We understand that finding a compatible replacement V-Band Clamp or V-Band Flange for an existing product or application can be quite challenging. One of the most common questions we hear from both new and existing customers is, “Why is finding a replacement V-Band component so difficult?”
One of the main reasons for this difficulty is the lack of industry-standard sizing. There isn't an agreed-upon and recognized dimension and sizing standard used by all manufacturers of V-Band components. This lack of standardization can be seen in our own inventory, where we offer three potential V-Band Flange options for each matching tube size in the hopes that one will be suitable for our customers' applications.
The lack of industry-standard sizing has led to thousands of OEM and aftermarket automotive and industrial products using odd and hard-to-find V-Band Clamps and Flanges. Finding a replacement component for an existing product often turns into a guessing game for aftermarket manufacturers, repair facilities, and end-users searching for a compatible Clamp or Flange. In some cases, OEM manufacturers intentionally produce products that use proprietary-sized V-Band Clamps and Flanges to be the only supplier for the replacement components. This makes finding replacement components both difficult and expensive. We hope the information provided below will be useful for learning how to measure a V-Band Flange and find the right matching replacement component.
HOW TO MEASURE A V-BAND FLANGE
As mentioned in a previous blog post, there are five important parts of a V-Band to measure when trying to find a compatible V-Band Flange or V-Band Clamp. Once these measurements are known, finding a compatible component for an existing application becomes much easier.
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FLANGE COUNTERBORE ID / MATCHING TUBE SIZE OD
Using a measuring tape or caliper, measure the outside diameter (OD) of the matching tube or pipe size that will be welded to the flange. If the tube or pipe is not available, measure the inside diameter (ID) of the counterbore of the weld side of the V-Band Flange.
- OVERALL FLANGE OUTSIDE DIAMETER (OD)
Using calipers, measure across the largest part of the seating surface of the flange to find the “Overall Flange OD”. -
FLANGE APEX WIDTH
Using calipers, measure the Apex Width, or flange edge thickness, of the Flange. Please note, the Apex Width measurement needs to be taken using only the “flat” part of the edge of the flange. When calculating the apex width of a clamp, double the measurement of a single flange.
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FLANGE BASE WIDTH
Using calipers, measure the Flange Base Width.
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FEMALE RETAINER DIAMETER AND DEPTH
Using calipers, measure the Female Retainer Diameter and Depth. If measuring the Male Flange, measure the diameter and height of the Male ring. If your V-Band Flanges are “flat style” and do not feature a Male/Female Interlocking design please disregard this step. Note, a Female Flange can be combined with a flat style flange if a matching flat style flange is not available.
V-BAND FLANGE DIMENSIONS — PDF DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE
We hope that the following PDF file, containing our V-Band dimensions and important measurement points, will provide enough information to help you find a compatible component. To download a copy of the PDF click here: V-Band Flange Dimensions.
