PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 32 Pipes, Fittings & Valves


Is it time to embrace the benefits of stainless steel systems?


As the price of copper pipework continues to spiral, stainless steel is increasingly being considered as a viable alternative, particularly in commercial applications. Martin Smith, UK business director at Conex Bänninger, highlights key benefits that could make it the material of choice.


M


odern stainless- steel pipes and fittings provide excellent corrosion


resistance, a long-life cycle and reliable performance, which makes this metal attractive to contractors and specifiers. Stainless steel systems provide


a long service life requiring less frequent maintenance, contributing to lower life- cycle costs. This is particularly valuable in critical installations such as data centres and hospitals. Given that stainless steel has


a smooth non-porous surface, it is far less likely to encourage bacterial growth and is easy to clean. This makes it well suited to applications that include potable water systems and food and beverage processing plants. Stainless steel provides both


sustainable and environmental benefits including 100% recyclability without loss of quality. One of its major advantages over other metals is that it doesn’t need recoating and where visible looks attractive.


Flame-free connections Many stainless steel systems use press-fit technology so therefore are flame-free meaning they are faster to install compared to traditional welded systems, therefore reducing labour costs. At Conex Bänninger we offer


a range of stainless steel piping and fitting solutions designed to meet the needs of various plumbing, HVACR, retail and office applications. These include >B< Press Inox, >B< Press Inox XL and <A> Press Inox 304 and 316L systems. Key benefits across the ranges include speed of installation and the delivery of consistently high quality of the joints achieved. The systems also create permanent, leak-proof joints using standard press tools, making them ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects. For drinking water, heating


and renewable energy applications, >B< Press Inox (a B-profile fitting), provides a proven stainless steel press- fitting solution. Manufactured from high-quality 316L stainless steel, the system combines excellent corrosion resistance with hygienic performance and


cured rubber seals with high elasticity and excellent cold and heat performance. Both >B< Press Inox and >B<


Press XL versions include a range of fittings including elbow joints, tees, couplers and stop end.


Consistent performance The <A> Press Inox ranges utilise M-Profile press jaws and are designed for a straightforward installation using compatible press tools and jaws, helping contractors achieve consistent, high-quality joints across a broad range of applications. Within the product range


are a wide selection of fittings including straight couplers, elbow joints, stop ends, flange adaptor, 3-piece male and female threaded union and tees. <A> Press Inox 304 offers


Martin Smith UK business director at Conex Bänninger


a cost-effective solution for non-potable water and industrial applications without compromising on performance. Manufactured from 1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel and available in sizes from 15mm to 108mm, the system is designed for applications including hot and cold-water services, district heating, rainwater harvesting, oil-free compressed air and vacuum systems. Operating at pressures up


Stainless steel systems create permanent, leak- free proof joints using standard press tools, making them ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects


to 16 bar and temperatures up to 110°C, it is compatible with commonly available press tools and carries a 10-year guarantee when professionally installed. For projects requiring


<A> Press Inox 304 fittings


drinking water approval and enhanced corrosion resistance, <A> Press Inox 316L provides a robust alternative. Manufactured from 1.4404


(AISI 316L) stainless steel, this WRAS-approved range is our core stainless steel press-fitting platform and is widely used in many applications, including hot and cold-water installations, drinking water, local and district heating, gas, solar and renewables. Available in sizes from 15mm


<B> Press Inox 304


is suitable for use with stainless steel tubes to EN 10312 Series 1 and 2. Available in sizes from 15mm


to 54mm, it incorporates a three-point press design and an unpressed joint indicator to support installation quality and reliability. A WRAS-approved system, it is backed by a 25-year guarantee when correctly installed. Where larger pipe diameters


are required, >B< Press Inox XL extends these benefits into sizes ranging from 76mm to 108mm. An M-Profile fitting, it


is manufactured from solution- treated 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel in accordance with EN 10088. The range is also approved by WRAS and DVGW for drinking water applications. The >B< Press Inox XL is


suitable for local and district heating networks, hot water systems, water-based air conditioning and industrial process water. Available with both male and


female threaded connections and compatible stainless steel tubes to EN 10312 Series 2; its EPDM O-rings are peroxide-


to 54mm, the system delivers long-term reliability while maintaining the installation speed, joint integrity and the simplicity associated with press- fit technology.


Made to last Given the quality of the materials used in the production process, coupled with our strict quality control checks, we are able to provide long guarantees for products installed correctly. In the case of >B< Press Inox, >B< Press Inox XL, and <A> Press Inox 316L it’s 25 years, and 10 years for <A> Press Inox 304. As projects increasingly


prioritise efficiency, sustainability and whole-life performance, stainless steel press-fit systems continue to offer an attractive solution. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/68


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