ULAMEX supplies a comprehensive range of stainless steel fittings for industrial piping systems, process installations, and sanitary applications across Europe. Our programme covers butt weld fittings and threaded fittings manufactured from austenitic stainless steel grades 304 (1.4301) and 316L (1.4404). The product range includes elbows, tees, reducers, caps, couplings, unions, nipples, and bushings – all produced to recognised European and international standards including EN 10253 and ISO 4144. Whether you are assembling a chemical processing line, a food-grade sanitary system, or an architectural piping installation, ULAMEX delivers the stainless steel pipe fittings you need from a single wholesale source.
Stainless Steel Fittings – Material Grades
All stainless steel fittings in our programme are available in two standard austenitic grades, each offering distinct corrosion resistance properties suited to different operating environments:
- Grade 304 (Werkstoff 1.4301 / AISI 304) – the most widely used stainless steel for pipe fittings. Contains approximately 18 % chromium and 8 % nickel, providing excellent corrosion resistance in most atmospheric, freshwater, and mildly chemical environments. This grade is the standard choice for general industrial piping, HVAC systems, water distribution, and architectural installations. Equivalent designations include X5CrNi18-10 (EN 10088) and UNS S30400 (ASTM).
- Grade 316L (Werkstoff 1.4404 / AISI 316L) – the premium grade with 2-3 % molybdenum addition for enhanced resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion. The low-carbon “L” variant (carbon content ≤ 0.030 %) prevents sensitisation during welding, making it the mandatory choice for welded piping systems in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Specified wherever the operating medium contains chlorides, acids, or elevated temperatures.
Both grades are supplied with full material traceability. Mill test certificates (Abnahmeprüfzeugnis 3.1 per EN 10204) are available on request for all fittings – a standard requirement for pressure equipment under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) and piping systems designed to EN 13480.
Product Range – Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings
Our stainless steel fittings programme is divided into three connection types, each manufactured to specific standards and suited to different pipe sizes and pressure classes:
Butt Weld Fittings (EN 10253 / ASME B16.9)
Stainless steel butt weld fittings are designed for permanent welded connections in process piping systems. The fitting ends are bevelled for full-penetration butt welding to the adjoining pipe, creating a smooth, unobstructed internal bore that minimises pressure drop and prevents product entrapment – critical for hygienic and high-purity applications. Our butt weld fittings comply with EN 10253-4 (European) and ASME B16.9 (American) dimensional standards. Available in Schedule 5s, 10s, and 40s wall thicknesses for nominal sizes from DN 15 (1/2″) to DN 100 (4″).
Threaded Fittings (ISO 4144 / DIN 2999)
Stainless steel threaded fittings provide demountable connections for smaller-bore piping systems, instrumentation lines, and maintenance-accessible installations. Threads are machined to ISO 7-1 (BSP taper) or DIN 2999 specifications, ensuring compatibility with standard stainless steel pipes and valves. Threaded fittings are typically used in nominal sizes from DN 8 (1/4″) to DN 50 (2″) and are rated for pressures up to PN 25 (depending on size and temperature). Sealing is achieved with PTFE tape or liquid thread sealant.
Socket Weld Fittings (ASME B16.11)
Socket weld fittings combine the leak-tight integrity of a welded joint with the ease of alignment offered by a socket connection. The pipe inserts into the fitting socket before a fillet weld is applied externally. Available for small-bore, high-pressure applications in sizes from DN 8 to DN 50, pressure classes 3000 and 6000 psi.
Available Types of Stainless Steel Fittings
| Fitting Type | Connection | Sizes (DN) | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow 90° | Butt weld / Threaded | DN 15 – DN 100 | EN 10253 / ISO 4144 | Standard direction change, long radius (R = 1.5D) and short radius (R = 1D) |
| Elbow 45° | Butt weld / Threaded | DN 15 – DN 100 | EN 10253 / ISO 4144 | Gradual direction change for reduced turbulence |
| Equal Tee | Butt weld / Threaded | DN 15 – DN 100 | EN 10253 / ISO 4144 | Three-way branch connection, same diameter on all ends |
| Reducing Tee | Butt weld | DN 20 – DN 100 | EN 10253 | Branch connection with reduced outlet diameter |
| Concentric Reducer | Butt weld | DN 20 – DN 100 | EN 10253 | Symmetrical pipe diameter transition, maintains centreline |
| Eccentric Reducer | Butt weld | DN 20 – DN 100 | EN 10253 | Offset diameter transition, maintains flat bottom for drainage |
| Cap | Butt weld | DN 15 – DN 100 | EN 10253 | Permanent pipe end closure |
| Coupling | Threaded | DN 8 – DN 50 | ISO 4144 | Straight pipe-to-pipe connection, same diameter |
| Union | Threaded | DN 8 – DN 50 | ISO 4144 | Demountable connection with nut, seal, and tailpiece |
| Nipple | Threaded | DN 8 – DN 50 | ISO 4144 | Short pipe section with male thread on both ends |
| Bushing | Threaded | DN 8 – DN 50 | ISO 4144 | Reduces fitting size from larger female to smaller male thread |
Applications
Stainless steel fittings are essential components wherever corrosion-resistant piping systems are specified. Our fittings serve the following industries and application areas:
- Chemical and petrochemical processing – butt weld fittings in grade 316L for acid-bearing pipelines, reactor feed lines, and heat exchanger connections. The smooth internal bore of butt weld elbows and tees minimises product build-up and simplifies CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures.
