Miniature pipe fitting is the general term for a miniature part used to connect one pipe to another when installing pipes. They enable pipe installation with unrestricted layouts, and are used when installing air, steam, water or oil pipes. They are often used with equipment for food processing, general chemical applications and nuclear power. Types include flange fittings, screw-in fittings, union fittings and socket fittings. The products available include minimal fittings (straight), barbed fitting connectors, minimal fittings and minimal universal elbows. Miniature pipe fittings are made of materials such as brass (with electroless nickel plating), stainless steel and malleable cast iron. Selecting the right type of miniature pipe fitting for the application is important since different types have different levels of corrosion resistance, pitting corrosion resistance and intergranular corrosion resistance.