Types of Metal Hose

Metal hose comes in different constructions for different industrial requirements.

Some applications require flexibility and vibration absorption. Others need higher pressure capability, vacuum compatibility, abrasion resistance, high-temperature performance or strong mechanical protection.

As a China-based metal hose manufacturer, we manufacture and customize different metal hose types for industrial machinery, chemical processing, petrochemical systems, steam lines, vacuum equipment, semiconductor machinery, food processing and OEM applications.

Our main metal hose categories include:

• Corrugated Metal Hose
• Braided Metal Hose
• Flexible Metal Hose
• High Pressure Metal Hose
• Stainless Steel Metal Hose
• Stripwound Metal Hose
• Vacuum Metal Hose
• Metal Hose Assemblies

Each type uses a different construction or targets a different operating condition.

Understanding these differences helps buyers choose the correct hose instead of selecting a product only by diameter or appearance.

Corrugated Metal Hose

Corrugated metal hose uses thin-wall stainless steel tubing formed into a series of flexible corrugations.

The corrugated structure allows the hose to bend and accommodate controlled movement while maintaining a continuous metallic flow path.

Engineers commonly use corrugated metal hose for:

• Steam systems
• Chemical processing
• Pumps and compressors
• Industrial machinery
• HVAC equipment
• Process piping
• Vacuum systems
• OEM equipment

Corrugated metal hose can help absorb vibration, accommodate thermal movement and simplify piping connections in restricted installation spaces.

Customers can choose different stainless steel materials, diameters and lengths according to pressure, temperature and media requirements.

Braided Metal Hose

Braided metal hose combines a corrugated stainless steel inner hose with one or more layers of stainless steel wire braid.

The corrugated section provides flexibility, while the braid helps control pressure-induced elongation and improves mechanical stability.

Common configurations include:

• Single-braided metal hose
• Double-braided metal hose
• Custom reinforced hose

Engineers often use braided metal hose in:

• Pressure systems
• Steam lines
• Petrochemical equipment
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Industrial machinery
• Process systems

The required braid structure depends on working pressure, hose diameter, temperature and movement conditions.

Customers should not assume that double braid automatically suits every high-pressure application. Our team evaluates the complete operating conditions before recommending the final construction.

Flexible Metal Hose

Flexible metal hose describes metallic hose products that provide controlled flexibility between connected components.

Corrugated stainless steel hose represents one of the most common flexible metal hose constructions.

Engineers use flexible metal hose when rigid piping cannot easily accommodate:

• Equipment vibration
• Thermal expansion
• Installation misalignment
• Limited movement
• Restricted space

Typical applications include:

• CNC machines
• Automation equipment
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Heating systems
• Refrigeration equipment
• Process machinery

Flexible metal hose can reduce piping complexity and provide a durable metallic connection in demanding industrial environments.

High Pressure Metal Hose

High pressure metal hose typically uses braided corrugated hose to provide both flexibility and increased pressure support.

The stainless steel braid restrains the corrugated hose when internal pressure creates axial force.

Engineers commonly use high pressure metal hose in:

• Oil and gas systems
• Petrochemical equipment
• Steam lines
• Hydraulic machinery
• Process systems
• Power equipment
• Pumps and compressors

The actual working pressure depends on:

• Hose diameter
• Braid construction
• Stainless steel material
• Operating temperature
• End fittings
• Installation conditions

For high-pressure applications, customers should provide both normal and maximum operating pressure.

Stainless Steel Metal Hose

Stainless steel metal hose focuses on the material construction rather than one specific hose profile.

Common stainless steel grades may include:

• SS304
• SS316L
• SS321

SS304 suits many general industrial applications.

Customers often select SS316L when they require improved corrosion resistance in chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, semiconductor or marine-related environments.

SS321 may suit selected high-temperature applications.

Stainless steel metal hose provides several important advantages:

• Corrosion resistance
• Temperature resistance
• Mechanical durability
• Flexible installation
• Compatibility with many industrial media

Material selection should always consider the exact media, temperature and operating environment.

Stripwound Metal Hose

Stripwound metal hose uses a helically wound metal strip with mechanically interlocked edges.

Unlike corrugated metal hose, stripwound hose usually focuses more on mechanical flexibility, abrasion resistance, exhaust handling and external protection than pressure fluid transfer.

Common stripwound constructions may include:

• Interlocked metal hose
• Packed interlocked hose
• Squarelock hose
• Smooth-bore stripwound hose

Engineers often use stripwound hose for:

• Exhaust systems
• Dry bulk conveying
• Cable protection
• Machinery protection
• Suction applications
• Industrial equipment

Its interlocked metallic structure provides strong resistance to crushing, abrasion and external mechanical damage.

Vacuum Metal Hose

Vacuum metal hose provides a flexible metallic connection between vacuum pumps, chambers, valves and process equipment.

Corrugated stainless steel hose commonly serves vacuum applications because its construction provides flexibility while maintaining a continuous metallic pathway.

