173818 - Miller 173818 Brass Elbow Fitting 1/4 Barb x 1/4 NPT

Technical Overview of the Miller 173818 Brass Fitting

The Miller 173818 is a specialized brass fitting designed for fluid and gas transfer systems within industrial welding equipment. Engineered as a 90-degree elbow, this component facilitates the routing of hoses in confined spaces inside machine chassis, allowing for efficient direction changes without kinking flexible tubing. The fitting features a dual-connection interface: one end is machined with a 1/4-inch hose barb, while the opposing end features a 1/4-inch National Pipe Taper (NPT) male thread.

Constructed from high-quality brass, this fitting provides essential mechanical properties for welding environments, including resistance to corrosion, durability under thermal cycling, and non-magnetic characteristics. The barbed end is designed to be inserted into 1/4-inch internal diameter (ID) flexible tubing. The ridges of the barb grip the inner wall of the tubing, and when secured with an appropriate hose clamp or ferrule, create a hermetic seal capable of withstanding the typical pressures found in shielding gas or coolant delivery systems. The NPT threaded end utilizes the tapered thread profile to create a seal against the mating female port, often requiring a thread sealant such as PTFE tape or pipe dope to ensure a leak-proof assembly.

As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part, the Miller 173818 ensures dimensional accuracy and material compatibility with Miller power sources. Using non-OEM fittings in these applications can lead to thread mismatch, flow restriction due to improper internal bore sizing, or premature failure due to inferior metallurgy. This component is critical for maintaining the integrity of the internal plumbing of the welder, preventing gas leaks that could compromise weld quality or coolant leaks that could damage electrical components.