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TECH TALK
PRESSING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF HVAC & R PIPE CONNECTIONS networking associations
By Eamonn Ryan
At a recent SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre Tech Talk, industry professionals were introduced to a technology that is steadily transforming installation practices in the HVAC & R sector: ACR copper press fittings.
© RACA Journal
Presented by Frank Schrick, CEO of Sanha Fittings from Germany, the session unpacked both the technical innovation and the practical implications of moving beyond traditional soldering methods.
The presentation began with a personal anecdote from Schrick, reflecting on his early years in the piping industry. Observing a technician working under challenging conditions – tight spaces, high temperatures and an open flame – he was struck by a simple but enduring insight: the real risk in piping systems lies not in when things go right, but when they go wrong. A minor leak or weak connection can escalate into significant system failure. This realisation, he explained, has driven a long-standing focus on improving connection safety, reliability and efficiency.
Sanha’ s evolution mirrors this philosophy. Founded in 1964 as a trading company dealing in copper fittings, the business has since grown into a global manufacturer of metallic piping systems – over the last 15 years sharpening its focus on refrigeration and HVAC piping. Today, the company employs around 700 people and operates across 56 countries, with manufacturing and logistics hubs spread throughout Europe and beyond.
An audience at a prior SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre Tech Talk.
RACA Journal I July 2026
A notable differentiator is Sanha’ s vertically integrated approach: the company produces both pipes and fittings, as well as the machinery used to manufacture them. This level of control ensures precise tolerances – an essential factor in achieving reliable press connections.
PRESS TECHNOLOGY VERSUS TRADITIONAL METHODS A central theme of the Tech Talk was the comparison between conventional soldering and modern press technology. While soldering has long been the industry norm, it comes with several limitations: time-intensive installation, reliance on skilled labour, and inherent safety risks due to open flames and high temperatures.
Press fittings address these challenges directly. A typical press connection can be completed in approximately 10 seconds, compared to several minutes for a soldered joint – particularly in larger diameters. Beyond speed, the safety benefits are significant. Press systems eliminate the need for hot work permits, reduce risks in confined spaces, and remove exposure to fumes and flames. This aligns with increasingly stringent health and safety regulations seen globally.
Another important distinction lies in liability. With soldered connections, responsibility for joint integrity rests largely with the installer. In contrast, press systems shift much of that responsibility to the manufacturer – provided installation guidelines are followed – offering greater assurance to contractors and clients alike.
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