FEATURE COVER STORY


PUSH-FIT TECHNOLOGY pioneering evolution for industry


Over 40 years ago a sophisticated piece of technology was developed to address the needs of the construction industry: the invention of the plastic push-fit concept from John Guest


piping system established. In addition, the same technology has been used to warm homes and used in over 30 million applications worldwide in conjunction with the Myson PPV thermostatic valve range. Manufacturers of similar radiator valves have utilised the push-fit fitting, adding a further 10 million fittings within heating installations.


I


n 2015 this simple connecting solution has penetrated a wide variety of


markets including plumbing and heating, automotive, drinks dispense and water supply and continued to adapt and evolve with new technologies including fibre optics. So why has the push-fit concept been so crucial in aiding the development of new systems and why does it continue to be the fitting of choice across a variety of markets? John Guest initially created the push-fit


fitting in the 1970s after running his engineering company of the same name for over a decade. The original collect- gripping mechanism remains the critical component of the push-fit and serves a broad spectrum of industries with billions of John Guest push-fit connectors in use across the globe in a wide variety of applications. Little did John Guest know at the time of his innovation that in another 40 years his invention would still be the standard in push-fit technology.


INCREASING DEMANDS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES Increasing demands of new technologies and faster and easier installation of more reliable components has undoubtedly encouraged the adoption of push-fit fitting solutions. Introduced into the plumbing and heating sector at the Interbuild Exhibition in 1987, John Guest’s Speedfit plumbing and heating system won best product at the show and the push-fit soon began to gain exposure across different sectors. In today’s plumbing practice the


combined use of plastic pipes with push- 6 MAY 2015 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT


fit fittings has become a reliable, easy and efficient way to conduct installation. The pre push-fit method of joining pipes used to be very time-consuming and required a multitude of tools yet push-fit technology reduces assembly times to a few seconds with an instant tube- coupling system. Standing apart from the competition the JG Speedfit push-fit fitting was the first truly demountable and reusable product on the UK market thanks to its twist and lock multi-sealing system – a feature that no other competitor can match.


ERADICATES RISK OF LEAKAGE Simple to use and easy to install, the innovative science behind the push-fit concept is well hidden and often not fully acknowledged. Defined by three features, the JG Speedfit boasts a twist and lock cap that increases the compression on the ‘O’ ring seal around the pipe, locking it into position. Its stainless steel teeth provides a firm grip and ensures the pipe stays in place while the ‘O’ ring seal eradicates any leakage risks. Push-fit technology meets the


specification of new-build and retrofit projects due to the installation and maintenance flexibility. Meeting the requirements of developing technologies within house building, the push-fit model can aid the installation of efficient pipework alterations without the hassle of tooling or the restrictions old- fashioned methods can entail. With a simple twist and lock, installation can be completed in seconds and a watertight


Defined by three features, the JG Speedfit boasts a twist and lock cap that increases the compression on the ‘O’ ring seal around the pipe, locking it into position


PERFORMANCE RELIABILITY The flexibility of the push-fit fitting, reliability of performance and high quality UK engineering has ultimately contributed to the development and enhancement of industries outside of plumbing and heating. In fact, the push- fit concept was originally created to address the demand within engineering environments and quickly found its use in high-tech industries. Today John Guest push-fit fittings are


integrated in the fuel, brake vacuum, air suspension and low-pressure power steering systems of some of the leading automotive manufacturers including BMW and Ford. In global terms, over one billion John Guest automotive connectors have been used in vehicle applications over the past 30 years. The push-fit fitting plays a key role to deliver the growing demand for fast fibre optic networks and more than 10m John Guest connectors are used every year in the UK beer and beverage industry.


EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY Accommodating a vast array of industries, the plastic push-fit has come a long way from an idea to a unique and truly innovative solution. Leading to a whole host of technological advances and breakthroughs, this simple yet essential fitting has evolved with the needs of designers, inventors and manufacturers in all markets. Creating a secure and adaptable fitting,


the push-fit concept is a sophisticated piece of kit that may go unnoticed to many but makes a big impact in the wider world of technology.


John Guest T: 01895 449233 www.johnguest.co.uk


Enter 300 / FACTORYEQUIPMENT


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