Plastic Tubing PA, PU, PE, PVDF & PTFE
Polyamide (PA)
Characteristics
- Hard and impact resistant
- Wear resistant
- Wide temperature range
- Suitable for higher temperatures
- Can be produced with thin wall thicknesses
- Pressure resistant
- Chemically resistant to water, oils, greases, and solvents
- Electrically insulating
- Not flexible
Other properties
Drawbacks
Once kinked, the material is permanently weakened and the tube remains deformed at that spot. Extremely dry PA is hard and brittle, but becomes flexible when moisture is absorbed.
Variants
There are several types (with different mechanical qualities) available, such as PA6, PA11, and PA12.
PA is one of the most commonly used tube materials when it comes to a combination of pressure resistance and resistance to environmental degradation. The most widely used type is PA12. Q Plus offers 100% PA12 tubing, compliant with DIN73378/74324 (SL.PA). In addition, we offer the best alternative for pneumatic hose use: the SL.PAR, which combines the resistance of PA12 with the flexibility of water-resistant PU, at a very competitive price.
(PA is known in the market under brand names such as Rilsan, Nylon, Vestamid.)
Specifications
| Type | Melting Point | Water Absorption | Relative Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 6 | 215 °C | 10.5 % | 50 |
| Nylon 6.6 | 250 °C | 9.5 % | 50 |
| Nylon 11 | 185 °C | 1.8 % | 100 |
| Nylon 12 | 178 °C | 1.5 % | 80 |
To PA tubes and tubing
Polyurethane (PU, PUR)
Properties
- Hard and impact resistant
- Wear resistant
- Wide temperature range
- Suitable for higher temperatures
- Can be produced with thin wall thicknesses
- Pressure resistant
- Chemically resistant to water, oils, greases, and solvents
- Electrically insulating
- Not flexible
The combination of properties makes PU the most widely used tubing in pneumatics. PU’s characteristics depend on the base material: the most common variant is polyester-based (polyether is also frequently used).
PU-ester
Flexible tubing that remains pliable at low temperatures. Designed for general pneumatic applications using dry compressed air.
- Not prone to kinking → can be installed with a small bend radius
- Temperature range: –40 °C to +80 °C (allowable working pressures decrease at higher temperatures)
- Not water-resistant → prolonged exposure to water causes hydrolysis, leading to cracks
PU-ether
Polyether-based PU tubing is water-resistant and does not support bacterial growth. Slightly higher cost than polyester-based PU. (Also known under the brand name Elastollan.)
The SL.PU is a polyether-based PU tube, suitable for pneumatic applications and water transport.
- Temperature range: –40 °C to +60 °C (working pressure decreases at higher temperatures)
- Hydrolysis resistant and excellent UV resistance → suitable for outdoor use
To PU tubes and tubing
Polyethylene (PE)
Properties
- Easily kinked
- Suitable for applications with low technical demands
- Broad chemical resistance
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Resistant to microbes
- Suitable for food transport
- Cost-effective
PE is available in high density (HDPE) and low density (LDPE). HDPE is very rigid, while LDPE is more flexible. Due to price, PE is sometimes used as an alternative to PA. However, always check working pressures and wall thicknesses carefully.
Note: Tubing and hoses exposed to elevated temperatures, direct sunlight, high doses of UV or radiation, chemical attack, and extreme mechanical stress will age, wear, or soften prematurely and fail to meet specified working pressures. This can result in hose rupture.
SL.PE (LDPE quality) is suitable for –10 °C to +60 °C for simple applications. At higher temperatures, allowable working pressures decrease. Other sizes and colours available on request.
Working pressures by size (at 20 °C)
- 4 x 2.5 → 15 bar
- 6 x 4.0 → 13 bar
- 8 x 5.0 → 15 bar
- 10 x 6.5 → 13 bar
- 12 x 8.0 → 13 bar
Working pressure in relation to temperature
- 20 °C → 100 %
- 30 °C → 83 %
- 40 °C → 72 %
- 50 °C → 57 %
To PE tubes and tubing
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
Properties
- Extreme chemical resistance due to high fluorine content
- Reasonably strong
- Excellent ageing resistance against UV and gamma radiation
- Very stable with long-term consistent behaviour
- Very wide operating temperature range, especially at the upper end
- Non-toxic
- Flame retardant
- Cheaper than PTFE
(PVDF is commonly marketed under the brand name Kynar.)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Properties
- Reasonably strong plastic
- Extreme chemical resistance due to high fluorine content
- Excellent resistance to UV and gamma radiation
- Very stable, long-term consistent performance
- Kink sensitive
- Widest operating temperature range, particularly on the upper side
- Non-toxic
- Flame retardant
PTFE is commonly known under the brand name Teflon®.
To PTFE tubes
The Right Tube for Every Application at Q Plus
In addition to the specific properties of each plastic type, Q Plus B.V. also offers the following options:
- Anti-static
- Flame retardant
- Welding-spark resistant
- Food-grade
- Food application compliant
- Custom colours
- Hose sets
- Multi-tubing
- Spirals
- Chemical resistance
- Extra flexibility
- Various hardnesses
- Inch sizes
- Alternative test methods
- Tighter inner tolerance
- Tighter outer tolerance
- Custom lengths
- Special packaging per set
