PE Pneumatic 3-Way Tee Fittings – 4–16mm Slip Lock Quick Connect (Air / Water / Fluid)

Slip-lock (also called push-lock or barb-lock) tee fittings provide a fast, tool-free method for splitting a single pneumatic or fluid line into two branches. Unlike push-to-connect fittings with a collet release mechanism, slip-lock fittings use a barbed internal profile that grips the tube OD when inserted and resists pullout under pressure. These PE (polyethylene) body fittings are lightweight, chemically resistant, and suitable for compressed air, water, and light fluid distribution circuits.

Key Specifications

• Fitting Type: 3-way equal tee (slip-lock / barb-lock)
• Body Material: PE (polyethylene) — lightweight, chemical resistant
• Seal: Internal barb profile (no O-ring — relies on interference fit)
• Tubing Sizes: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm OD
• Working Pressure: 0–1.0 MPa (0–145 PSI)
• Temperature Range: 0°C to +60°C
• Media: Compressed air, water, light non-corrosive fluids
• Quantity: 50 or 200 pieces (select above)

Slip-Lock vs Push-to-Connect — Key Differences

• Slip-lock (this product): Tube inserts and locks via barb interference. Not easily removable — designed for semi-permanent installations. Lower cost. No collet mechanism to wear out.
• Push-to-connect (collet type): Tube inserts and releases via a collet + release collar. Fully removable and reusable. Higher cost. Better for circuits requiring frequent reconfiguration.

Use slip-lock fittings for fixed installations where tubing will not be regularly disconnected. Use push-to-connect fittings for service panels, test rigs, and circuits requiring regular maintenance access.

What Questions Does This Product Answer?

• "Can I use PE fittings with compressed air?" — Yes, up to 1.0 MPa (145 PSI) at temperatures below 60°C. For higher pressures or temperatures, use nylon (PA) or metal body fittings.
• "How do I remove a slip-lock fitting from tubing?" — Slip-lock fittings are not designed for easy removal. To remove: depressurize, cut the tubing close to the fitting, then use pliers to carefully extract the remaining tube stub. The fitting may not be reusable after forced removal.
• "What tubing is compatible with PE slip-lock fittings?" — Nylon (PA), polyurethane (PU), and polyethylene (PE) tubing with consistent OD. Avoid soft PVC — it deforms under the barb and leaks under pressure.
• "Are these fittings suitable for drinking water?" — Standard PE fittings are not certified for potable water. For drinking water applications, use NSF/ANSI 61 certified fittings.

Typical Applications

• Pneumatic automation: Air supply distribution, cylinder branch circuits, vacuum generator supply lines
• Irrigation: Drip line splitting, micro-sprinkler distribution, greenhouse watering systems
• Aquariums & hydroponics: Air pump distribution, CO₂ line splitting, nutrient solution distribution
• Industrial: Coolant distribution, lubrication mist circuits, instrument air manifolds
• 3D printing: Bowden tube splitters, multi-material filament switching systems

Installation Notes

• Cut tubing square with a sharp blade — angled cuts reduce the contact area with the barb and cause leaks
• Push tubing firmly until it bottoms out against the internal stop — partial insertion is the most common cause of leaks and blowout
• For high-vibration environments, secure tubing with cable ties or clamps near the fitting to prevent fatigue cracking at the insertion point
• Do not exceed the rated pressure or temperature — PE softens above 60°C and loses grip on the tubing OD

Package Contents

50 or 200 pieces (select above) — PE 3-way tee slip-lock fittings in the tubing size selected.