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Vebeo fittings vs. Transcoms fittings

FBO vs. Tanscom S: A Detailed Comparative Analysis of Compression Fittings

What is vebeo? In the world of railway components, compression fittings play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of various systems. Two industry leaders, SNFBO (Vebeo fittings) and Transcoms, offer these fittings, each with its unique features and advantages. This comparison delves deep into their offerings, highlighting the subtle edge that Transcoms brings to the table.

The company FBO was formed in 2006 following the merger of the French companies “Forges de Belles Ondes” founded in 1954, and “Pneumatique Union” founded in 1961. As original owner of the “Vebeo” trademark they are well known in the railway world, and managed to establish the brand as a byword for “compression fittings”. With their rich history they are widely considered the “original” compression fittings manufacturer, and are currently known to manufacture their production in both EU and Mainland China. They have the largest market capitalisation in the compression fittings field and offer the widest range of fittings to their customers.

Transcom S was founded in 1990 in Bulgaria, as a specialized railway supplier with a narrow focus on air-brakes systems and infrastructure. Alongside high precision spare parts, angle valves and coupling hoses they are also well known as a compression fittings supplier in the European railway market. Their unique location allows them to offer quick delivery of high quality components for a reasonable price to their EU clients. 

While FBO Vebeo is focused in manufacturing compression fittings, Transcom S specialization as a railway air-brake system supplier allows them to offer a partial or complex solution for the needs of their clients. They are known to keep stock of many of their products in order to shorten the order-to-delivery path.

Vebeo fittings

What are they used for?

The compression fittings are coupling devices used by various industries to securely connect:

  • Two pipes of the same or different diameter with each other – straight/reducing/bridge union;
  • A pipe to various pneumatic/hydraulic apparatus – parallel male/female union;
  • Join multiple pipes in a single junction – tee, cross union;
  • Change the direction of a pipe route – elbow union.

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Design and construction advantages

While multiple solutions exist that serve the same or similar purpose, there are many advantages of the compression fittings that make them preferred by the industry whenever complex fluid routes should be built. Some of them are:

  • Pipes don’t have to be threaded, flanged or welded – only cut and deburred;
  • Compression fittings are easily and quickly mounted, no special knowledge or equipment is required – two wrenches are all that is needed;
  • Length of the pipe can be adjusted in place as there is no need of special preparation of the pipe ends;
  • Corrosion protection of the pipe is preserved;
  • Angular misalignment of up to 3 degrees could be acceptable;
  • Pipes of different materials could be joined together;
  • High vibration resistance;
  • No need of using thicker pipes solely for the purpose of the joints, which leads to material cost savings;
  • Pipe does not have to be rotated to be installed;
  • Fittings are reusable and easily mounted and dismounted, even after years of operation.

Importance of compression fittings in railway applications

For the needs of the railways compression fittings are widely used and considered the best choice for building the air brake route. From the shut off cock to the main reservoir, to the braking systems, and to the various air operated devices – doors, locks, fences – the compression fittings offer unmatched versatility and reliability when it comes to distributing air.

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Side by side comparison

SNFBO’s Offerings:

SNFBO, with its rich history, offers a plethora of railway products.

  • The “original” Vebeo type fittings supplier with more than 60 years of history.
  • Widest range of compression fittings. Hard applications, including those with vibrations, shocks, and misalignment.
  • Safety-centric applications, especially in braking.
  • Extreme conditions, with resilience to temperatures as low as -50 ° C.
  • Adherence to ISO 1179-2 standards.
  • Additionally, SNFBO’s PUSH-IN FITTING PNEUCLIP allows for instant automatic connections, emphasizing ease of use.
  • EU based with world-wide delivery;
  • Comprehensive web catalog available in both 2D and 3D;

-High price;

-Slow delivery times;

Transcoms’ Compression Fittings:

While SNFBO offers commendable products, Transcoms specializes in railway compression fittings, bringing a laser-focused approach to their design and functionality.

  • Well known railway air-brake supplier for more than 30 years;
  • Precision Engineering: Transcoms’ fittings are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
  • Durability: Known for high quality and specialization in railway air-brake systems (compression fittings included);
  • Wide range of compression fittings and complimenting parts – angle valves, coupling hoses etc. Transcoms’ range of fittings is designed to cater to a broader spectrum of applications, making them a preferred choice for diverse railway needs.
  • EU based with quick delivery to EU;
  • Reasonable prices;

-Web catalog not available to the moment of publication;

-Inquiries only accepted by e-mail;

The Edge of Transcoms:

While the above mentioned companies are not the only compression fittings manufacturers in the EU, they are both vastly known as specialized in the field and offer uncompromising quality of their products.

Even if they both have their shortcomings, their products are highly valued in the railway world.

On top of that, as an expert railway spare parts manufacturer, they are able to provide additional products for the railway air-brakes – coupling hoses, angle valves etc.

Vebeo fittings conclusion:

Both SNFBO – Vebeo and Transcoms have carved a niche for themselves in the railway components industry. However, when it comes to compression fittings, Transcoms’ dedicated approach and commitment to offer a quick, reliable and affordable solution give them a subtle edge. 

As a summary, if you would prefer to purchase the original “Vebeo” branded fittings and are willing to pay the price for having the most widely used and recognised and compression fittings in the railway world – you should go with FBO’s.

If you would like to shorten the delivery times and lower the overall cost of your products – you can not go wrong if you inquire Transcom S to get their offer for a partial or complex solution fit to your company needs.

Check out more railway parts reviews.