The flange, like other items in industry, are designed for various different purposes. There are timing pulley flanges, industrial flanges, hydraulic flanges as well as plate flanges--all designed for a specific purpose.

When your company wishes to buy a flange, one thing is simple: the flange distributors, flange manufacturers and flange suppliers are often one and the same. Browse through the information about flanges, which should help your company in making the most of flanges and their uses.

1. Use plate flanges in railing systems and more.

2. Put hydraulic flanges to work in the petrochemical and water works industry.

3. Rely on timing belt pulleys to maintain the contact between the belt and the pulley.

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Use plate flanges for a variety of tasks

Plate flanges work well in railing systems as well as with ring assemblies, motor mounts, ring assemblies and more. The plate flanges are made of steel, stainless steel, forged steel, aluminum and even plastic. These flanges can be custom designed to meet your company's needs.

I recommend: Brandywine Machine Company is a flange distributor and flange manufacturer, and Secondaries is another.

Try hydraulic flanges, the massive giants of the flange world

These industrial flanges can be quite large. They are widely used in the water works industry, as well as in processing and petrochemical industries. These massive flanges can be made of carbon, alloy, chrome steel, stainless steel and ductile iron. The different designs of hydraulic flanges are slip on, blind, weld neck, socket weld, threaded, and more.

I recommend: CAB and Texas Flange are two of the many hydraulic flange manufacturers.

Enjoy high performance with timing belt pulley flanges

Timing belt pulley flanges have a difficult job: helping to make sure the belt remains contact with the pulley so everything connected to the pulley works well. If the flange fails, the belt slips off the pulley. These flanges are made of steel and aluminum.

I recommend: Two manufacturers of the timing belt flanges are B & B Manufacturing and Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you do not find a flange that suits the needs of your company, contact the manufacturer. The company will work with you to design custom flanges that work for you. This can include details such as custom sizes, holes tapped or drilled, a surface machined to be flat or a gasket surface and more.

Flanges are an integral part of almost any liquid or gas system, whether it's plumbing and waterworks, chemical and pharmaceutical systems or various construction applications. If your business is in one of these or a similar industry, gain the knowledge you need to implement flanges in your projects and ensure a complete and reliable system every time.

Many different types of flanges and flange distributors exist. The product you need depends on your system, so use this guide to determine which flange suppliers will provide the right parts for your business. Get information on flanges to:

1. Locate flange manufacturers for plumbing and piping systems

2. Know which flange supplier can cover your construction needs

3. Get the products necessary for your chemical and pharmaceutical systems

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Buy flanges for plumbing and other water delivery systems

Every pipe, gasket, seal and flange is essential in a properly operating water system. The wrong part can lead to a malfunction or a complete breakdown of the entire process. If your business is in plumbing or waterworks, get the custom flanges that fit your system and ensure everything is running smoothly.

I recommend: Lynco and Stainless & Alloy are flange distributors that carry various types and sizes for all sorts of plumbing and piping needs. You also can get a price quote from Texas Flange.

Get the industrial flanges you need for your construction projects

Construction projects entail dozens of separate elements, and the delivery of water and other liquids is often involved in several. Whether you need a water supply for cooling or a means of delivering liquid concrete to the proper site, or whether the project is the construction of a delivery system such as a plant, you'll need the right parts. Flanges will certainly be among the parts you'll need.

I recommend: Flange suppliers such as Secondaries and Anchor Flange have special ordering forms that allow you to specify sizes and measurements; get custom products.

Locate a flange distributor that can supply your chemical and pharmaceutical systems

Chemical systems have an especially strong need for proper fittings and connectors. Because these systems are often pressurized or involve toxic or dangerous substances, the need for solid seals is utmost. The right flanges are an essential part that must do the job required and fit into the system to form a flawless operation.http://members.work.com/nlr/CreateGuide.do

I recommend: Buy flange products you need for your chemical systems and processes from flange manufacturers like Marzolf or Buffalo Flange Inc.; Buffalo has a form where you can enter your exact specifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most systems require flanges of more than one type or size. Determine all the products necessary for your project. Getting as many of your supplies as is possible in one place will save you time and increase efficiency.

