Press systems · Multilayer and push-fit systems
Multilayer and push-fit systems: Mepla, FlowFit, Raxofix and iFIT compared
On the floor level it is not manufacturers that compete but joining technologies: multilayer pipe pressed with O-ring (Mepla, FlowFit), pressed without O-ring (Raxofix) or pushed in (iFIT). We carry all four systems; all four cover drinking water and heating from d16 to d32, three of them up to d63/d75. This page sorts them by pipe, size, joint, sealing element, limits and availability, explains Raxofix in detail and says when multilayer instead of metal and when push-fit instead of pressing is the better choice.
- Systems
- Geberit Mepla · Geberit FlowFit · Viega Raxofix · GF iFIT
- Pipes
- Multilayer composite pipe (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT, PE-Xc/AL/PE-Xc) · polybutene
- Sizes
- d16–d75 (pressing) · d16–d32 (push-fit)
- Joint
- Pressing with O-ring · pressing without O-ring · push-fit
- Limits
- 10 bar · 70 °C drinking water · 80–95 °C heating per system
- Availability
- Mepla d16/d20, FlowFit d16–d25 and iFIT from stock · Raxofix to order
The four systems at a glance
- Geberit Mepla – multilayer composite pipe PE-RT/AL/PE-RT, press fittings PPSU/brass/gunmetal, CIIR sealing rings, d16–d75. Drinking water 70 °C / 10 bar, heating 80 °C / 10 bar. Leaks when unpressed. d16/d20 from stock, above that to order.
- Geberit FlowFit – system pipe ML (multilayer), ML Therm, PB, PPSU fittings with EPDM, lateral pressing technology with two jaws, press indicator, d16–d75. 70 °C / 10 bar, cold water 16 bar. To order (new).
- Viega Raxofix – multilayer composite pipe PE-Xc/AL/PE-Xc, press connectors in silicon bronze without O-ring (the joint seals metallically and with positive fit on the pipe), 16–63 mm, plus all-plastic pipe DN 10. Drinking water 70 °C / 10 bar, heating 95 °C. SC-Contur. To order.
- GF iFIT – polybutene and multilayer composite pipe, PPSU modules with two O-rings and locking mechanism, pushed in instead of pressed, d16–d32. 70 °C / 10 bar. Detachable (manufacturer statement). From stock.
Common to all: the pipe is light, bendable and dimensionally stable, the joint is cold; the aluminium layer makes the multilayer pipe diffusion-tight (polybutene pipe is not). Different are the sealing principle, the tools, the size range and the breadth of the range.
Viega Raxofix: pressing without O-ring
Raxofix is the Viega multilayer system with one special feature: the press connector in silicon bronze has no sealing element. During pressing the pipe is formed onto the connector so that the joint is tight without an O-ring – no elastomer that could age or be unsuitable for a medium, and the SC-Contur shows unpressed joints during the leak test. Viega names low pressure losses and smaller nominal sizes, double wall plates from 16 to 25 mm for loop and series pipework, hygienic advantages thanks to the low water content. Use: drinking water and heating; cooling water after consultation, solar and compressed air not.
| Size | Outside ø (mm) | DN | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| d 16 | 16 | 12 | available to order |
| d 20 | 20 | 15 | available to order |
| d 25 | 25 | 20 | available to order |
| d 32 | 32 | 25 | available to order |
| d 40 | 40 | 32 | available to order |
| d 50 | 50 | 40 | available to order |
| d 63 | 63 | 50 | available to order |
The standard names dimensions. What is listed here, we carry – from stock or to order; how quickly something is available we clarify on request. Raxofix we procure through Viega; transitions to Profipress, Sanpress and Sanpress Inox are part of the range.
Media compared
The manufacturers' application tables compared; limits per medium are given in the system finder. What no system of this group may carry: fuel gases, solar, saturated steam, oils – for those there are the metal systems with HNBR or FKM.
| Medium | Mepla | FlowFit | Raxofix | iFIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| drinking water | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar cold water 16 bar (0–20 °C) | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar cold water 16 bar (0–20 °C) | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar |
| heating water (closed circuit) | suitable 80 °C / 10 bar | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar system pipe ML only (diffusion-tight), not PB | suitable 95 °C / 10 bar | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar |
| cooling water | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar | with restrictions (manufacturer approval) 95 °C / 10 bar to be agreed with the manufacturer | to be clarified |
| compressed air, oil-free | with restrictions (manufacturer approval) 70 °C / 10 bar to the manufacturer’s technical information on compressed air (purity class) | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar to the manufacturer’s technical information on compressed air (purity class) | not suitable | not suitable |
| natural gas (DVGW G 260) | not suitable | not suitable | not suitable | not suitable |
| solar circuit | not suitable | – | not suitable | – |
| cooling water with antifreeze (glycol) | with restrictions (manufacturer approval) 40 °C / 10 bar release per antifreeze product by the manufacturer | – | – | – |
| technical gases (nitrogen, argon, CO2) | with restrictions (manufacturer approval) 40 °C / 10 bar inert gases (e.g. nitrogen), manufacturer data | – | – | – |
| fire-fighting water (wet system) | suitable 70 °C / 10 bar | – | – | – |
Multilayer instead of metal – and push-fit instead of pressing
When multilayer pipe
On the floor level and in connection lines: bendable, light, fast, no corrosion, low expansion thanks to the aluminium core. Where multilayer pipe ends: risers above d75, fire protection requirements on the pipe itself, visible installation with aesthetic demands, temperatures above 80–95 °C, compressed air with oil, technical gases and everything the metal systems with HNBR and FKM cover. The combination is typical: riser in stainless steel or copper, floor level in multilayer – joined via the manufacturers' transition pieces or via thread to EN 10226-1.
