Hose fittings are among the most heavily stressed components in hydraulic systems. They have to permanently withstand high pressures, temperature fluctuations, vibrations and external influences such as moisture, mechanical loads and aggressive media.

Typical areas of application in which corrosion protection plays a decisive role:

• Construction machinery that runs outdoors all year round - from frost to sweltering summer heat

• Forestry and agricultural machinery that comes into contact with soil, fertilisers or spraying agents

• Offshore facilities or harbour logistics, where salty air creates particularly aggressive conditions

• Tunnel boring machines or mining equipment that are exposed to moisture, dust and chemicals underground

• Recycling plants in which hose fittings often work in the direct vicinity of corrosive vapours and high temperatures

In all these environments, a long service life counts - the STAUFF zinc/nickel surface makes a significant contribution to this.

The zinc/nickel surface was already a long-established standard when the hose fittings were added to our product range in April 2015. It fulfils and exceeds all standard market requirements for corrosion protection and has been used as standard for our steel components since 2007. This is because this special surface is characterised by its very high performance:

• Resistance of 1,200 hours (before pressing) against red rust / base metal corrosion in tests in the salt spray chamber in accordance with DIN ES ISO 9227

• White rust occurs at most in the form of a light grey haze - and only under extreme conditions

• Exceeds the requirements of VDMA corrosion protection class K5 by far

• High-quality appearance - for technical cleanliness and visual enhancement

This surface has been proven and valued for years, particularly for applications with high standards - for example in the automotive industry.

The use of STAUFF hose fittings with a zinc/nickel surface has numerous advantages that make all the difference in everyday use:

• Increased service life:
  The outstanding corrosion resistance permanently protects the fittings from environmental influences. This means significantly longer operating times and less downtime - even under difficult conditions.
  
• Reduced maintenance effort:
  As corrosion is virtually eliminated, maintenance and replacement are significantly reduced. This saves costs, time and resources - especially in systems that are difficult to access.
  
• High-quality appearance:
  The surface is not only functional, but also visually appealing. This ensures a uniform, high-quality appearance - especially for visible components in machines or systems.
  
• Minimised risk of contact corrosion:
  Particularly in systems with mixed connections - such as aluminium or stainless steel - the zinc/nickel surface offers a decisive advantage: it reduces electrochemical reactions and thus protects the entire system.
  
• Overpaintability for individual requirements:
  Whether for colour coding, additional protection or adaptation to corporate design - the surface can be easily painted over and is therefore versatile.
  
• Skin-friendly and safe:
  Thanks to its extremely low nickel resistance, the allergy risk is well below the legal limits - an important factor in applications where skin contact is possible, e.g. in assembly or maintenance.

A special advantage of the STAUFF zinc/nickel surface:
No additional lubrication of the threads or cones is required when installing STAUFF hose fittings.

Thanks to special additives in the sealing of the surface, dry assembly is possible - without any loss of tightness or function.

This brings clear advantages for your practice:

• Time and cost savings due to elimination of lubricant application

• Reduced potential for errors - no incorrect use of lubricant, no assembly errors

• No apparent leaks due to residual oil "sweating out" under pressure or temperature

• Greater environmental protection, as no lubricant escapes and no residues enter the system

Particularly in automated production lines or with tight time windows in assembly, this aspect provides a real efficiency boost - and reduces environmental pollution at the same time.

The STAUFF zinc/nickel surface fulfils all current environmental and safety requirements - a strong argument, also with regard to ESG targets or legal requirements:

• Free from hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) - harmless to health and safe to work with

• REACH-compliant in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 - for the safe handling of chemicals

• RoHS-compliant in accordance with Directive 2002/95/EC - elimination of hazardous substances in electronic applications

• ELV-compliant (2000/53/EC) - especially for the requirements of the automotive industry

This means that the surface is not only functionally strong, but also a sustainable step towards an environmentally conscious future.

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