Custom Stainless Steel Fittings, Made to Your Drawing in Japan Since 1986
We machine NPT, R/Rc (BSPT; formerly PT), and G (BSPP; formerly PF) threads, including left-hand threads and non-standard sizes. Orders start at one piece.
About Izutsu
Companies We Have Supplied
International Case Studies: Thread & Sourcing Solutions
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Titanium Fittings for High-Purity Gas Piping (Taiwan)
A semiconductor manufacturer in Taiwan needed titanium fittings for high-purity gas piping. While developing a new product, they could not find an off-the-shelf fitting anywhere that would connect the piping and found us through our website. After working through the requirements together, we custom-built the fittings they needed, solving the connection problem. We also work with difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, Alloy C-276, and Alloy 22, and can manufacture custom parts to specifications that off-the-shelf products cannot meet, with orders starting at one piece.
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Connecting Japanese Equipment to NPT Piping (United States)
A Japanese motor delivered to a plant in the United States had a terminal box with JIS G (BSPP; formerly PF) female threads. The local rigid conduit and flexible conduit had NPT (ASME B1.20.1) male threads, so they could not be connected directly to the terminal box. Izutsu designed and manufactured a one-piece adapter with a G male thread on one end and an NPT female thread on the other. The adapter was made in nominal sizes from 1-1/4 in. to 2-1/2 in., with a shortened overall length to fit the limited installation space. We manufacture a wide range of custom thread adapters, including G-to-NPT, R/Rc (BSPT; formerly PT)-to-NPT, metric-to-NPT, and UNF-to-metric configurations, with orders starting at one piece.
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Sourcing a Japanese Vacuum Sealer (South Korea)
A manufacturer in South Korea found our webpage on vacuum degassing and packaging and asked whether they could buy the same sealer we use in-house. We sourced a 220 V unit and delivered it to them. In addition to our own fittings, we source Japanese industrial machinery and tools on request. Tell us what you are looking for.
Our Products: Fittings, Adapters, Plugs & More
Thread Standards:
NPT, R/Rc (BSPT), G (BSPP), and Left-Hand Threads
PT and PF are legacy JIS designations still commonly found on Japanese drawings. In current JIS notation, tapered pipe threads are designated R (male) or Rc (female), while parallel pipe threads are designated G. BSPT and BSPP are commonly used English-language terms for these thread types.
- R (male) / Rc (female): tapered pipe threads, formerly PT, commonly referred to as BSPT
- G: parallel pipe threads, formerly PF, commonly referred to as BSPP
BSPT and NPT are not interchangeable. Both are tapered threads and may engage for a few turns, but their thread forms differ: BSPT (ISO 7-1) has a 55° thread angle, while NPT (ASME B1.20.1) has a 60° thread angle. A forced joint cannot be relied on to seal. Izutsu also manufactures left-hand R/Rc threads (BSPT; formerly PT), non-standard pitches, and inch-to-metric and metric-to-inch adapters. We can also manufacture threads not listed in standard tables. Simply send us your existing drawing.
Why Choose Izutsu
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Proven Experience and Practical Solutions Since 1986
Since 1986, Izutsu has supplied products to more than 1,000 companies. Our knowledge of production equipment lets us propose practical options that fit your requirements, budget, and schedule. We accept orders from a single piece and rush orders.
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Custom Fittings for Non-Standard Threads and Difficult-to-Machine Materials
Izutsu stocks more than 160 configurations of 304 stainless steel hex hose barb adapters, covering thread sizes from R 1/8 to R 5 and barb O.D.s from 4 to 127 mm. Customers value our quality, selection, and pricing. We machine NPT, G (BSPP), left-hand R/Rc (BSPT; formerly PT), and other non-standard threads, and work with difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, Alloy C-276, and Alloy 22. We also manufacture custom parts that other manufacturers may find difficult to produce.
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No Drawing? We Work from Your Sketch or Sample
No drawing? Send us a hand sketch or a sample part. We take measurements, prepare a drawing quickly, and you approve it before production, so you receive the part you specified with a short lead time.
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Uncompromising Quality & Finish
Our precision cleaning system removes water-soluble and oil-based contaminants as well as buffing residue from machined parts. We clean every product before packing because we do not compromise on quality or finish.
From Inquiry to Delivery
No drawing? We can prepare one for you and recommend the best approach for your application. Just get in touch.
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Inquiry
Use our contact form to tell us what you need and any specific requirements.
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Requirements Review & Recommendations
We go through your requirements in detail. If we cannot meet your target lead time or budget, we will propose changes to the shape or material to help meet your targets.
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Drawing Preparation
No drawing? We can measure a physical sample and prepare a drawing in-house. Nothing goes into production until you approve it, so you can be confident the finished part matches the approved drawing.
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Quotation
We send you a quotation for review. Once you approve it, we begin production planning.
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Manufacturing
We manufacture to the approved drawing. We accept orders from a single piece and handle rush orders.
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Inspection, Cleaning & Packaging
After inspection, we clean every part in our precision cleaning system and pack each one individually.
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Delivery
We ship your finished parts. Please check them against the approved drawing upon arrival and before installation.
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After-Sales Support
Certificates and inspection reports are available on request. Examples include mill test certificates, RoHS and REACH compliance certificates, and PMI certificates. In the unlikely event of an issue, contact us and we will respond promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Zerk Fitting, Grease Nipple, or Grease Fitting: What’s the Difference?
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All three terms refer to the same type of component. “Zerk fitting” is a common U.S. term, named after Oscar Zerk, who helped improve and popularize the design. “Grease nipple” is a standard term in the U.K., Australia, and much of Asia, while “grease fitting” is a neutral term commonly used in technical documentation. These fittings use a ball check valve that lets grease be injected into a bearing and prevents backflow. They are available with NPT, R (BSPT male; formerly PT), and metric threads, in straight, 45°, and 90° configurations.
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Hose Barb or Hose Nipple: Which Term Is Correct?
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Both terms are correct: they are regional names for the same part. “Hose barb” and “barbed fitting” are the standard terms in North America; “hose nipple” is the more common term in Europe and Asia. The fitting has a barbed shank that inserts into a flexible hose and is secured with a clamp, plus a threaded end for connection to a pipe or port. The hex body allows the fitting to be tightened with a wrench. Izutsu manufactures these fittings in 304 and 316 stainless steel, titanium, Alloy C-276, and Alloy 22, with NPT, R (BSPT male), and G (BSPP) threads.
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Which Pipe Plug Do I Need?
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Match the plug to the thread in the port, not to the pipe. If the port has an NPT thread, use an NPT plug. If it has an Rc (BSPT) thread, use an R (BSPT) plug. On Japanese drawings, BSPT-type threads are often identified by the legacy JIS designation PT; the two are essentially the same thread. NPT and BSPT threads are not interchangeable, because their thread angles differ. Next, choose the head style. A flush hex socket pipe plug sits flush with or below the surface, which suits limited clearance or places where a protruding plug could interfere; it is driven with a hex key. A raised hex socket pipe plug projects above the surface and is turned with a hex key. A square head pipe plug is turned with a wrench and is the traditional choice where high removal torque is needed.
Latest Updates
Catalog Downloads
Browse our general catalog for an overview of our products and capabilities. If you do not see the fitting or specification you need, contact us about a custom solution.
Inquiries about our products and services
Send us your drawing, sketch, or sample, or simply describe what you need, and we will get back to you with a quote.