Flanges, whether they be hydraulic flanges, timing pulley flanges or industrial flange types, are important parts used in plumbing, manufacturing and other industries. Flange education and training programs are essential for the proper use of flanges in all areas of industry.

Information about flanges supplied by flange manufacturers and flange distributors is a great source of flange education. While flange suppliers offer basic information, local and national sources exist to aid in your education and training. To gain knowledge on flange types and applications, you should:

1. Attend seminars and conferences for up-to-date flange education and training practices.

2. Become an apprentice in an industry that uses flanges for vital hands-on learning.

3. Take the proper courses to enhance your education on flanges and consider flange certification to promote your expertise in flange use to your customers.

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Attend conferences and seminars that focus on flange trends and training

As technology changes, flanges change in style and function in a wide spectrum of industries. Learn techniques for the proper use of industrial flanges, hydraulic flanges and timing pulley flanges, and network with other professionals in your industry to exchange information about flanges.

I recommend: API University, located in Houston, Texas, offers a workshop on flange design and ASME code. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers seminars throughout the year that focus on flanges used in a variety of industrial settings.

Find an apprenticeship in an industry that uses flanges

For a solid grasp of flanges, education and training in the field are essential. Apply for an apprenticeship in an industry that uses flanges to increase your areas of flange expertise.

I recommend: Apply for a pipe fitter apprenticeship with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Take advantage of hands-on experience and learn techniques to properly install flanges on pipes. United Association offers a national apprenticeship program for qualified perspective pipe fitters. Work with a Journeyman to learn about flange use, safety and maintenance.

Take courses to further your education and training on flanges

Find local or national flange-based courses that fit the unique needs of your business. Become certified to show customers and potential clients your areas of flange expertise.

I recommend: Business Industrial Network offers training courses on compact disc. Order the title "Gaskets and Bolted Flange Connections" to learn about flange safety and maintenance. New Standard Institute offers courses on flanges available for access by download, on the web or on compact disc. Information on flange types and flange maintenance is covered.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Understand the types of flanges available to ensure you buy flanges that are appropriate for your unique business needs.
• •  Don't hesitate to showcase your flange certification in your business and advertise your expertise to attract new clients. This certification will bring a certain amount of prestige to your business and is something of which you should be very proud.

If you own a company that deals with plumbing or waterworks, or even a chemical plant, chances are you have come in contact with flanges. Flanges are parts that are added to pipes of different types to connect them. And if you work with flanges, you know there are many different kinds and each type is designed to work with a different type of system. If you feel a little rusty on your flange knowledge, or you are preparing to mentor a new employee, take a few minutes to freshen up your knowledge of flanges by reviewing some key terms.

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ASME

ASME stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. When it comes to flanges, there are certain standards that must be adhered to in order to ensure the flanges are the proper ones.

I recommend: For an example of ASME requirements for flanges, in this case bronze flanges, visit The Engineering Tool Box.

Hydraulic flange

Hydraulic flanges are used when dealing with water, such as in a water plant. They tend to run very large, and since they are made to be used with liquids under pressure, they are built out of strong materials such as carbon, alloy, stainless steel or iron.

I recommend: At CAB Incorporated, you can see pictures of very large hydraulic flanges.

Plate flange

Plate flanges are meant to be used in railing systems. They also are seen in ring assemblies and motor mounts. Plate flanges can be made of steel, stainless steel, forged steel, aluminum and sometimes even plastic.

I recommend: If you visit Brandywine Machine Company, you can see pictures of the different types of plate flanges.

Timing belt pulley flanges

Timing belt pulley flanges have the primary job of keeping the belt in direct contact with a timing pulley in a power transmission. Timing belt pulley flanges can be made from aluminum, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, hardened steel and stainless steel.

I recommend: Head on over to B&B Manufacturing to see an example of a timing belt pulley flange.

Closet flange

The closet flange, or toilet flange, is the part that connects the toilet to the floor of a structure.

I recommend: Visit PlumbingSupply.com to see visual images of different types of closet flanges.

Pressure rating

The pressure rating of flanges is the highest amount of pressure that the flange is designed to operate under. Now, the stronger the metal the flange is made out of, the higher the pressure rating will be.

I recommend: At Ogden Manufacturing, you can read about the pressure ratings for steel and stainless steel flanges.