Plastic tubing
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Description
NOTE Record under construction
Plastic tubing is commonly used with fluids and gases in hydraulic, pneumatic, wiring, and medical systems, among other applications. Larger sizes of circular plastic tubes are also used as containers with removable tops (stoppers) and bottoms. Examples of plastic tube materials and their properties are presented below.
Properties
| Composition | Forms/Sizes | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal (e.g., Delrin) | opaque (white or black); 1/8" to 2 1/2" | rigid; easy to machine; moisture resistant; does not loose strength or soften in water; temp. range: -20° to 180° F | |
| Acrylic | Cell 2 | Cell 3 | |
| Nylon | opaque; semiclear; many colors; 1/8" to 1/2" | expensive; chemically inert; semi-flexible; can withstand high pressures; temp. range: -60° to 200° F; fire retardant | for air and water, especially at high presesures; used for air brakes |
| Polycarbonate | clear; 3/8" to 6" | rigid; can withstand high pressures; does not degrade in UV light; Temp. range: 32° to 250° F | for air and water, especially at high pressures |
| Polyethylene | opaque, | semi flexible; chemically inert; fire-retardant; temp. range: -70° to 175° F | |
| Polypropylene | semiclear; 1/8" to 1 1/4" | economical; chemically inert; slightly flexible; crack-resistant; temp. range: 40° to 200° F | for air and water |
| Polyurethane | clear; 4mm to 12 mm | semi-flexible; excellent resistance to abrasion and tearing; temp. range: -30° to 140° F | |
| Polyvinyl chloride (rigid) | opaque white | Cell 7 | |
| Teflon | Cell 10 | Cell 11 | |
| Silicone | Cell 14 | Cell 15 | |
| Vinyl (flexible, e.g. Tygon) | Cell 14 | Cell 15 |
Resources and Citations
- McMaster-Carr at https://www.mcmaster.com/plastic-tubing