Polyurethane
(PU) Tubing: |
Polyethylene
(PE) Tubing: |
Nylon Tubing: |
Polyvinyl Chloride
(PVC) Tubing:
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Fluoropolymer
Tubing: |
Polyurethane (PU) tubing is a versatile and widely used material for pneumatic applications. It offers a range of advantages that make it suitable for various situations. In brief:
- The most versatile and widely used type of pneumatic tubing.
- Offers excellent flexibility, abrasion resistance, and chemical compatibility.
- Available in various wall thicknesses and diameters to suit different requirements.
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Polyethylene (PE) tubing is also popular for pneumatic applications, offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages compared to polyurethane tubing. In brief:
- A cost-effective option with good rigidity and resistance to cracking.
- Not as flexible as PU tubing but suitable for low-pressure applications.
- Often used in the food and beverage industries due to its inert nature.
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Nylon tubing offers unique advantages in the world of pneumatics, making it a strong contender for specific applications. In brief:
- Offers high strength, temperature resistance, and pressure rating.
- Can withstand harsh environments and chemicals.
- Less flexible than PU or PE tubing but ideal for demanding applications.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, while not the most glamorous option, offers its own set of advantages and can be a suitable choice for specific applications. In brief:
- A budget-friendly option with good flexibility and chemical resistance.
- Not as durable as other materials and can degrade over time.
- Suitable for low-pressure applications where cost is a primary concern.
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Fluoropolymer tubing stands out by offering exceptional performance in demanding environments and applications where other materials fall short. In brief:
- Exceptional chemical resistance, high-temp tolerance, and low friction.
- Commonly used in high-purity apps, such as pharmacy / medical industries.
- More expensive than other tube, but ideal for critical applications.
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| We offer polyurethane tube in 25m, 30m, and 100m rolls in a range of colours. Key characteristics of polyurethane tube: |
We stock Polythylene (Polythene) tube in 30m roles in both Metric and Imperial sizes. Key characteristics: |
We sell Nylon12, and it is a fast mover on our site. Metric and Imperial, a range of colours, and quick buy. Key characteristics: |
We sell PVC (braided hose) in a range of sizes and colour options, as well as in transparent. Key characteristics: |
Our Fluoropolymer (PTFE) tube comes in 5m, 10m, and 50m lengths. Key characteristics: |
Pros:
- Highly flexible: Bends easily and conforms to irregular shapes without kinking, ideal for complex tube layouts.
- Durable: Resists abrasion and wear & tear, thus long-lasting in demanding environments.
- Resistant to oils and chemicals: Suitable to convey compressed air alongside lubricants or handling chemical exposure.
- Good temperature range: Performs well within a broad temperature range, typically -40°C to 100°.
- Lightweight: Easier to handle and install compared to heavier materials like metal.
- Various options: Colours, diameters & wall thickness.
- Reusability: Can be reused with proper cleaning & inspection
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Pros:
- Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than polyurethane and other tubing options.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and install due to its low weight.
- Good flexibility: Offers decent flexibility for moderate bending requirements.
- Chemical resistance: Resists some chemicals and oils, suitable for basic pneumatic applications.
- Temperature range: Performs well within a moderate temperature range, typically -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F).
- Food-grade options: Available in food-grade versions for safe use in food and beverage applications
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Pros:
- High strength and abrasion resistance: Superior to both PU and PE tubing, ideal in harsh conditions with wear and tear.
- Excellent pressure rating: Can handle significantly higher pressures than PU and PE, making it suitable for demanding applications.
- Good temperature range: Performs well within a broad temperature range, typically -40°C to 120°C.
- Chemical resistance: Resists a wider range of chemicals and oils compared to PU/PE.
- Low friction: Ensures smooth airflow & minimizes pressure loss in long runs.
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Pros:
- Cost-effective: The most affordable option among tubing materials like PU, nylon, and PE.
- Lightweight and easy to handle: Makes installation and handling simpler due to its low weight.
- Good chemical resistance: Can withstand some chemicals and oils, suitable for basic pneumatic setups.
- Transparent options: Allows visual inspection of airflow and potential blockages.
- Readily available: Widely available in various sizes and wall thicknesses.
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Pros:
- Superior chemical resistance: Withstands aggressive chemicals, ideal for harsh processing & industrial settings.
- Exceptional temperature range: Handles extreme temps, typically -60°C to 260°C, far exceeds most tube materials.
- High pressure rating: Handles significantly high pressures, suitable for demanding pneumatic systems and applications.
