Henan Gnee New Material Co., Ltd. is one of the most reliable manufacturers and suppliers of aluminum cross fitting in China. With abundant experience, we warmly welcome you to wholesale high quality aluminum cross fitting in stock here from our factory. Good service and reasonable price are available.
GNEE supplies aluminum cross fittings for creating four-way connections in compatible piping systems. An aluminum cross allows one main flow path to connect with multiple branch lines from a single fitting.
Available types include equal crosses and reducing crosses, with butt-weld, threaded and custom connection configurations depending on the fitting design, size and manufacturing method.
For applicable factory-made wrought aluminum and aluminum-alloy welding fittings, ASTM B361 provides the material and product requirements. ASME B16.9 covers dimensional and related requirements for factory-made wrought butt-welding fittings. For applicable forged nonferrous threaded fittings made from aluminum and aluminum alloys, ASME B16.52 may apply.
GNEE can supply standard and custom aluminum crosses according to alloy, temper, size, wall thickness, connection type and applicable standard.
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Aluminum Cross Types
|
Type |
Description |
Connection |
Applicable Standard |
|
Equal Cross |
All four openings have the same nominal size |
Butt Weld |
ASTM B361 / ASME B16.9 where applicable |
|
Reducing Cross |
One or more branch openings are smaller than the main openings |
Butt Weld |
ASTM B361 / ASME B16.9 where applicable |
|
Threaded Cross |
Four-way fitting with compatible threaded connections |
NPT / BSP / Metric |
ASME B16.52 where applicable |
|
Custom Cross |
Special size, wall thickness or connection configuration |
According to drawing |
Customer specification |
The applicable standard depends on the fitting type, manufacturing method and connection. The standard should be confirmed before production.
Equal Aluminum Cross
An equal cross has four openings of the same nominal size.
For example, a 2" x 2" x 2" x 2" aluminum cross has four equally sized connections.
Equal crosses are commonly used where several branch lines require the same connection size.
Typical Applications
Process piping
Distribution headers
Manifold systems
Industrial equipment
HVAC systems
Compressed-air systems
Reducing Aluminum Cross
A reducing cross has one or more openings smaller than the other openings.
For example, a 4" x 4" x 2" x 2" reducing cross can provide different branch sizes within the same four-way connection.
The exact size combination should be confirmed according to the applicable dimensional requirements or customer drawing.
Equal vs Reducing Aluminum Cross
|
Selection Factor |
Equal Cross |
Reducing Cross |
|
Branch Size |
Same as main openings |
One or more branches smaller |
|
Flow Paths |
Four same-size connections |
Multiple connection sizes |
|
Typical Use |
Equal-size distribution |
Size reduction at branch connections |
|
Manufacturing |
Butt Weld / Threaded where applicable |
Butt Weld / Threaded where applicable |
|
Main Advantage |
Simple four-way connection |
Combines branching and size reduction |
Aluminum Cross Connection Types
Butt-Weld Aluminum Cross
A butt-weld aluminum cross connects four pipe or tube sections through welded ends. The mating pipe is aligned with the fitting end and welded to form a permanent connection.
For applicable factory-made wrought aluminum and aluminum-alloy welding fittings, ASTM B361 can be specified as the material and product standard. ASME B16.9 provides dimensional requirements for applicable factory-made wrought butt-welding fittings.
Threaded Aluminum Cross
A threaded aluminum cross uses compatible pipe threads to create four-way connections without welding.
Common thread specifications include:
NPT
BSPT
BSPP
Metric threads where specified
NPT, BSP and metric threads are different systems and are not interchangeable. The thread standard must be confirmed before production.
For applicable forged aluminum and aluminum-alloy threaded fittings, ASME B16.52 may apply. The actual fitting configuration should be confirmed because not every threaded four-way fitting necessarily falls under the same dimensional standard.
Aluminum Cross Dimensions
For butt-welding fittings, ASME B16.9-2024 covers factory-made wrought butt-welding fittings from NPS 1/2 through NPS 48 (DN15 through DN1200). For equal crosses, the center-to-end dimensions are the same as for equal tees of the corresponding NPS.
