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Flat Plate Flange vs SO Flange: What’s the Difference?

Flat Plate Flange vs SO Flange: What’s the Difference?

In industrial piping systems, Flat Plate Flanges and SO Flanges (Slip-On Flanges) are both widely used, but they are designed for different working conditions. Understanding their differences can help engineers, contractors, and buyers select the most suitable flange for their projects.

What Is a Flat Plate Flange?

A Flat Plate Flange is manufactured from steel plate without a hub neck. Its structure is simple and cost-effective, making it suitable for:

  • Low-pressure pipelines
  • Water supply systems
  • Ventilation systems
  • General industrial applications

Advantages:

  • Lower cost
  • Easy machining
  • Simple installation

However, because it has no hub reinforcement, its strength and pressure resistance are lower than those of an SO flange.

What Is an SO Flange?

SO Flange stands for Slip-On Flange, commonly manufactured according to ASME B16.5 standards. During installation, the pipe slips into the flange bore and is welded on both the inside and outside.

Compared with Flat Plate Flanges, SO Flanges provide:

  • Better mechanical strength
  • More stable welding performance
  • Easier pipe alignment during installation
  • Higher pressure-bearing capability

They are widely used in:

  • Oil & Gas industries
  • Chemical plants
  • Shipbuilding projects
  • Industrial process piping systems

Flat Plate Flange vs SO Flange

Feature Flat Plate Flange SO Flange
Structure No hub With hub
Pressure Rating Low pressure Medium pressure
Strength Lower Higher
Cost More economical Slightly higher
Common Standards DIN / EN / GOST ASME B16.5
Welding Performance Basic Better

Which One Should You Choose?

For low-pressure systems and budget-sensitive projects, Flat Plate Flanges are a practical and economical solution.

For industrial applications requiring higher strength, improved welding performance, and greater reliability, ASME B16.5 SO Flanges are often the preferred choice.

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