Stainless Steel Corrugated Hose Pipe

Stainless steel corrugated hose pipes (commonly called Flexible Metal Hoses) are high-performance conduits designed for environments where rubber or plastic would simply melt, crack, or burst. They consist of a thin-walled, "convoluted" (wavy) inner tube that provides a leak-tight seal and immense flexibility. The "waves" or ridges in the hose allow it to bend without kinking. There are two primary types of corrugation patterns: Annular (Standard): Each ridge is a complete, independent circle perpendicular to the hose axis. This is the most common design because it handles pressure without twisting (torsional stress). Helical (Spiral): The ridge is one continuous screw-like thread. These are slightly stiffer but offer better flow characteristics for certain high-velocity gases. A professional SS corrugated hose is almost always a three-part assembly: Corrugated Tube: The inner core made of SS 304, 316L, or 321. It holds the fluid/gas but has very little pressure resistance on its own. Wire Braid: A "straitjacket" of woven stainless steel wire over the tube. It prevents the hose from elongating (stretching) under pressure. Single Braid: Standard pressure. Double Braid: Used for extremely high-pressure applications. End Fittings: Connectors (Flanges, Camlocks, or NPT Threads) are welded to the hose. Unlike rubber hoses that use crimped clamps, these welds create a permanent, leak-proof bond. Feature SS Corrugated Hose Industrial Rubber Hose Temperature -270°C to +800°C -40°C to +150°C Permeation Zero (completely gas-tight) Gases can slowly "seep" through walls Life Cycle Unlimited (doesn't "age" or dry out) Limited (rubber becomes brittle/cracks) Fire Safety Inherently fire-proof Melts or burns in a fire Chemicals Resists almost all solvents/acids Selective resistance The "pitch" refers to how close together the corrugations are. Standard Pitch: Good balance of flexibility and cost. Close Pitch: The ridges are packed tightly together. This makes the hose extra flexible and better at absorbing high-frequency vibrations from pumps or compressors.