Common Equal Cross Reference Dimensions
|
NPS |
DN |
Outside Diameter (mm) |
Center-to-End C (mm) |
Center-to-End M (mm) |
|
1/2 |
15 |
21.3 |
25 |
25 |
|
3/4 |
20 |
26.7 |
29 |
29 |
|
1 |
25 |
33.4 |
38 |
38 |
|
1-1/4 |
32 |
42.2 |
48 |
48 |
|
1-1/2 |
40 |
48.3 |
57 |
57 |
|
2 |
50 |
60.3 |
64 |
64 |
|
2-1/2 |
65 |
73.0 |
76 |
76 |
|
3 |
80 |
88.9 |
86 |
86 |
|
3-1/2 |
90 |
101.6 |
95 |
95 |
|
4 |
100 |
114.3 |
105 |
105 |
|
5 |
125 |
141.3 |
124 |
124 |
|
6 |
150 |
168.3 |
143 |
143 |
|
8 |
200 |
219.1 |
178 |
178 |
|
10 |
250 |
273.0 |
216 |
216 |
|
12 |
300 |
323.8 |
254 |
254 |
Note: C = run center-to-end; M = outlet center-to-end. For equal crosses, C and M are the same value. These are standard dimensional references for the specified ASME B16.9 equal cross configuration. Dimensions are applicable to crosses NPS 24 and smaller. They should not be presented as GNEE's guaranteed stock dimensions unless they match the actual products supplied.
For reducing crosses, dimensions vary according to the run and branch combination and should be confirmed for the specific size combination.
Specifying Cross Sizes
Aluminum crosses can be specified using NPS, DN or actual outside diameter (OD).
Equal cross examples: 1" x 1" x 1" x 1", 2" x 2" x 2" x 2", 4" x 4" x 4" x 4"
Reducing cross examples: 4" x 4" x 2" x 2", 6" x 6" x 4" x 4"
For aluminum tubing systems, provide the actual OD and wall thickness if the connection does not use standardized NPS dimensions.
Technical Specifications of Aluminum Cross
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|
Product |
Aluminum Cross Fitting |
|
Types |
Equal / Reducing |
|
Connection |
Butt Weld / Threaded / Custom |
|
Number of Openings |
Four |
|
Size |
NPS / DN / OD according to design |
|
GNEE Standard Supply Range |
NPS 1/2–24 where applicable (confirm with GNEE) |
|
Larger Sizes |
Available for evaluation on request |
|
Wall Thickness |
According to applicable standard, pipe dimensions or customer drawing |
|
Alloys |
6061, 6063, 5083, 5086, 3003, 1060 and other suitable aluminum alloys |
|
Temper |
According to alloy, manufacturing process and material specification |
|
Butt-Weld Standard |
ASTM B361 / ASME B16.9 where applicable |
|
Threaded Standard |
ASME B16.52 where applicable to forged nonferrous fittings |
|
Thread |
NPT / BSP / Metric where applicable |
|
Surface |
Mill Finish / Anodized / Customer-Specified Finish |
|
Manufacturing |
Formed / Forged / Machined / Fabricated according to design |
|
Inspection |
Visual / Dimensional / Material Verification / Additional Testing on Request |
|
Packaging |
Carton / Wooden Case / Wooden Pallet according to size and shipping requirements |
Note: Size, wall thickness, alloy and connection availability depend on the actual cross design and applicable specification. They should be confirmed before production.
About Pipe Schedule
Where compatible with the applicable fitting and pipe dimensions, customers may specify pipe schedules such as SCH10, SCH40, or SCH80. However, pipe schedule should not be treated as a standalone pressure rating for an aluminum cross. The actual pressure capability depends on alloy, temper, wall thickness, geometry, fitting size, operating temperature, connection method, applicable design code, and service conditions.
