Buy Iron Pipe Fittings Online in Australia
Galvanised Malleable Iron Pipe Fitting Selection — Quick Reference
Galvanised malleable iron fittings are screwed-thread fittings for low-medium pressure water, compressed air, gas + steam distribution. Heat-treated cast iron = improved ductility + impact resistance vs grey cast iron. BSP threaded standard (Australian + UK).
| Fitting Type | Configuration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow (90° + 45°) | Male-Male, Female-Female, Male-Female | Direction change in water + compressed air distribution |
| Socket / Coupling | Female-Female, equal + reducing | Joining same + step-down pipe lengths |
| Reducing Socket | Step pipe size down | 1" → 3/4" → 1/2" pipework transitions |
| Tee (Equal + Reducing) | Three-way branch | Branch connections in air + water mains |
| Cross (4-Way) | Four-way junction | Manifolds + multi-branch headers |
| Plug + Cap | External + internal thread closures | Plugging unused ports or pipe ends |
| Bush / Hex Bush | Male-Female reducer in single fitting | Pipe step-down in single fitting body |
| Union (3-Piece) | Disconnectable joint | Equipment isolation + maintenance access |
| Flange (Threaded) | Threaded pipe to bolted flange | Equipment connection requiring flanged joint |
| Nipple (Hex + Barrel) | Male-Male short connection | Equipment-to-pipe transitions |
Critical: BSP threads (parallel BSPP or tapered BSPT) — match thread type to fitting + always use PTFE tape or Loctite 567 on tapered BSPT for sealing. Pressure rating varies by fitting size and class — always check the specific product's rating before specifying for your service. Galvanised coating = corrosion protection — DON'T use ungalvanised malleable iron outdoors or in damp service. Brands: AAP, Dixon. Companion: pipe fittings, brass fittings, pipes/tubes/fittings, Loctite.
Galvanised Malleable Iron Pipe Fittings — Screwed BSP Fittings for Industrial Pipework
Malleable iron pipe fittings are screwed threaded fittings for low-to-medium pressure pipework systems in compressed air, water, gas and steam distribution. AIMS Industrial stocks a range of galvanised malleable iron fittings from AAP and Dixon — including elbows, sockets, reducing sockets, flanges, plugs and pipe in BSP (British Standard Pipe) parallel and taper thread.
What is Malleable Iron?
Malleable iron is cast iron that has been heat-treated (annealed) to improve ductility and impact resistance relative to standard grey cast iron. This makes malleable iron fittings suitable for pipework that may experience vibration, thermal cycling or minor mechanical stress — where brittle grey iron would crack. Galvanised (zinc-coated) fittings provide corrosion protection for compressed air and water service.
The Range
AAP malleable iron fittings cover the core screwed fitting types: elbows (90° for direction changes), sockets (straight couplings and reducing sockets for joining pipes of different sizes), flanges (oval and round, for bolted connections to equipment and vessels), and square head plugs (for closing off pipe ends and test points). Dixon fittings cover additional configurations including screwed round flanges drilled to table D for bolted flange connections.
BSP Thread
All fittings are BSP threaded — the dominant thread standard for industrial and commercial pipework in Australia. BSP (BSPP — parallel) and BSPT (taper) are both used; check the fitting and pipe thread type before assembly. PTFE thread tape is the standard sealant for BSP parallel thread connections.
Applications
Typical applications include compressed air distribution systems, fire protection water mains, steam distribution at low pressures, gas pipework, and general industrial water service. Always verify the pressure rating of the fitting for the specific service and temperature — malleable iron fitting pressure ratings vary by size, class and manufacturer, so check the product's own rating sheet rather than assuming a single figure applies across the range.
Need help specifying fittings for your pipework system? Contact our team.
People Also Ask — Iron Pipe Fittings
Q: What's the difference between malleable iron and cast iron pipe fittings?
Malleable iron is heat-treated white cast iron that's been made tougher and more shock-resistant — workshop standard for threaded pipe fittings in water, gas, oil, and air service. Cast iron (grey iron) is brittle and used mainly for waste pipe fittings where pressure is low and threading isn't required. For pressure piping, always use malleable iron threaded fittings.
Q: What pressure ratings do iron pipe fittings handle?
Pressure rating varies by fitting size, wall thickness and class, and reduces at higher operating temperatures — always check the manufacturer's pressure-temperature chart for the specific fitting rather than assuming one figure applies across the range. Very high-pressure systems generally use forged steel fittings rather than malleable iron.
Q: Galvanised vs black iron pipe fittings — when do I use which?
Galvanised iron handles water service (potable and non-potable) — the zinc coating prevents internal rust and water discolouration. Black iron is used for gas, oil, and steam service — galvanising isn't required for these fluids and adds unnecessary cost. Never use galvanised pipe for natural gas in some jurisdictions (zinc can flake into the gas line). Check local plumbing and gas codes.
Q: What sealant works on iron pipe threads?
PTFE thread sealant tape is the workshop standard for water and air — wrap 3-5 turns in the direction of thread engagement. For pressure or vibration applications, anaerobic thread sealants (Loctite 567, 577) cure to a tougher seal. For gas service, use gas-rated thread sealant specifically (some PTFE tapes aren't approved for gas — check the package). For steam, use steam-rated sealants only.
Q: Can iron pipe fittings be reused after disassembly?
Threaded iron fittings can typically be reused if the threads are undamaged — clean the old sealant from the threads, inspect for cracks or thread damage, and re-tape before reassembly. Fittings that have seized or cracked during disassembly should be replaced. For critical service (gas, pressure, steam) consider replacing fittings rather than reusing — the cost is small compared to leak risk.
Q: When would I use a reducing socket instead of a straight coupling?
Use a reducing socket when stepping pipe size down within a single fitting — for example 1 inch down to 3/4 inch down to 1/2 inch — rather than joining two pipes of the same size, which is what a straight socket (coupling) is for.
Q: What is a union fitting used for?
A three-piece union fitting creates a disconnectable joint in a pipe run, allowing equipment isolation and maintenance access without unscrewing the whole pipe run apart at a threaded joint.
Q: What is a bush (hex bush) fitting used for?
A bush, or hex bush, is a male-female reducer built into a single fitting body, used to step a pipe down to a smaller size without needing a separate reducing socket.