The AN thread might not be something you encounter every day, but if you're working in certain industries—especially those involving high-performance systems—it's definitely worth knowing about. Imagine being woken up at 3 a.m. and asked to name different types of threads off the top of your head. You might rattle off some common ones like BSP or NPT, but the AN thread? Probably not. Unless you're in motorsports or aerospace, that is.
So where does the AN thread come from? It’s an American standard, originally developed by the Army Air Corps and Navy during World War II. The term “AN†stands for “Army-Navy,†and it was designed for use in military and aerospace applications. Over time, its use has expanded beyond just these sectors, making it a go-to choice in many industrial settings.
One of the key features of the AN thread is that it’s used for flared fittings—connections that join flexible hoses to rigid pipes. These fittings are commonly found in high-pressure environments where durability and reliability are essential. The unique aspect of the AN thread is the 37-degree cone angle, which helps create a secure seal when tightened.
AN threads are identified using a "dash" system. Instead of just numbers, they’re labeled with a dash followed by a number, such as -2, -6, or -24. This number corresponds to the outer diameter of the fitting, calculated by multiplying the diameter in inches by 16. For example, a 5/8-inch outer diameter becomes a -10 AN thread. While this system may seem complex, it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand how it works.
It’s also important to note that the size designation refers to the outside diameter, not the inside. This can sometimes cause confusion because the inner diameter can vary depending on the material and application. That’s why there’s a separate system for specifying the actual thread size, often denoted by appending a number to the “AN†abbreviation.
You’ll find AN threads most commonly in the aerospace industry and in automotive applications, especially in motorsports. They’re ideal for creating strong, leak-proof connections in fluid systems. In the U.S., they’re more widely used than in Europe, though they’re becoming more familiar in Germany through the automotive sector.
While the AN thread isn’t the only option available, there are similar standards like SAE and JIC flare fittings. However, even though they might look similar, they aren't always interchangeable. For instance, SAE fittings have a 45-degree angle, while AN and JIC both use 37 degrees. Mixing them can lead to leaks or failure, especially in critical systems like aircraft.
If you're looking for tools or components that work with AN threads, you'll find a wide range available online. Whether you need adapters, nuts, or fittings, there’s something for every application. And if you have any questions, our customer service team is always happy to help. So next time you see an AN thread, you’ll know exactly what it is—and why it matters.
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