Flexible Metal Hoses
DN25-DN200
Flexible metal hoses are corrugated stainless steel tubes engineered to convey liquids, gases, and other media under demanding conditions where rigid piping is unsuitable. Their all-metal construction provides exceptional durability, heat resistance, and flexibility, making them an indispensable component in industries ranging from chemical processing to aerospace.
Delivery
FOB
minimum order
1 piece
Supply Ability
10piece / Month
Country of Origin
China
Stock Time
20-25Day
Quantity:
US $100.00 - US $5000.00
/ piece
## What is a Flexible Metal Hose?
A flexible metal hose consists of a corrugated inner core, typically made from stainless steel grades such as 304, 316L, or 321, which provides flexibility and allows for thermal expansion and vibration absorption. This core is often reinforced with one or more layers of stainless steel wire braiding that increases pressure resistance, protects against abrasion, and dampens vibration. The assembly is completed with end fittings, which can be threaded, flanged, or welded, to suit different connection requirements.
## Key Features and Advantages
Flexible metal hoses offer several distinct advantages over rigid pipes and rubber hoses.
**Extreme Temperature Resistance** – Depending on the material, they can operate reliably from cryogenic temperatures as low as -270°C up to +600°C, far exceeding the limits of standard rubber hoses.
**High Pressure Capability** – The corrugated core combined with a braided outer layer allows these hoses to withstand significant working pressures. Depending on the size and construction, pressure ratings can range from low vacuum up to approximately 245 bar. The braid prevents the hose from elongating and failing under pressure.
**Chemical Resistance** – The inert nature of stainless steel makes these hoses resistant to many aggressive chemicals, solvents, oils, and steam, ensuring a long service life in corrosive environments.
**Durability and Zero Permeation** – Unlike rubber or PTFE hoses, the all-metal construction prevents media permeation, making them ideal for critical applications where leakage is unacceptable. This also contributes to an exceptionally long product life.
**Flexibility and Vibration Absorption** – The corrugated design allows the hose to absorb vibration, compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, and accommodate misalignment in piping systems. This flexibility is crucial for protecting connected equipment like pumps, compressors, and rotary joints from stress and damage.
## Construction and Materials
**Inner Core**
The core is the corrugated tube that conveys the media. Common materials include 304 stainless steel, which offers good corrosion resistance and is suitable for a wide range of general-purpose applications; 316L stainless steel, which provides superior corrosion resistance especially against chlorides and acids, making it ideal for chemical processing and marine environments; and 321 stainless steel, which contains titanium for stabilization and is resistant to intergranular corrosion at high temperatures.
The core can feature annular or helical corrugations. The pitch of the corrugation can be adjusted to create ultra-flexible hoses for applications requiring even greater movement.
**Outer Braid**
The braid is a woven wire layer that encases the core. It serves multiple functions including pressure containment by restraining the hose from elongating under internal pressure, enabling higher working pressures; abrasion resistance by protecting the core from external damage; and vibration dampening by absorbing and mitigating vibration energy.
Common braid materials are 304 and 316L stainless steel. Hoses can be ordered with no braid, a single braid, or a double braid for even higher pressure ratings.
**End Connections**
A wide variety of end connections are available to meet installation requirements. These include male or female National Pipe Thread (NPT); British Standard Pipe Taper (BSPT) or BSP Cone and Flat face fittings with swivel nuts; flanges in ANSI, DIN, and JIS standards; JIC fittings; welded ends; and camlock couplings.
A flexible metal hose consists of a corrugated inner core, typically made from stainless steel grades such as 304, 316L, or 321, which provides flexibility and allows for thermal expansion and vibration absorption. This core is often reinforced with one or more layers of stainless steel wire braiding that increases pressure resistance, protects against abrasion, and dampens vibration. The assembly is completed with end fittings, which can be threaded, flanged, or welded, to suit different connection requirements.
## Key Features and Advantages
Flexible metal hoses offer several distinct advantages over rigid pipes and rubber hoses.
**Extreme Temperature Resistance** – Depending on the material, they can operate reliably from cryogenic temperatures as low as -270°C up to +600°C, far exceeding the limits of standard rubber hoses.
**High Pressure Capability** – The corrugated core combined with a braided outer layer allows these hoses to withstand significant working pressures. Depending on the size and construction, pressure ratings can range from low vacuum up to approximately 245 bar. The braid prevents the hose from elongating and failing under pressure.
**Chemical Resistance** – The inert nature of stainless steel makes these hoses resistant to many aggressive chemicals, solvents, oils, and steam, ensuring a long service life in corrosive environments.
**Durability and Zero Permeation** – Unlike rubber or PTFE hoses, the all-metal construction prevents media permeation, making them ideal for critical applications where leakage is unacceptable. This also contributes to an exceptionally long product life.
**Flexibility and Vibration Absorption** – The corrugated design allows the hose to absorb vibration, compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, and accommodate misalignment in piping systems. This flexibility is crucial for protecting connected equipment like pumps, compressors, and rotary joints from stress and damage.
## Construction and Materials
**Inner Core**
The core is the corrugated tube that conveys the media. Common materials include 304 stainless steel, which offers good corrosion resistance and is suitable for a wide range of general-purpose applications; 316L stainless steel, which provides superior corrosion resistance especially against chlorides and acids, making it ideal for chemical processing and marine environments; and 321 stainless steel, which contains titanium for stabilization and is resistant to intergranular corrosion at high temperatures.
The core can feature annular or helical corrugations. The pitch of the corrugation can be adjusted to create ultra-flexible hoses for applications requiring even greater movement.
**Outer Braid**
The braid is a woven wire layer that encases the core. It serves multiple functions including pressure containment by restraining the hose from elongating under internal pressure, enabling higher working pressures; abrasion resistance by protecting the core from external damage; and vibration dampening by absorbing and mitigating vibration energy.
Common braid materials are 304 and 316L stainless steel. Hoses can be ordered with no braid, a single braid, or a double braid for even higher pressure ratings.
**End Connections**
A wide variety of end connections are available to meet installation requirements. These include male or female National Pipe Thread (NPT); British Standard Pipe Taper (BSPT) or BSP Cone and Flat face fittings with swivel nuts; flanges in ANSI, DIN, and JIS standards; JIC fittings; welded ends; and camlock couplings.
