tools provide the PLC-integrated seal confirmation and actuation needed for automated test cells, robotic handling, and semi-automated multi-station configurations.
Q: What is proof testing and why does it require special connectors?
A: Proof testing pressurizes a component to a level significantly above its rated working pressure (typically 1.5x to 2x) to verify structural integrity. Because proof test pressures are the highest pressures the component will ever see, the test connection must be rated for these extreme levels. FasTest fluid power connectors are designed and rated for proof test pressures, with pressure-assisted sealing that ensures the connection is most secure at peak test pressure.
Q: Does FasTest offer custom connectors for fluid power applications?
A: Yes. FasTest’s custom engineering team designs connectors and fixtures for non-standard fluid power applications—unusual port geometries, high-pressure requirements, multi-port fixtures, and specialized test station integration. Start with an Application Evaluation for a recommendation.
Q: What is the difference between hydraulic and pneumatic testing connectors?
A: Hydraulic testing typically involves higher pressures and liquid media (oils, fluids), while pneumatic testing uses lower pressures with compressed air or nitrogen. FasTest offers connectors optimized for both: high-pressure hydraulic connectors with fluid-compatible seals, and pneumatic connectors with seal materials optimized for gas service. Some FasTest connectors handle both hydraulic and pneumatic applications.
Q: How do I find the right FasTest connector for my fluid power application?
A: Use the product finder on this page to filter by port type and connection method, or submit a free Application Evaluation with your port specifications, test pressure, and media. A FasTest engineer will recommend the right standard or custom solution.