- Food and beverage production – hygienic piping connections in grade 304 and 316L for dairy processing, brewery installations, and beverage production lines. Fittings with electropolished internal surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.8 μm) are available on request for applications requiring the highest hygiene standards.
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology – 316L fittings for purified water (PW), water for injection (WFI), and clean steam systems. Full material traceability and documentation per EN 10204:3.1 are standard for pharmaceutical piping projects.
- Water treatment and desalination – 316L fittings provide the chloride resistance required for chlorinated water systems, membrane filtration plants, and seawater intake lines.
- HVAC and building services – threaded fittings in grade 304 for chilled water circuits, heating systems, and condensate lines in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Architectural and decorative piping – polished stainless steel elbows and tees for visible pipework in commercial interiors, restaurants, breweries, and exhibition spaces. These fittings complement our stainless steel pipe programme.
Why ULAMEX
ULAMEX has been a trusted B2B supplier of stainless steel products since 1988. With over 60,000 m² of warehouse space near Lodz, Poland, we maintain continuous stock of the most demanded fitting types and sizes in both 304 and 316L grades. Our stainless steel fittings programme is part of a complete product range that includes pipes and tubes, profiles, rods, and sheets – enabling single-source procurement for your entire stainless steel project.
- EN 1090 certified, ISO 3834-2 quality managed – documented quality assurance for every shipment
- Dual-grade stock – both 1.4301 (304) and 1.4404 (316L) available from stock for immediate dispatch
- Full documentation – mill test certificates 3.1 (EN 10204), declarations of conformity, and material data sheets on request
- Europe-wide delivery – 2-5 working days to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, Scandinavia, and Benelux
- No minimum order barriers – from individual fittings for maintenance to project volumes for new construction
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of stainless steel pipe fittings does ULAMEX supply?
- We supply butt weld fittings (elbows 90° and 45°, equal and reducing tees, concentric and eccentric reducers, caps) and threaded fittings (couplings, unions, nipples, bushings) in grades 304 (1.4301) and 316L (1.4404). Fittings are manufactured to EN 10253 and ISO 4144 standards, covering nominal sizes from DN 8 to DN 100.
- What is the difference between butt weld and threaded stainless steel fittings?
- Butt weld fittings are permanently welded to the pipe using full-penetration butt welds – they provide maximum joint integrity and a smooth internal bore, making them the standard for process piping, food-grade systems, and high-pressure applications. Threaded fittings use screw-type connections that can be assembled and disassembled without welding – preferred for smaller-bore lines (up to DN 50), instrumentation, and installations requiring periodic maintenance access.
- Should I choose grade 304 or 316L for my fittings?
- Grade 304 (1.4301) is suitable for most general industrial, architectural, and freshwater applications. Grade 316L (1.4404) is required wherever the operating medium contains chlorides, acids, or salt – including chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, seawater systems, and food production environments with aggressive cleaning agents. When in doubt, 316L is the safer specification.
- What sizes of stainless steel elbows are available?
- We stock stainless steel elbows in 90° and 45° configurations, in both butt weld (EN 10253) and threaded (ISO 4144) variants. Butt weld elbows are available from DN 15 to DN 100 in Schedule 5s, 10s, and 40s. Threaded elbows cover DN 8 to DN 50. Long radius (R = 1.5D) is standard; short radius (R = 1D) is available on request.
- Does ULAMEX deliver stainless steel fittings across Europe?
- Yes. We deliver to customers throughout Europe from our warehouse in Poland. Standard delivery time is 2-5 working days for Germany, Austria, and surrounding countries. Fittings can be combined with stainless steel pipe orders for cost-efficient consolidated shipments. Request a quote for current stock availability and lead times.
Need stainless steel fittings for your next project? ULAMEX supplies elbows, tees, reducers, and the full range of butt weld and threaded pipe fittings in grades 304 and 316L – from stock, with European delivery. Request a Quote | +48 504 424 761 | [email protected]