Choosing the right plastic or rubber tubing for your project can sound like a simple task when you just need something to move fluid or gas from point A to point B. But there’s a lot to consider — flexibility, incompatible ingredients, moisture resistance, indoor or outdoor use, flammability, and many other aspects.

For example, design engineers and tubing buyers must be aware of the different tubing materials available and what applications each is best suited for. PVC is a popular, standard material that offers good chemical resistance and durability, but it can harden when used with liquids like gasoline or oils. Alternatives such as fluoropolymer or polyurethane tubing handle these substances better. There are also coextrusions like Hytrel-lined PVC, where oil-resistant Hytrel contacts the fluid and rugged PVC protects the outside of the tube, that can work well.

Similarly, polypropylene may be substituted for costlier fluoropolymer tubing in certain applications. The two have comparable performance characteristics in terms of tensile strength, chemical resistance, and electrical properties. Fluoropolymer tubing does, however, offer a much wider range of temperature use. Another example is the application of polyethylene-lined EVA tubing in place of all-polyethylene tubing. EVA provides flexibility to an otherwise semi-rigid and stiff product.

Download Part 2 of this white paper to learn about tubing and hose selection details that can be overlooked; Part 1 is also available. The information contained aims to help avoid the downtime, costs and frustration involved when the wrong plastic tubing or reinforced hose is ordered.

Don't have an account? Sign up here.

By submitting your personal information, you agree that SAE Media Group and carefully selected industry sponsors of this content may contact you and that you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

You may reach us at privacy@saemediagroup.com.

You may unsubscribe at any time.

© 2009-2022 Tech Briefs Media Group