Our ABS metric fittings provide a reliable, lightweight and chemically resistant solution for a wide range of pressure pipework applications. Manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), these fittings are widely used across potable water systems, food and beverage processing, airline systems, water treatment and general industrial installations.
Designed to work seamlessly with ABS metric pipe, this range includes plain solvent-weld fittings, threaded adaptors and transition fittings, allowing flexible system design while maintaining consistent performance and compliance.
ABS vs PVC-U Pipe Fittings - What’s the Difference?
Choosing between ABS and PVC-U pipe fittings often comes down to operating conditions, installation environment and long-term performance requirements. While both materials are widely used in pressure pipework systems, they each offer distinct advantages.
Feature
ABS Metric Fittings
PVC-U Fittings
Impact Resistance
Excellent - Remains tough at low temperatures
Lower - More brittle in cold conditions
Temperature Range
-40°C to +60°C
0°C to +60°C
Weight
Lightweight
Lightweight
Chemical Resistance
Very good (excluding solvents, alcohols, petrol)
Excellent against a wider range of chemicals
Potable Water Suitability
Yes (WRAS approved products available)
Yes (WRAS approved products available)
Installation Method
Solvent cement welding
Solvent cement welding
Noise & Vibration Damping
Better acoustic performance
More rigid, less damping
Typical Applications
Industrial, food & beverage, airline systems, water treatment
Water distribution, chemical handling, drainage
When to Choose ABS Metric Fittings
ABS fittings are often preferred where impact resistance, low-temperature performance and durability are critical. Unlike PVC-U, ABS remains ductile in cold environments, making it ideal for:
Industrial pipework exposed to temperature fluctuations
Food and beverage processing systems
Airline and compressed air systems
Water treatment and utility installations
Areas where accidental impact or vibration is likely
Installation & Solvent Welding Guidance
ABS metric fittings are installed using ABS solvent cement welding, a fast and effective method of creating permanent, high-integrity joints. When installed correctly, solvent-welded joints are typically stronger than both the pipe and fitting themselves.
The solvent cement works by chemically softening the pipe exterior and fitting interior, allowing them to fuse together as the joint cures.
Apply ABS solvent cement evenly with a clean brush
Push the pipe fully into the fitting
Hold in position for the required setting time
Wipe away excess cement
Allow sufficient curing time before pressurising
Important:
Do not use sealing paste - it can damage ABS
Do not over-abrade to increase clearances
Joint integrity depends on clean, properly prepared surfaces
Solvent Cement Coverage Guide
An indication of the number of joints likely to be made per litre of solvent cement is:
Inch
mm
Joints
½ - 1
16-32
400
1¼ - 2
40-63
175
3
75-90
70
4
110
45
6
160
25
8
200-225
15
10
250-280
4
12
315
4
Chemical & Thermal Performance
ABS metric fittings offer good resistance to:
Diluted inorganic acids
Salts
Animal fats and oils
Organic acids
They are not suitable for use with:
Organic solvents
Alcohol
Petrol
Acetic acid
Vegetable oils
If you are unsure about chemical compatibility, our technical team can advise on specific applications.
ABS has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 10.1 × 10⁻⁵ m/m/°C, so allowances for expansion and contraction should be considered in longer pipe runs.
Standards & Compliance
ABS metric fittings conform to the following standards:
BS 5392 - ABS fittings for use with ABS pressure pipe
BS 5391 - ABS pressure pipe specification
EN 10226-1 - Pipe threads for pressure-tight joints
DIN 2999 - Pipe threads for tubes and fittings
DIN DVS 2204-3 - Adhesive bonding of ABS thermoplastics
All WRAS-approved products supplied by Pipestock are suitable for use in potable water systems.
If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.