JIS 4-Bolt Flanges are frequently used in fluid power systems. There are two pressure ratings: Type I Code 61 and Type II Code 62. 

As with DIN flanges, the unthreaded female port in a JIS flange has 4 bolt holes at the corners.  The male flanged head has holes to match the port and a grooved recess for an O-ring.

The O-ring makes the seal between the flanged head and the flat surface on the port.  Threaded bolts are inserted through the 4 bolt holes to securely connect the flange to another mating flange or the flat surface of the port. 

German Threads

German DIN (Deutsche Industrial Norme) style is the most common metric fittings used globally.  When a fitting is referred to as metric, more often than not is a DIN connection.  DIN Metric and BSPP (British Standard Parallel Pipe) are the most common thread styles in Europe.  DIN 2353 24° fittings are most commonly used in the industrial, oil & gas and construction equipment in hydraulic and pneumatic applications; as with BSP standards DIN flanges are SAE Code 61 or Code 62.

One type of international flange is the DIN 4-Bolt Flange. DIN means, "German Institute for Standardization." These flanges are similar to SAE Code 61 and SAE Code 62 flanges. 

For this particular flange, the unthreaded female port has 4 bolt holes around it in the corners.  The male flanged head has holes to match the port and a grooved recess for an O-ring.

The O-ring makes the seal between the flanged head and the flat surface on the port.  Threaded bolts are inserted through the 4 bolt holes to securely connect the flange to another mating flange or the flat surface of the port. 

British Threads

BSP is the abbreviation for British Standard Pipe. There are two distinct types; BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) and BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered).  These are historically known as Whitworth threads, devised and specified by Joseph Whitworth in 1841, and are still the British standard today. Though commonly confused with NPT fittings, most sizes actually have a different thread pitch, and the O.D.'s and thread form are close, but not the same. 

More than Traditional Industrial Manufacturer – Distributor Relationships

Even in the industrial sales channel, e-commerce has been a disruptive force in the traditional supply chain. Today’s buyers are accustomed to having the same detailed data in the workplace as they do in online home purchases. They expect everything from immediate access to pricing, product availability and tracking of the in-route precise location of their order.

As manufacturers generate leads and pass them to distributors who are responsible for the follow up and nurturing process, there can still be a disconnect because systems and process are often very different between the two entities. Plus, top line distributors work with many different suppliers, including competing manufacturers. It is not enough to manufacture top quality product at competitive prices. The companies that are likely to gain more attention from the distributor are those that make the flow of leads, orders and all other transactional activity easier.

Lead Sharing: EDI is More than Just Order Fulfillment and Forecasting

Most RFQs, leads and inquiries come in through the manufacturer. From trade show inquiries, to advertising and most importantly direct to a company’s website, the flow of leads is the life blood of new business. It’s the handoff from manufacturer to distributor that’s critical. Companies spend a great deal of money and time to cultivate marketing qualified leads. 

From the Old Days of Paper & Fax to Electronic Communications

Today the relationships in industrial distribution are complex, requiring channels of communication between manufacturers of parts and components to effectively communicate with their distribution network electronically, on a real-time basis. This method of communication is known as EDI, electronic data interchange. 

There are two options for industrial manufacturers to get their products to the end user; direct sales and distribution sales. The distribution channel has existed for as long as there have been manufacturers. Consider one well known manufacturer of fittings and valves. Beginning in the 1940’s, the company began to grow rapidly with a direct sales model but soon found demand outpacing their ability to effectively sell and ship direct to customers all across the country. The company quickly adopted a distribution model by funding independent, yet exclusive, distributors in major industrial markets.

As OEM procurement departments develop strong supplier relationships they gain a solid understanding of the suppliers’ business, products and services, ultimately fostering a dependable partnership. In turn, this allows the supplier to better understand the OEMs’ needs and respond
more effectively and efficiently. This fosters an increased economy of scale for both parties. Each organization is able to collaborate on product enhancements, new product development, managing inventories and exploring potential areas of consolidation.

The cost of components and managing the supply can represent a large portion of the final equipment costs.  Mismanagement of the supply chain can spiral out of control by incurring higher product and production costs, inventory overruns and strangling cash flow.

Some key considerations in managing the sometimes hidden cost overruns of the supply chain are: