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 | Flexibility | Durability | Temperature Range(° F) | Other Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal (Delrin) | opaque (white or black); 1/8" to 2 1/2" | rigid | moisture resistant; does not loose strength or soften in water | -20° to 180° | easy to machine | |
| Acrylic | ||||||
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | resistant to grease, oil and weathering | substitute for vinyl tubing | ||||
| Nylon (polyamide) | opaque; semi-clear; many colors; 1/8" to 1/2" | semi | inert, excellent memory | -60° to 200° | expensive; can withstand high pressures; fire retardant | for air and water, especially at high pressures; used for air brakes |
| Polycarbonate | clear; 3/8" to 6" | rigid | does not degrade in UV light | 32° to 250° | can withstand high pressures | for air and water, especially at high pressures |
| Polyethylene | opaque, | semi | inert | -70° to 175° | fire-retardant, lightweight, inexpensive | used for food and beverage |
| Polypropylene | semiclear; 1/8" to 1 1/4" | slightly | chemically inert | 40° to 200° | economical; lightest in weight; crack-resistant; weldable | for air and water |
| Polyurethane | clear; 4mm to 12 mm | good | excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion and tearing | -30° to 140° | for robotics, field lines, vacuum | |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, rigid) | opaque white | rigid | piping (replacement for metal) | |||
| Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, Kynar) | good wear and chemical resistance | poor at high temperatures | ||||
| Teflon (PTFE) | Cell 10 | low | chemically inert | up to 500° | low friction, | extreme temperatures and chemical exposure, electrical sheathing, insulation |
| Silicone | Cell 14 | high | low chemical resistance | -100° to 500° | medical, food, high temps | |
| Vinyl (flexible PVC, Tygon) | high | moderate chemical resistance | -40° to 180° F | Food, beverage, low pressure |
Resources and Citations
- US Plastics: Property Comparison chart for tubing
- McMaster-Carr at Tubing
- Global Spec: Tubing