Stainless Steel Fittings

IDEX Stainless Steel Fittings

IDEX (Upchurch Scientific®) stainless steel fittings deliver exceptional strength, durability, and pressure resistance for demanding chromatography and fluid transfer applications. Manufactured from high-quality 316 stainless steel, these fittings are rated up to 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) when properly wrench-tightened—making them ideal for high-pressure HPLC, UHPLC, and preparative systems.

Chrom Tech offers a wide selection of Upchurch Scientific® standard stainless steel fittings as well as Rheodyne® and manufacturer-compatible configurations to ensure proper fit across a broad range of valves, injectors, and instrument platforms. Choose from multiple thread styles, geometries, and port configurations to match your system requirements with confidence.

Tech Tip

Do not use metal fittings in plastic ports, as this can permanently damage the port threads. For proper installation, the recommended tightening torque for stainless steel fittings is 20 in-lbs (2.25 N·m). Using a torque wrench helps ensure consistent sealing without overtightening.

Chrom Tech is an authorized distributor of IDEX fluidic components and stocks a full range of stainless steel fittings for fast shipment. Our technical team is available to help you select the correct fitting for your pressure requirements, port style, and solvent compatibility.

PART NO DESCRIPTION PORT PRESSURE RATING HEAD STYLE MATERIAL
Standard Stainless Steel Fittings
C-235 Nut for 1/8" OD Tubing 1/4-28 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 5/16" Hex SST
C-236 Ferrule for 1/8" OD Tubing 1/4-28 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) – SST
U-310 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing, Short 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
U-313 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing, Extra Long 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
U-400 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
U-401 Ferrule for 1/16" OD Tubing 10-32 or M6 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) – SST
U-450 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing M6 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 5/16" Hex SST
Rheodyne Fittings
6000-082 Fitting for 1/8" OD Tubing 5/16-24 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 5/16" Hex SST
7010-009 Fitting for 1/16" OD Tubing 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
7010-010 Ferrule for 1/16" OD Tubing 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) – SST
6000-210 Ferrule for 1/16" OD Tubing 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) – SST
7010-011 Fitting for 1/16" OD Tubing, Long 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
6000-211 Fitting for 1/16" OD Tubing, Long 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
7010-062 Fitting for 1/16" OD Tubing, Extra Long 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
6000-262 Fitting for 1/16" OD Tubing, Extra Long 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
Manufacturer Compatible Fittings
U-320 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing, Valco/VICI Compatible 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 1/4" Hex SST
U-321 Ferrule for 1/16" OD Tubing, Valco/VICI Compatible 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) – SST
U-350 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing, SSI Compatible 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 5/16" Hex SST
U-410 Nut for 1/16" OD Tubing, Waters Compatible 10-32 Coned 20,000 PSI (1,380 bar) 5/16" Hex SST
Key Definitions â–¸
Stainless Steel (316)
A corrosion-resistant alloy used in high-pressure chromatography fittings. 316 stainless steel provides excellent chemical compatibility and mechanical strength for demanding LC applications.
Coned Port
A tapered port design that mates with a ferrule to form a metal-to-metal seal, commonly used in high-pressure HPLC connections.
Ferrule
A compression ring that deforms around the tubing when tightened, creating a leak-free seal between the tubing and fitting body.
Flat-Bottom vs Coned Ports
Flat-bottom ports seal against the ferrule face, while coned ports seal along the tapered cone surface. Stainless steel fittings are primarily used with coned ports for high-pressure applications.
Wrench-Tightened Fittings
Fittings designed to be tightened using a wrench rather than fingers, enabling higher torque and pressure ratings up to 20,000 PSI.
Manufacturer-Compatible Fittings
Stainless steel fittings engineered to match thread geometry and sealing profiles of popular brands such as Valco/VICI, Waters, SSI, and Beckman.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¸
What are IDEX stainless steel fittings typically used for?
IDEX stainless steel fittings are commonly used in HPLC and instrument plumbing where high pressure, durability, and reliable sealing are required—especially with coned ports and wrench-tightened connections.
Can I use stainless steel fittings in plastic ports?
No—avoid using metal fittings in plastic ports because they can damage the port and compromise sealing. Use polymer fittings (such as PEEK) when connecting to plastic ports.
What torque should I use when tightening these fittings?
The recommended tightening torque is 20 in-lbs (2.25 N·m). This helps achieve a secure seal without overtightening or damaging the connection.
Do I need a ferrule, or can I reuse one?
Most stainless steel compression connections require a properly matched ferrule. Reuse depends on condition and application—if you see deformation, scoring, leaks, or inconsistent sealing, replace the ferrule.
How do I choose the correct port/thread style?
Match the fitting to your instrument port configuration (for example, 10-32 coned, 1/4-28 coned, M6 coned, or 5/16-24 coned). If you are replacing an existing fitting, match both the thread and the port style.
Are these fittings available as manufacturer-compatible options?
Yes. IDEX offers manufacturer-compatible stainless steel fittings designed to match common connection geometries used by brands such as Valco/VICI, Waters, SSI, and Beckman—helping simplify replacements and standardize your flow path.