A press fitting only remains leak-tight in the long term if the pressing jaw matches the fitting's profile. Letters such as TH, H, U, V or M on jaws and in data sheets identify this. This guide explains the abbreviations, which profile our composite pipe press fittings require and why we do not approve V and M.
What a press profile is
During pressing, the pressing tool's jaw closes around the fitting's press sleeve and deforms it evenly around the pipe. The shape of the jaw is called its profile. It must match the press sleeve; otherwise the connection will be too loose or the sleeve will deform unevenly. Each profile also comes in specific pipe sizes: a jaw for 16 × 2 mm does not press a 20 × 2 mm pipe.
The manufacturer of a fitting specifies which profile it needs. The letters alone do not mean that parts from different manufacturers are compatible.
TH, H and U for composite pipe
For our aluminium composite pipe press fittings, the manufacturer specifies the TH, H or U press profile. This is stated, for example, for the 90° press bend and the press tee. Both are available in pipe sizes 16 × 2, 20 × 2, 26 × 3, 32 × 3 and 40 × 3.5 mm, each given as outside diameter × wall thickness.
TH, H and U are different jaw shapes. According to the manufacturer, all three are permitted for our fittings. If you already have a pressing tool with TH, H or U jaws in the correct size, the fitting manufacturer's specification allows their use with our fittings. The profile of your jaw is stated on the jaw itself or in the tool's documentation.
The fittings have a brass body, a stainless steel press sleeve and a plastic guide ring. A window in the guide ring shows whether the pipe has been inserted far enough. According to the manufacturer, an incorrectly made press connection immediately becomes apparent through leakage.
V and M: keep them separate, do not mix
You will mainly encounter V and M profiles on press fittings for metal pipes. We do not stock such fittings. For our composite pipe fittings, the manufacturer only specifies TH, H and U. We have no approval for V or M jaws.
We therefore advise against pressing our fittings with a V or M jaw. Even if the jaw fits mechanically, there is no evidence that the press connection will remain leak-tight and last. If you only have a V or M tool, ask us before buying; we clarify this with the quotation.
The TH-profile pressing jaw
To match our fittings, we offer the TH-profile pressing jaw in sizes 16 × 2, 20 × 2, 26 × 3, 32 × 3 and 40 × 3.5 mm. According to the manufacturer, it has a compact design and clearly visible size markings. We confirm with the quotation which pressing tool the jaw fits. The guide Which pressing tool for aluminium composite pipe explains which tool is suitable for aluminium composite pipe.
Before pressing: cut and calibrate
A clean press connection starts with the pipe end. Cut the pipe square, for example using the semi-automatic pipe cutter for multilayer composite pipe from 10 to 42 mm outside diameter. The manufacturer recommends calibrating and deburring afterwards.
The calibrator restores the round shape of the pipe end. One version covers 16 × 2, 20 × 2, 26 × 3 and 32 × 3 mm in a single tool, and a second covers 40 × 3.5 mm. Then insert the pipe fully to the stop, check it through the guide ring's window and press.
Frequently asked questions
Can I press composite pipe fittings with a V jaw?
For our press fittings, the manufacturer only specifies TH, H and U. We have no approval for V jaws, so we advise against it. The same applies to M jaws.
Which profile do your press fittings use?
According to the manufacturer, TH, H or U. You can therefore press with any of these three jaw shapes in the correct size.
Which pipe sizes are available?
Our press fittings and the TH-profile pressing jaw are available for aluminium composite pipe in 16 × 2, 20 × 2, 26 × 3, 32 × 3 and 40 × 3.5 mm.
What is the difference between TH and U profiles?
They are two different jaw shapes; which one is required depends on the fitting manufacturer. According to the manufacturer, both are permitted for our fittings, as is H. It is essential that the jaw and pipe size match.
Enquire about fittings and tools
You can find all the fittings under Press fittings, and jaws, cutters and calibrators under Tools. The guide Press fitting or compression ring shows which is better suited to your project. Tell us your pipe size and existing tool in your enquiry, and we will check compatibility and confirm availability and collection in Hagen with the quotation.