ASTM F1387-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM F1387-23: Standard Specification for Performance of Piping and Tubing Mechanically Attached Fittings (MAFs) establishes the minimum performance requirements for mechanically attached fittings used in piping and tubing systems. These fittings, commonly referred to as MAFs, are designed to attach directly to the pipe or tube through mechanical deformation-either of the fitting, the pipe/tube, or both-effectively creating a sealed and restrained joint. The standard covers various fitting design types and material grades, ensuring reliable performance for a wide range of industrial and marine applications.

Organizations seeking to achieve robust, leak-free piping systems, especially in safety-critical or high-pressure environments, rely on compliance with ASTM F1387-23 for product qualification, procurement, and specification.

Key Topics

• MAF Classification: ASTM F1387-23 outlines six main MAF types:

  • Type I: Radially Swaged (Permanent)
  • Type II: Flared (Separable)
  • Type III: Flareless/Bite-Type (Separable)
  • Type IV: Grip-Type (Separable)
  • Type V: Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) (Permanent)
  • Type VI: Axially Swaged (Permanent)

• Material Grades: MAFs are manufactured from a variety of materials, including:

  • Carbon steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Nickel-copper
  • Copper-nickel
  • Brass
  • Nickel titanium

• Pressure Classes: The standard groups fittings into ten pressure classes, ranging from 1.38 MPa (200 psi) to 41.37 MPa (6000 psi).

• Testing and Qualification: To ensure compliance and safety, ASTM F1387-23 specifies rigorous qualification tests:

  • Pneumatic and hydrostatic proof tests
  • Impulse, flexure fatigue, and tensile strength tests
  • Hydrostatic burst, repeat assembly, rotary flexure, and mercurous nitrate tests
  • Optional fire performance testing

• Supplementary Requirements: Additional testing and inspection requirements can be invoked by the purchaser, especially for contracts (e.g., U.S. Navy contracts) or critical installations.

• Safety and Units: The document emphasizes user responsibility for health, safety, and environmental practices during testing, with values specified in SI units as standard.

Applications

ASTM F1387-23 provides critical value for:

• Industrial Piping Systems: Used in oil & gas, petrochemical, water treatment, and power generation where secure joint integrity is essential.
• Marine and Naval Systems: Approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense; invoked in Navy contracts for ship piping and tubing.
• HVAC and Utility Networks: Suitable for installations demanding quick assembly, high reliability, and repeatable performance-with types suited for permanent or removable joints.
• Maintenance and Retrofit Projects: Facilitates the selection and qualification of fittings during upgrades or repair of legacy systems where mechanical attachment reduces downtime.

Choosing MAFs compliant with ASTM F1387-23 helps facilities ensure system safety, reduce leakage risks, streamline maintenance, and comply with national and international procurement standards.

Related Standards

Organizations referencing ASTM F1387-23 should also be aware of related standards and specifications, including:

• ASTM A53/A53M – Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
• ASTM A312/A312M – Specification for Seamless, Welded, and Heavily Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes
• ASME B36.10M – Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe dimensions
• SAE J514 – Hydraulic Tube Fittings
• MIL-DTL-18866 – Fittings, Hydraulic Tube, Flared and Flareless Steel: Military requirements
• ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 – Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes

Incorporating ASTM F1387-23 alongside key referenced documents ensures comprehensive compliance and optimal system performance for piping and tubing mechanically attached fittings.