Unipress

A pressfit pipe system refers to the permanent joining of pipes and fittings through a mechanical pressing operation. It includes the pipes, fittings, O-ring seals, and the pressing tools used during assembly to create the joints. Key benefits of pressfit versus cooper pipe can be seen here and here.

An approved pressfit pipe system is one that has successfully passed tests conducted by an authorised product certifying body for specific applications. Our pressfit pipe systems have achieved key global and Australian certifications.

• The operating conditions specified in the accreditation are followed
• The general usage techniques are adhered to.
• The installation instructions provided are observed.

Unipress is a versatile 316L stainless steel pressfit piping system for water, gas, fuel, and chemical applications. It installs up to 10× faster than conventional welding* using the same Novopress tooling as Surepress, is WaterMark and ActivFire certified, and backed by a 25-year warranty*. Pre-assembled O Rings and corrosion-resistant materials provide safe, leak-free joints without welding or hot work permits.
*In approved applications.

Stainless steel pressfit is primarily for pipe systems distributing drinking water and gas. However, the increasing adoption of this joining method has expanded its application across a broader range of industrial systems. See more applications here.

Pressfit systems must be designed and installed in accordance with all applicable local regulations, relevant standards, industry best practices, and the requirements outlined in this guide. Allmach provides comprehensive documentation and friendly technical support to help guide the process, however it remains the responsibility of the system designer or installer to ensure compliance with local legislation and project requirements.

It is generally recommended to avoid bending pipes and instead use appropriate fittings to accommodate directional changes. However, bends can be made, if necessary, provided the minimum bending radius is at least 3.5 times the pipe diameter. For stainless steel, this applies only if the material is annealed. See the Surepress Catalogue for more technical details.

For convenience and safety, O-rings are supplied pre-fitted and are not sold separately.

No, using seals from other suppliers voids all guarantees, certifications, and accreditations for the entire system.

A ‘closed circuit’ system is entirely free of air. If air is present in the system, it is considered an ‘open circuit’.

Wet sprinkler systems: Pipes are filled with pressurised water. When a sprinkler activates due to high heat, the thermosensitive element breaks, allowing water to flow immediately onto the flames.

Dry sprinkler systems: Pipes are filled with pressurised air instead of water, making them suitable for environments where water could freeze. A dry valve, located in a heated area, prevents water from entering the pipes until a fire activates the sprinklers, releasing air and reducing pressure, which opens the valve and allows water to flow.

Stainless steel has excellent resistance to corrosion, thanks to the high performance of the material. Local perforating corrosion may only occur in extremely aggressive environments, which are outside normal conditions.

• Black EPDM O-rings: Suitable for continuous temperatures up to 120°C and tolerates steam.
• Green FKM O-rings: Suitable for continuous temperatures up to 180°C, but does not tolerate steam.

Stainless steel pressfittings are recommended for their high corrosion resistance and material quality. For O-rings: Black EPDM O-rings: Suitable for continuous temperatures up to 120°C and tolerates steam. Green FKM O-rings: Suitable for continuous temperatures up to 180°C, but does not tolerate steam.

Compressed air systems vary widely. The material choice depends on installation requirements. When oil is present, consider using a dryer or oil separator. If residual oil levels are high (≥ 5 mg/ m³), replace the black EPDM O-ring with a red FKM O-ring (Viton) for better resistance to oils and greases. The stainless steel pressfit system can handle operating pressures up to 16 bar.

As our stainless steel pressfit systems are 10 times faster to install* than traditional copper pipes and require no threading, hemping or gluing, they are much more economical to install. Press-fitted pipe joints are fast, easy and risk-free. The result of the operation is “definitive” since it is no longer possible to separate the components and return them to the original condition. *supplier data

Yes, stainless steel can be used in contact with non-ferrous metals without issues. However, direct contact with carbon steel should be avoided to prevent bimetallic corrosion.

A visual inspection and a seal test must be performed, in compliance with local regulations, to ensure suitable carrying capacity and seal integrity. The test method and result must be documented in a report (Test Report Templates are available on request). The choice of the test method depends on the type of installation, the fluid selected for testing, and the progress over time of the building works, as well as the requirements related to hygiene and corrosion.

There is no difference between the two; FKM is the English designation, and FPM is the German equivalent.

When installed correctly with approved pipes, proper pressing tools, and by following this guide, a Unipress Pressfit System is expected to last at least 25 years. A warranty of up to 30 years is available upon request. However, this indication does not constitute a legal guarantee.

Yes, the ‘Leak path O-ring’ will allow a slight leakage of fluid/gas until the press cycle is complete, indicating that the fittings were not successfully pressed. Surepress fittings have a second indicator. A coloured press-check sleeve, which is destroyed and falls away once the press cycle is complete.

While there are no direct lifespan tests for seals, the O-rings used in our pressfit joints have undergone rigorous laboratory testing in accordance with applicable regulations. These tests are intentionally stringent to ensure maximum safety and durability.

As part of this proven performance, the Surepress system has a 50-year warranty, with the patented Polygonal O Ring included within this system warranty.

Yes, antifreeze products like ethylene glycol can be used if they are high-quality and meet system requirements. The maximum concentration allowed is 50%. Users must verify product characteristics to avoid potential damage.

Yes, the severity depends on the depth and width of the incision and the material causing it. Deposits of ferrous material in the incision pose the highest risk. The worst case lies in a deposit of ferrous material on the incision.

Yes, FKM elastomeric seals should be installed 'wet' to ensure reliable performance and prevent false leakage indications during pneumatic testing. Testing should be carried out as per Drinking Water System - Test with Air instructions.

Yes, we have a large range of tooling in Australia, available for sale or hire. See more details here.

Pressfit pipe can be cut with a manual wheel cutter. Please speak with our team to ensure you have the correct wheel option. We also have options for a powered cutter for larger sizes.

Surepress thin-walled pipe has been approved by Activfire for use in fire sprinkler and hydrant systems because it is made to a high specification and is electroplated, which allows for a thinner-walled tube. The pipe would be easier to handle and cut because of this.

Yes, we have the biggest pressfit tooling range in Australia, available for both purchase and hire (daily, weekly & monthly). Contact us for more details about tooling.

Yes, we do offer a tooling service. In fact, we now have a dedicated servicing service at our Sydney headquarters. This expediates turnaround on tool servicing. Contact our sales department for more information on services.

Yes. We provide training in-house and onsite upon request, free of charge. Contact us for more details.