JIC Fittings vs AN: The Comprehensive Comparison for Choosing ...

When it comes to fluid and gas system connections, understanding the differences between JIC fittings vs AN is crucial. While both types of fittings are commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and hydraulic systems, they serve different purposes based on design and application.

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Today,we will take an in-depth look at the JIC fittings and AN fittings, explore their key differences, and offer guidance on how to select the right one for your specific needs. If you have any questions about the content, feel free to contact us anytime.

What is a JIC Fitting?

JIC fittings (Joint Industrial Council) are widely used for fluid and gas systems due to their robust and durable design. They feature a 37-degree flare, making them highly reliable for sealing under pressure.

Structure:

A typical JIC fitting consists of three main components:

• Fitting body: Typically made of steel or stainless steel.
• Flared tube: The tube end is flared at a 37-degree angle to provide a tight seal.
• Nut: Used to tighten the fitting onto the flared tube, ensuring a secure connection.

Common Sizes

AN fittings are sized based on a dash number system. The dash number represents the nominal tubing outer diameter in 1/16 – inch increments. For example, – 6 AN fittings are designed to work with tubing that has an outer diameter of 6/16 or 3/8 inches. The thread sizes corresponding to different dash numbers are as follows:

Applications & Characteristics:

Features: Provides a secure, leak-free connection for systems under high pressure. The 37-degree flare ensures the connection holds up to vibration and pressure changes.

Common Uses: Hydraulic systems, high-pressure fluid lines, automotive applications.

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Material: Stainless steel, brass, steel.

What are AN Fittings?

AN fittings (Army-Navy) were originally developed for military applications, particularly in aerospace, but are now commonly used across multiple industries due to their durability and ease of maintenance.

Structure:

AN fittings also feature a 37-degree flare. However, they have distinct design characteristics in terms of thread count, material, and dimension standards.

Applications & Characteristics:

• Common Uses: Aerospace, high-performance automotive systems, military applications.
• Material: Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium.
• Features: The 37-degree flare and lightweight design make them ideal for high-performance systems requiring minimal weight and maximum strength.

JIC Fittings vs AN

What Is the Difference Between JIC and an Fittings?

Flare Angle

1. JIC Fittings: As mentioned earlier, JIC fittings have a 37-degree flare angle. This angle provides a certain level of flexibility in the connection and is well-suited for applications where high-pressure sealing is required. In my experience, the 37-degree flare seems to distribute the stress more evenly when the nut is tightened, reducing the risk of the fitting being damaged due to over-tightening.
2. AN Fittings: AN fittings have a 45-degree flare angle. The steeper angle of the AN fitting’s flare gives it a different sealing characteristic. It is often considered more rigid in the connection, which can be beneficial in applications where vibration and movement are factors. For example, in automotive racing, the 45-degree flare of AN fittings helps maintain the integrity of the connection even under the extreme vibrations of a high-revving engine.

Thread Sizes

1. JIC Fittings: JIC fittings have a range of thread sizes that are based on standard unified thread specifications. The thread sizes are designed to match the size of the fitting and the pressure requirements of the application. For example, a smaller-sized JIC fitting like a #2 may have a 5/16”-24 UNF thread, while a larger #16 fitting may have a 1 – 5/16”-12 UN thread.
2. AN Fittings: AN fittings’ thread sizes are also based on unified thread standards but are associated with the dash-number sizing system. The thread sizes corresponding to different dash numbers are optimized for the tubing diameter and the application’s requirements. For instance, a – 6 AN fitting has a 3/4”-16 UNF thread, which is designed to work with 3/8 – inch outer-diameter tubing.

Material Composition

1. JIC Fittings: JIC fittings are commonly made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and brass. Carbon steel is often used for general-purpose applications where cost-effectiveness is a priority. Stainless steel is preferred in applications where corrosion resistance is crucial, like in industrial settings with exposure to chemicals. Brass is used in some applications where non-magnetic properties are required.
2. AN Fittings: AN fittings are frequently made from aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. Aluminum is popular in automotive and aerospace applications due to its lightweight nature. Stainless steel is used when corrosion resistance is essential, and titanium is sometimes used in high-performance aerospace applications where strength-to- weight ratio is critical.

Pressure Ratings

1. JIC Fittings: JIC fittings are generally known for their high-pressure capabilities. They can withstand pressures well into the thousands of psi, making them suitable for industrial hydraulic systems and other high-pressure applications.
2. AN Fittings: AN fittings also have high-pressure ratings, but they are often more focused on the requirements of automotive and aerospace applications. While they can handle high pressures, the specific pressure ratings may vary depending on the size, material, and application of the fitting.

How to Choose Between JIC and AN Fittings

When selecting between JIC and AN fittings, it is important to consider the application and specific needs of your system.

Step 1: Determine Your System Requirements

• For hydraulic systems or high-pressure applications in industrial settings, JIC fittings are often preferred due to their durability and pressure resistance.
• For aerospace or military applications, AN fittings are the better choice due to their precise standards, lightweight materials, and higher performance capabilities.

Step 2: Consider the Material and Weight

• If weight is a concern, such as in aerospace applications, AN fittings are lighter, making them ideal for situations where minimizing weight is crucial.
• JIC fittings are more robust and are suitable for industrial or hydraulic applications where weight isn’t as critical.

Step 3: Evaluate Threading and Compatibility

• Ensure that the thread type (SAE for JIC and MS for AN) matches your system requirements. When mixing and matching, it’s vital to use proper adapters if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between JIC and AN fittings boils down to your specific application. Whether you need the durability and robustness of JIC fittings or the lightweight, precision-focused design of AN fittings, each type has its advantages depending on the system and performance requirements.

If you have any questions about the content or need help choosing the right fitting, feel free to reach out to us. If you are interested in our products, visit our homepage or request our product catalog.

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