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What It Takes To Develop New Metal Press Fittings

June 30, 2020 Viega
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Whenever we go to market with a new product, we know what customers are going to ask:

“This is great, but how come it took so long? And why isn’t it available in this size/this material/this application?”

The short answer? We want to make sure we get it right. And that takes time because there’s a lot of work that goes into designing, testing and manufacturing a new product.

For example, it took years between the introduction of MegaPressG fittings in smaller sizes and this year’s launch of MegaPressG fittings in sizes up to 4".

The gap wasn’t for lack of interest. The response to the original MegaPressG fittings was great and we immediately got requests for larger sizes. However, a number of engineering challenges had to be overcome first.  

For example, the amount of force needed to press a 4" fitting is significantly higher than that for a 2" fitting. In order to achieve this pressing force, Viega recommends using the RIDGID Press Booster or equivalent alternatives.

Smaller MegaPressG fittings have 304 stainless steel separator rings, which would not work on larger sizes. Viega scientists tested a number of possible materials before choosing a graphite separator ring. The ring can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F, an important safety feature that can prevent dangerous leaks during a fire.

Viega also redesigned the component housing in the larger fittings for a more secure connection. The HNBR sealing element also was reengineered for effective coverage in the larger sizes. 

After years of engineering, prototypes were then tested in the field and scrutinized by focus groups before anything was brought to market. We’re proud to say the new fittings exceeded the requirements for ANSI LC-4/CSA 6.32 certifications.

Constructed of carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc nickel coating and first-of-its-kind graphite separator ring in larger sizes, MegaPressG is suitable for use with ASTM Schedule 10 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe.

Development of MegaPressG in larger diameters is not alone in taking time – it took us six and seven years to launch MegaPress and MegaPressXL, respectively. So while we might never launch products fast enough to satisfy our customers (we hear your requests for MegaPressG up to 6"), please be reassured that we are constantly working on what’s next.

And we’ll make sure we get it right – no matter how long it takes.

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