Exhibitor News

For many years, brazing has been the go-to method for pipework connections, but since 2017 this has been changing due to Conex Bänninger’s award-winning flame-free press fitting >B< MaxiPro. This revolutionary fitting is transforming the way engineers, contractors and specifiers approach ACR installations.

Pressing Forward with Productivity
At the heart of >B< MaxiPro’s success is its speed. Once tube preparation is complete, it takes just five seconds to complete a joint – far faster than the traditional brazing methods. There’s no need to wait for joints to cool or monitor for safety hazards. Installers can simply press on the go.

This level of speed and simplicity doesn’t just save time on-site – it enables teams to confidently hit deadlines, reduce downtime, and ultimately complete more projects in less time.

System Cleanliness and Compressor Protection
Oxide particles which form when brazing can act as catalysts for chemical breakdown of the system oil. This breakdown can form organic acids, leading to acid burnout of the compressor motor windings. As a mechanical joint, oxide will not form in pipe when using >B< MaxiPro, giving increased compressor protection.

Safety Without Sacrifice
Safety regulations around flame-based methods are increasingly strict, and with good reason. Brazing in confined spaces or occupied buildings presents a serious fire risk. Hot work permits and fire watches slow down installations and add complexity to project planning.

>B< MaxiPro eliminates that risk entirely. As a purely mechanical press-fit system, it removes the need for an open flame, offering peace of mind to engineers and contractors while also reducing insurance and compliance costs.

Speed and safety mean little without reliability. >B< MaxiPro delivers all three. Its secure three-point press design ensures a permanent, leak-free seal. One press compresses the O-ring, while two mechanical presses on either side of the fitting’s bead complete the joint. For fittings of ½” and larger, an additional hook provides extra reinforcement to withstand high pressure demands.

Designed specifically for ACR systems, >B< MaxiPro handles working pressures of up to 48 bar with a maximum operating temperature of 121°C, making it ideal for a wide array of A2, A2L and A3 Crefrigerants..

Built for the Modern Engineer
The simplicity of >B< MaxiPro’s installation process makes it particularly appealing for contractors managing rising labour costs and tight schedules. Unlike brazing, which often introduces variables like uneven heat distribution or operator fatigue, press fittings are fast, repeatable and reliable. This translates to more accurate labour estimations and more consistent quality across the board.

What’s more, >B< MaxiPro fittings are compatible with EN 12735-1 or ASTM-B280 copper tube.

To support adoption, Conex Bänninger offers comprehensive training, both in-person and online, giving contractors the skills they need and an extended 10-year warranty.

Digital Tools and Design Support
>B< MaxiPro isn’t just changing how fittings are installed – it’s also simplifying how they’re specified. BIM (Building Information Modelling) files for the entire range are now available as downloadable 3D and 2D objects. This makes it easier for architects, engineers and designers to plan and integrate ACR systems with confidence.

Contractors can also access an online training portal, packed with instructional videos and installation guides. Once complete, users receive a digital certificate, verifying their expertise and helping them win work with assurance.

Smarter Economics for a Competitive Edge
The economics of press-fit systems like >B< MaxiPro are hard to ignore. In an industry where project profitability is often squeezed by labour shortages and rising materials costs, reducing installation time and eliminating hot works offers a significant edge.

When factoring in the hidden costs of brazing—permits, fire watches, slower installations, and potential rework due to leaks, >B< MaxiPro stands out as not only faster, but smarter. It’s an ideal solution for forward-thinking MEP sub-contractors looking to streamline operations without sacrificing performance or safety.

And while many rely on traditional labour unit estimates for bidding and planning, >B< MaxiPro introduces predictability. Its consistent, five-second jointing time makes it easier to scope work accurately and adapt to real-world project conditions.

Leading the Market, Defining the Future
Conex Bänninger’s >B< MaxiPro is more than a product – it’s been a leap forward for the ACR industry. By replacing flame with press and risk with reliability, it redefines how pipework should be done.

Whether it’s working in live environments, speeding up commercial refrigeration installs, or reducing environmental impact, >B< MaxiPro can be relied on.

For contractors ready to embrace a smarter, safer, and more productive way of working, the future is press – and the future is >B< MaxiPro.

To find out more information about Conex Bänninger, visit www.conexbanninger.com. To make further enquiries, please email salesuk@ibpgroup.com.