Aluminum Alloy Selection
Different aluminum alloys provide different combinations of strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, formability, and machinability.
|
Alloy |
Main Characteristics |
Potential Applications |
|
6061 |
Good strength, machinability and weldability |
Industrial piping and equipment connections |
|
6063 |
Good extrusion characteristics and surface finish |
Lightweight tubing and selected piping applications |
|
5083 |
Good corrosion resistance and weldability |
Marine and offshore applications |
|
5086 |
Good corrosion resistance and weldability |
Marine and corrosion-resistant systems |
|
3003 |
Good formability and corrosion resistance |
Selected general-purpose and fabricated applications |
|
1060 |
High aluminum content and excellent corrosion resistance |
Low-strength applications where suitable |
Aluminum Cross Standards
|
Cross Type |
Applicable Standard |
|
Butt-Weld Equal Cross |
ASTM B361 / ASME B16.9, where applicable |
|
Butt-Weld Reducing Cross |
ASTM B361 / ASME B16.9, where applicable |
|
Threaded Cross |
ASME B16.52, where applicable |
The exact standard should always be confirmed against the actual product design, manufacturing method, and purchase specification.
ASTM B361
ASTM B361-16(2024) - Standard Specification for Factory-Made Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Fittings
This is the ASTM product specification for factory-made wrought aluminum and aluminum-alloy welding fittings. For an applicable wrought butt-weld aluminum cross, ASTM B361 can be specified as the material and product standard.
ASME B16.9
ASME B16.9-2024: Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings
ASME B16.9 covers overall dimensions, tolerances, ratings, testing, and marking for factory-made wrought butt-welding fittings in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 48 (DN15 through DN1200). For applicable butt-weld aluminum crosses, B16.9 is the key dimensional reference. Cross dimensions are applicable to NPS 24 and smaller.
ASME B16.52
ASME B16.52-2024: Forged Nonferrous Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
This standard covers forged fittings made from nonferrous materials, including aluminum and aluminum alloys, with socket-welding and threaded ends. For threaded aluminum crosses that fall within its scope, B16.52 may be used as the applicable standard. It should not be presented as the universal standard for every aluminum cross fitting.
Applications of Aluminum Cross
Manifold Systems
Aluminum crosses can be used in selected manifold and distribution systems where four-way branching is required.
Distribution Headers
Cross fittings can provide multiple branch connections from a common header.
Compressed-Air Systems
Aluminum crosses can be considered for lightweight compressed-air distribution systems when the alloy, fitting design, and operating pressure are suitable.
HVAC
Aluminum cross fittings may be used in compatible air, fluid, or tubing distribution systems.
Marine Piping
Aluminum alloys such as 5083 and 5086 can be considered for compatible marine piping applications. The final alloy, temper, wall thickness, and welding procedure should be selected according to the actual marine service.
Equipment Connections
Aluminum crosses can connect compatible piping around pumps, valves, manifolds, heat exchangers, and other equipment.
Aluminum Cross vs Aluminum Tee
|
Feature |
Aluminum Cross |
Aluminum Tee |
|
Openings |
Four |
Three |
|
Main Function |
Four-way connection |
Three-way branch |
|
Branch Connections |
Up to three branches from a central intersection |
One branch from main line |
|
Typical Use |
Multi-branch systems |
Standard branch piping |
|
Flow Arrangement |
Multiple flow paths |
Main line + one branch |
|
Complexity |
Higher |
Lower |
A cross should be selected only when the four-way configuration is appropriate for the piping design.
Inspection and Quality Control
GNEE can arrange inspection according to the agreed product specification and purchase order.
Material Inspection
Dimensional Inspection
Surface Inspection
Additional Testing (depending on purchase specification)
PMI
Dye penetrant testing
Pressure testing where applicable
Customer-specified inspection
Inspection requirements should be agreed before production.
Packaging
GNEE uses export packaging designed to protect aluminum cross fittings during handling, loading and international transportation.
Typical packaging includes:
Individual protective bags
Plastic film
Kraft paper
Cartons
Wooden cases
Wooden pallets
Strapping
Small crosses can be packed in cartons and secured on wooden pallets. Larger crosses can be protected with suitable packaging materials and secured on pallets or inside wooden cases. Packaging can be adjusted according to container loading requirements, fitting size, quantity, destination and customer packaging instructions.
FAQ
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