When push-fit
When speed and low demands on the installer count and d32 is enough: prefabricated housing, refurbishment of large residential estates, bathrooms in series – one crew, several trades, no press tool. The detachability helps with corrections. When the installation goes beyond d32 or carries compressed air and industrial media, it belongs in a press system (from our practice, see overview page). That push-fit systems are rarer here than in other countries is due to their reputation from the early days – pipes not chamfered or not calibrated, insufficient insertion depth, missing pull-out protection – and to the warranty logic of the trade; the technical causes have been solved by design, more on the iFIT page.
When Mepla, when FlowFit
Both Geberit systems cover the same range of use. Mepla has the larger range and the longer track record, FlowFit the lateral pressing technology with two jaws, press indicator and inspection window – for a new start FlowFit saves tools, in an existing business with Mepla jaws at hand Mepla remains the economical choice. Transitions between the two exist.
Availability at Zickwolff
The standard names dimensions. What is listed here, we carry – from stock or to order; how quickly something is available we clarify on request. We stock Mepla d16/d20 and iFIT; Mepla d26–d75, FlowFit d32–d75 and Raxofix we procure through Geberit and Viega.
Further reading
Tools of this section: system finder (which system suits medium, pipe and size) · joining methods compared (press, push-fit, grooved, welding, thread, flange, soldering) · cost comparison calculator (assembly time and downtime per method) · press systems overview.
Related multilayer and push-fit systems
| System | Pipe | Sizes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geberit Mepla (multilayer composite pipe) | multilayer composite pipe | 16–75 mm | in stock 16–20; available to order 26–75 |
| Geberit FlowFit (multilayer composite pipe, lateral press technology) | multilayer composite pipe and polybutene pipe | 16–75 mm | in stock 16–25; available to order 32–75 |
| GF iFIT (push-fit system, polybutene and multilayer pipe) | multilayer composite pipe and polybutene pipe | 16–32 mm | in stock |
| Uponor RS 63-110 (modular press and plug-in system, multilayer composite pipe) | multilayer composite pipe PE-RT/Al/PE-RT with welded aluminium layer (Uponor MLC 63-110) | 63–110 mm | available on request |
Matching items from our range: malleable iron fittings for threaded transitions, plastic piping systems by GF, valves.
Frequently asked questions about multilayer and push-fit systems
What is the difference between multilayer composite pipe and polybutene pipe?
The multilayer pipe has an aluminium core between two plastic layers: dimensionally stable after bending, diffusion-tight, low thermal expansion. Polybutene pipe is all plastic: more flexible, not diffusion-tight, therefore not for heating and compressed air, and with higher expansion.
Can I use multilayer pipe in the riser?
Up to d63/d75 yes (Mepla, FlowFit, Raxofix). Above that, with fire protection requirements on the line or with visible installation, stainless steel or copper systems are the rule.
Which systems can be mixed with each other?
None – the fittings are system-bound. Geberit offers transitions between Mepla, FlowFit and the Geberit metal systems, Viega between Raxofix and the metal systems; all systems reach each other via thread to EN 10226-1.
Is a push-fit joint as safe as a press joint?
Within the manufacturer's approval yes: iFIT is DVGW-approved, holds by locking mechanism and two O-rings and is designed for 10 bar / 70 °C / 50 years. The check is the visible insertion depth and the leak test, not a press profile.
Why does Raxofix have no O-ring?
Because the silicon bronze connector grips the pipe with a positive fit during pressing and the seal forms metallically on the pipe. There is no elastomer that could age; the SC-Contur still shows unpressed joints.
Multilayer and push-fit systems from one source
Tell us system, size and quantity – Mepla, FlowFit and iFIT we deliver from stock, Raxofix we procure at short notice.
Send an inquiryYour inquiry to Zickwolff
Send us what you have – designation, standard, quantity, date. We will clarify the rest with you.
One item or a question
Send inquiry
Not in stock? We procure it – single items too.
Designation, standard and quantity are enough.
Several items
Send bill of materials
200 items? One parts list is enough – we deliver complete.
Attach it as a file.
Helpful if already known: project and country, date needed, certificates, packaging and language of the packing lists. If anything is missing, we will ask.
It is urgent
Request express
When do you need it? Express delivery, to the site if required.
Tell us by when you need the material – we will tell you what is possible.
Technical basis: Geberit brochure supply systems (04/2026), FlowFit Planning and Installation Guide (01/2023), Viega brochure press connection systems (09/2024) and Raxofix leaflet (763565), GF iFIT brochure gfps-39052 (12/2023) – distributor material, use released. Availability: from stock or to order – how quickly something is available we clarify on request. The binding approval stays with the manufacturer.