- Low friction: Ensures smooth airflow & minimal pressure loss, ideal for long tube runs.
- Excellent durability:Resists abrasion and degradation offering extended lifespan in challenging environs.
- Flame retardant: An extra fire risk safety layer.
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Cons:
- Not as strong as some materials: May not be suitable for extremely high-pressure applications.
- Less UV resistant: Can degrade over time if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Not ideal for extreme temperatures: Not recommended for applications exceeding its designated temperature range.
- Cost: Can be more expensive than some other tubing options like PVC.
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Cons:
- Lower pressure rating: Generally not recommended for high-pressure applications, due to its weaker structure than other materials.
- Less durable: More susceptible to punctures and abrasion.
- Less temperature resistant: Not suitable for extreme temp environs exceeding its range.
- Not as flexible: Bends less easily than polyurethane, limiting complex setup use.
- Permeability: Can allow some gases to permeate through the tubing walls in certain applications.
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Cons:
- Less flexible: Not as bendable as PU, limiting its use in tight spaces or requiring more precise fitting.
- Higher cost: Can be more expensive than PU and PE, especially for thicker wall thicknesses.
- Stiffer material: Requires more force to bend and connect to fittings, potentially requiring dedicated tools.
- Susceptible to UV degradation: Can deteriorate over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
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Cons:
- Low pressure rating: Not suitable for high-pressure applications due to its weaker structure.
- Less flexible: Bends less easily than PU, limiting its use in complex setups.
- Not as durable: More susceptible to punctures and kinking compared to other materials.
- Lower temperature range: Performs well within a limited range, typically -10°C to 60°C.
- Can leach plasticizers: May contaminate fluids or air in sensitive applications.
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Cons:
- High cost: Significantly more expensive than other tubing (PU, PE, PVC), requiring careful cost-benefit analysis for your specific situation.
- Less flexible: Not as bendable as PU, limiting its use in tight spaces or requiring more precise fitting.
- Stiffer material: Requires more force to bend and connect to fittings, so may require demanding dedicated tools.
- Difficult to handle: May require special handling techniques due to its chemical resistance.
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Applications: Polyurethane
tubing is used in a wide variety of pneumatic applications, including:
- Air tools: Pneumatic drills, wrenches, sanders, and other tools.
- Pneumatic cylinders: Actuating valves, dampers, and other machinery components.
- Robotic systems: Conveying air for pneumatic actuators and grippers.
- Food and beverage industry: Transferring air in food processing equipment.
- Medical equipment: Delivering air for nebulizers, ventilators, and other medical devices.
- General air lines: Conveying compressed air in workshops, factories, and other industrial settings.
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Applications: Polythylene
tubing is suitable for low-pressure and moderate-duty pneumatic applications, including:
- Instrumentation: Conveying air for gauges, sensors, and other measuring equipment.
- Vacuum systems: Transferring air in low-pressure vacuum applications.
- General air lines: Carrying air for low-pressure tasks in workshops or facilities.
- Temporary lines: Suitable for temporary setups where cost and ease of installation are priorities.
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Applications: Nylon tubing
shines where high strength, pressure resistance, and chemical compatibility are crucial, such as:
- Hydraulic systems: Conveying fluids in hydraulic actuators and machinery.
- Pneumatic tools: Handling high-pressure air in tools like impact wrenches and sanders.
- Automotive industry: Transferring fuel, lubricants, and air lines in vehicles.
- Chemical processing: Conveying chemicals and fluids in production lines.
- High-pressure instrumentation: Connecting gauges, sensors, and other pressure-sensitive equipment.
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Applications: PVC tubing
can be useful in specific low-pressure situations, such as:
- Temporary air lines: Suitable for short-term setups where cost and ease of installation are priorities.
- Low-pressure instrumentation: Conveying air for gauges, sensors, and other measuring equipment in non-critical systems.
- Cable protection: Shielding electrical cables and wires in non-demanding environments.
- General air lines: Carrying air for low-pressure tasks in workshops or facilities where cost is a prime concern.
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Applications: Fluoropolymer tubing shines where its unique properties are crucial, such as:
- Chemical processing: Conveying highly corrosive and aggressive chemicals in production lines.
- High-temperature environments: Transferring fluids and gases in extreme heat or cold situations.
- Semiconductor and electronics industry: Handling ultrapure fluids and gases in sensitive manufacturing processes.
- Aerospace and automotive industries: Conveying fuels, lubricants, and air in demanding operating conditions.
- Medical equipment: Transferring sterile fluids and gases in sensitive medical devices.
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