Connectors with a Twist

Customer

A leading global supplier of medical, industrial and specialty compressed gas.

Application

Gas cylinder high volume production filling.

Challenge

The customer was using a separate swivel fitting with their quick connectors, which took up space and made maneuvering difficult.

Project Goals

• Integrate a swiveling termination into our compressed gas bail handle connectors
• Create a compact design
• Reduce particulate creation

Solution

The FasTest team collaborated intimately with the customer, dissecting their high-volume filling process to pinpoint the spatial and operational constraints caused by the bulky separate swivel fitting provided by a FasTest competitor. Harnessing this insight, we reimagined our bail handle connectors by seamlessly integrating a swiveling termination featuring a pioneering ball bearing design—unique in the industry. This clever assembly delivered buttery-smooth rotation under pressure, slashing particulate generation to safeguard gas quality while preserving top-tier sealing performance. The compact redesign shaved over 2 inches off the connector’s footprint, eliminating the need for a separate swivel fitting and transforming a clunky setup into a sleek, space-saving solution that twisted effortlessly into place.

Results

The new integrated swivel connectors supercharged the customer’s filling operations, cutting connection times by more than 30% and turning cramped manifolds into a breeze to navigate. The streamlined design extended the flexible hose reach, empowering operators to align and lock onto cylinder valves with newfound precision and zero hassle—no more awkward maneuvering or wasted motion. The new connectors won over the team with their lightning-fast operation and ergonomic ease, banishing wrist strain and boosting morale on the floor. By relieving hose stress and preventing kinks, the fittings also increased hose longevity, trimming maintenance costs and keeping the fill plant spinning at peak efficiency.