In order for any supplier to quickly and accurately determine and meet your needs, it is important to have the following information available:

For Hose:

S or Size - What are the physical dimensions that you require. Generally, the inside diameter (or ID) is essential as this determines the volume of material that can be transported through the hose. If the outside diameter (or OD) is critical for space restrictions, this should also be specified.

T or Temperature - What is the maximum and minimum possible temperatures of the material going through the hose? Is the hose being used in hot or cold atmospheres? (Example-plastic suction or transfer hoses are often preferred due to price and ease in handling because it is much lighter than its rubber counterpart. However, in cold weather, plastic will stiffen to the point of being impossible to use while rubber retains its flexibility in a wider temperature range.)

A or Application - Is the hose being used in an environment where it may be subject to outside forces? Is this a construction site where heavy equipment could roll over it? Is it going to be dragged over rough surfaces? Are there other factors like smoke and flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, etc?

M or Material - You need to identify the material being moved through the hose. This material is in contact with the inner tube of the hose and the fittings. Are they chemically reactive or compatible? We can help you determine this.

P or Pressure - What is the normal working pressure at which this hose is operating? Does the pressure ever “spike”? Can you afford the material rupturing the hose and spilling?

Extras:

E or Ends - When specifying a hose, it is important to determine what ends will be attached. Do you need adapters? Quick Disconnects? Static conductive? While many hose ends can be attached by the end user using the proper equipment, would you prefer or need trained and certified technicians attaching the hose ends?

D or Delivery - Due to the myriad of hose products and ends that can be configured, it is always helpful to know when you will need your hose assembly.

The greater the amount of “S.T.A.M.P.E.D.” questions that can be answered, the quicker we can determine the right hose for the job. This is true for us and any hose supplier.

One final note on ordering hose, if you are ordering a premium hose, be sure that you are getting one. Ask to see the hose manufacturer’s catalog. Be sure that the hose is “branded” with the premium brand label. Most applications do not require a premium brand. Beware of the supplier who charges you for the premium brand while selling you the “economy” brand because he knows it will work just as well.

For Gaskets, Sealing Products

S or Size - What are the physical dimensions that you require? Can you supply an engineer’s drawing? While inside and outside diameters, spacing of cut outs, rounding or beveling of edges, etc., is absolutely critical for a gasket to seal properly, the material thickness is a key factor in cost reduction. If the drawing specifies a non-standard thickness, could a softer and thicker material be used to keep the seal and use a less expensive, available standard product?

T or Temperature - Just like hose, what are the minimum and maximum temperatures of the environment and the material being sealed in or out? Gasketing can be especially sensitive to the temperature if it is to perform properly.

A or Application - How is the gasket being used? Is it simply to hold a product in place while shipping? Is it to filter out fine particulates? Is it keeping liquids or gases contained? Then, the supplier will need to know if there is vibration, abrasion or any of a number of critical factors.

M or Material - The material being used to create the gasket or seal will need to be compatible (or chemically resistant) to the material it is sealing. If you can tell us what the gasket is sealing, we can advise the best material to use in the application.

P or Pressure - What is the normal working pressure at which this gasket must perform? Is there a range of pressures it operates in?

E or Extra Features - If the gasket or seal needs to adhere to a surface, what is it adhering to? Should the adhesive be applied to the gasket? Is it part of a sub-assembly? Is this a flat gasket? Does it have contours?

D or Delivery - As with hose assemblies, we will want to supply your gasket or seal to work the first time, every time. Combining the right materials with the most effective means of production can impact how quickly we can produce your parts. The greater the information any supplier has up front, the quicker he can respond. We want to meet all of your needs.