How Are Flanges Manufactured
Flanges are manufactured using three main techniques: casting, cutting from rolled plate material, or forging. No matter the technique, the basic flange production includes processing raw materials, then forming them to the appropriate specifications. Flanges are finished to meet the applicable standards for fit and seal, then flanges are packaged and shipped to the customer. […]
Beyond Flanges: Other Pipe Fittings & How They Are Used
When it comes to piping system needs, there’s more to consider than flanges alone. Other articles in our Resource Center cover flanges, but this article covers the other fittings used in a piping system. Pipe fittings and connectors are integral pieces of a complete system. Each pipe fitting or accessory must meet specific requirements for […]
Common Uses and Features of Blind Pipe Flanges
Blinds are flanges without a center bore (hole or opening) and are available in both Raised Face (RF) and Flat Face (FF) styles. While most flange types create a connection point that allows the flow of liquid, gas, or air, blind flanges are used to seal the end of a piping system and prevent flow. Blind flanges […]
How to Order Pipe Flanges
When ordering pipe flanges and parts, it’s best to be as specific as you can. Include details such as: These details are key to ordering the correct pipe flanges. If you’re replacing an existing flange, refer to the specifications stamped on the existing flange. Otherwise, you will need to provide some or all of the following details […]
How to Choose Pipe Flange Materials

When purchasing flanges, you must consider the flange material in addition to physical measurements and bolt hole alignment. The chemical composition and physical properties are important in determining whether a material will be appropriate for a given application. You can look to a combination of standards to guide your decision. What are the different types of […]
What are MTRs and How Do I Read Them?
A Mill Certification Report is a certified record of the physical and chemical properties of raw materials and is used in the metal industry—more specifically, for steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials. This quality assurance document certifies that the metal has been produced to meet the minimum requirements set by manufacturing standards, such as ANSI, […]
Guide to Flanges

In this introduction to flanges, we’ll cover the different types of flange attachment methods, which flanges to choose for a variety of applications, and an overview of pressure and temperature ratings and how they apply to different types of piping systems. What Are Flanges and How Do They Work? A flange is a protruding rim, lip, or […]