What is the specification for Snaplock couplings?
Cam and groove couplings have traditionally been manufactured to the US Military specification MIL-C-27487. This specification covered the dimensions and machining tolerances, the materials, the closing torque, part numbers, pressure ratings, finish, inspection procedures and packing requirements of the product. Compliance to this specification ensured inter-changeability of parts from different manufacturers.
Only parts manufactured for Defence Ministry applications normally complied in full with MIL-C-27487 in respect of stamping of part numbers, inspection, packaging and anodising. Such products were ordered using the specific MS part numbers within MIL-C-27487. Parts supplied for commercial applications normally only complied with the material, dimensional and pressure parameters of the specification. It should also be noted that only some of the sizes and materials offered were covered by MIL-C-27487.
In recent years, many generic products have been produced which only loosely comply with the specification and where alternative materials, reduced wall thickness and less inspection are provided. This process helps to reduce the cost but it will also adversely affect the life of the product as well as its resistance to some media. In some cases, it can also endanger the operator and/or the environment.
The specification A-A-59326 has replaced MIL-C-27487, a cancellation notice being issued in 1998. The German DIN 2828 standard has been introduced in Europe and there is also a draft CEN standard for cam and groove couplings in existence. Products produced to DIN 2828 are interchangeable with those made to the original MIL-C-27487 but have differences in the hose tail design, thread, part number and other details.
Action Hose Couplings offers the following options:
- Snaplock metallic product from 3/4" to 4" in a range of basic configurations, designed to interchange with product manufactured to DIN 2828 or A-A-59326 (previously known as MIL-C-27487) and with inspection fully in accordance with our ISO 9000 procedures.
- Snaplock product as above but to DIN 2828.
- Snaplock product made to the full A-A-59326 specification. Any such product would be made only to order and be subject to special pricing and delivery terms. Certain elements of the specification may not be achievable at a particular time, these being identified at the contract review stage.
- Some parts are also offered as low cost generic alternatives for non-critical applications - the relevant Snaplock product pages state that such parts are lower specification alternatives.
For full details of the product types available, see the Snaplock pages within this site.