Engineers use vacuum metal hose in:

• Semiconductor equipment
• Laboratory systems
• Vacuum pumps
• Process chambers
• Pharmaceutical equipment
• Industrial vacuum systems
• Research equipment

Important selection factors include:

• Required vacuum level
• Leakage requirements
• Hose diameter
• Operating temperature
• Movement
• Connection standard

Customers should specify any project-specific leak-testing or cleanliness requirements before production.

Metal Hose Assemblies

A metal hose assembly combines a flexible metal hose with suitable end connections.

A complete assembly may include:

• Corrugated stainless steel hose
• Stainless steel braid
• Threaded fittings
• Flanges
• Weld ends
• Tube ends
• Pipe nipples
• Custom machined fittings

Metal hose assemblies allow customers to receive a ready-to-install component instead of sourcing the hose and fittings separately.

We can manufacture assemblies according to drawings, samples and equipment dimensions.

This approach works especially well for:

• OEM machinery
• Replacement projects
• Process skids
• Pumps and compressors
• Chemical equipment
• Steam systems
• Custom industrial equipment

Metal Hose Types by Application

Different industries often prefer different hose constructions.

Chemical Processing

Customers commonly choose corrugated or braided stainless steel hose for chemical transfer, pump connections and process equipment.

SS316L often receives consideration when the application requires stronger corrosion resistance.

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas systems often use braided and high-pressure metal hose around pumps, compressors, process skids and transfer equipment.

Petrochemical

Petrochemical plants use flexible metal hose in process piping, thermal systems, pumps, compressors and utility equipment.

Food & Pharmaceutical

Food and pharmaceutical equipment may use stainless steel hose around steam, cleaning, vacuum and process utility systems.

Customers should specify any hygienic, surface or documentation requirements.

Semiconductor

Semiconductor equipment often uses vacuum metal hose and stainless steel flexible hose around vacuum pumps, process chambers and gas delivery modules.

Industrial Machinery

Machine builders commonly use flexible metal hose for vibration absorption, compact installation and custom equipment connections.

Exhaust & Bulk Handling

Stripwound metal hose often suits exhaust systems, dry bulk conveying and mechanical protection applications.

How to Choose the Right Type of Metal Hose

Choosing the correct metal hose requires more than selecting a hose diameter.

We recommend considering the following operating conditions.

Media

Specify steam, water, oil, gas, chemical, vacuum, exhaust gas or dry material.

Working Pressure

Provide both normal and maximum pressure.

Operating Temperature

Specify normal and maximum temperatures.

Movement

Tell us whether the hose experiences vibration, bending, lateral movement, thermal movement or repeated flexing.

Corrosion Conditions

Provide the exact media and surrounding environment when corrosion resistance matters.

Hose Diameter

Specify the required nominal or internal diameter.

Assembly Length

Provide the required overall length and flexible length.

End Connections

Specify threads, flanges, weld ends, tube ends or custom fittings.

Special Requirements

Tell us about:

• Vacuum level
• Leakage requirements
• Cleanliness requirements
• Abrasion conditions
• Documentation
• Testing requirements

These details help our team determine which metal hose type best matches the application.

Custom Metal Hose Manufacturing

We manufacture different metal hose types according to customer drawings, samples and technical specifications.

Customers can customize:

• Stainless steel material
• Hose diameter
• Corrugated construction
• Braid configuration
• Stripwound profile
• Overall length
• Flexible length
• Pressure requirement
• End fittings
• Custom machined connections

This flexibility helps OEM manufacturers, maintenance teams and industrial buyers source hose assemblies that match their equipment instead of modifying standard products on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of metal hose?

The main categories include corrugated metal hose, braided metal hose, flexible metal hose, high-pressure metal hose, stripwound metal hose, vacuum metal hose and complete metal hose assemblies.

What is the difference between corrugated and stripwound metal hose?

Corrugated hose uses formed thin-wall tubing and commonly serves fluid, pressure, vacuum and vibration applications. Stripwound hose uses interlocked metal strip and commonly serves exhaust, conveying and mechanical protection applications.

What is the difference between braided and unbraided hose?

Braided hose adds stainless steel wire braid around the corrugated hose to provide additional pressure support and mechanical stability.

Which metal hose works best for high pressure?

Braided corrugated metal hose commonly serves higher-pressure applications, but the correct construction depends on pressure, temperature, diameter and fittings.

Can you manufacture custom metal hose types?

Yes. We can manufacture metal hose assemblies according to drawings, samples, operating conditions and equipment interfaces.

Find the Right Metal Hose for Your Application

If you need corrugated, braided, flexible, high-pressure, vacuum, stripwound or custom metal hose assemblies, send us your project requirements.

Please provide:

• Metal hose application
• Media
• Hose diameter
• Overall length
• Working pressure
• Operating temperature
• Movement conditions
• Material requirement
• End connections
• Quantity
• Drawing or sample

Our team will review your operating conditions and help you select the right type of metal hose for your industrial application.