FAQ

• How long does polyurethane tubing last?

Uninstalled polyurethane can last for many years if stored in normal conditions without excessive exposure to heat, cold, sunlight, or chemicals.

• Is polyurethane tubing safe for food and drinking water?

Yes, polyurethane tubing is FDA-compliant and is safe for food and drinking water.

• How do you connect a pneumatic tube?

It depends on the type of tube.  Our 98A polyurethane can be connected with push-in, compression, or barb fittings.  Other softer types of tubing such as PVC will not work with push-in fittings, so barb or sometimes compression fittings are normally used.  Nylon tubing can usually be connected with push-in or compression fittings.  Some nylon tubing is too rigid to use with barb fittings.

• What is the difference between a pneumatic/air tube and a pneumatic/air hose?

Pneumatic tube and hose are terms that sometimes get used interchangeably.  The two main differences is usually in the material they are made from, their physical size, and how they are referenced for size.  Often pneumatic tube is made from types of plastic.  It typically comes in smaller sizes than rubber hose.  In many settings such as automation,  pneumatic tubing is measured by the outer diameter (O.D.) because they are commonly used with push-to-connect fittings that grip the outside of the tube.  The term “Pneumatic Hose” is sometimes used for plastic airlines, especially in settings with compressors and air tools where nylon tube coils are used.  In this case, the plastic hose is usually measured by the inner diameter (I.D.) of the hose.  the term “Pneumatic Hose” is also used when referencing rubber hoses which are measured by the I.D. because they are commonly used with barb fittings.  For more info click here.

• What are thermoplastic air hoses used for?

A thermoplastic air hose is sometimes also referred to as a rubber hose even though it’s not truly made of rubber.  It can be used for a wide variety of things.  One common use is in light to medium pneumatic or hydraulic automation applications where the hose supplies air or hydraulic fluid to components.  It can also be used in a number of other settings to transfer air, water, or oils.  Please refer to manufacturer specifications for more information.

• What are the different types of PU tubes?

The types of PU or polyurethane tube is all from the same general family of plastic tubing.  PU tube is flexible but the main difference is the degree of flexibility (durometer).  Standard PU tube is desirable because it is soft enough to be flexible but (most is) stiff enough to be used with time-saving push in fittings.  85A-98A are the durometers usually used with push-in fittings.  Softer versions such as 80A or lower may need to be used with barb or compression fittings.  

• What type of tube is flexible?

Common types of flexible tubes are polyurethane, PVC, polyethylene, nylon, and PTFE.  The main differences are the tolerances to chemicals, temperature, and pressure ratings as well as differences in pricing.

• What is the best tubing for push-to-connect fittings?

It depends on the situation.  Polyurethane tubing is very commonly used with push-to-connect fittings.  Its hardness rating usually makes it flexible but also suitable for push-in fittings.  Nylon and polyethylene tubing can also be used with push-to-connect fittings but they are not as flexible as polyurethane.  Some nylon and polyethylene tubing also have a higher pressure rating (commonly over 150 PSI at 75 ° F).  Please reference all manufacturer specs for tubing and fittings before using.

• What is the function of air tube?

The function of an air tube is to transfer pressurized air from one place to another.  In automation, this can be the transfer of air from a directional control valve to an air cylinder.  In medical devices, this can be the transfer of air from a small compressor to an air bladder.

• What is the most flexible tubing?

The most flexible tubing is PVC tubing.  PVC is used often for heating and cooling and aquarium applications.  It typically has to be used with barb fittings because it is too soft for push-to-connect fittings.  Polyurethane is still considerably more flexible and kink-resistant than polyethylene or nylon but most of the time is stiff enough to use with push-in fittings.

• What is the PSI rating for polyurethane tube?

It depends on the type and the external elements.  Our 98A polyurethane has a max operating rating of 140 PSI at 75° F.  Higher temperatures and exposure to certain chemicals can reduce this PSI rating.

• Which is better, PU or nylon tube?

It depends on your needs.  Nylon tube typically has a higher PSI rating and is more chemical resistant than polyurethane.  However, it is also stiffer, less resistant to kinks, and sometimes more expensive.  For most basic automation (shop atmosphere) applications polyurethane works well.

• Is PU tube stronger than PVC tube?

PU (Polyurethane) tube typically has a higher pressure rating and is more resistant to chemicals, higher and lower temperatures, and abrasion.  

• Is a polyurethane tube stronger than a rubber hose?

Rubber hose tends to be softer which can lend more to tears cuts and abrasion.  Rubber hose is also more likely to kink and retain the kink memory.

• Does a bigger air hose affect pressure?

The OD and ID of the air hose or air tube do not affect pressure as much as the length.  Bigger OD and ID in the hose typically lead to more flow but not necessarily more pressure.

• Which type of tube is used for aquariums?

PVC is the most common type of tube used for aquariums because it is flexible and cost-effective and most aquarium uses do not require a higher pressure tube.  Polyurethane can also be used and is less prone to kinking and abrasion if that is a concern.

• What type of tube/hose is used for compressors and air tools?

 The most common types of tube/hose used with air tools are polyurethane, nylon, and rubber/thermoplastic.  rubber/thermoplastic can be better in colder conditions as it stays soft.  However, it is also more prone to cuts, wear, and kinks.  Nylon and Polyurethane tubes/hoses (both straight and coiled) are also commonly used in shop settings with air tools.

• What are common sizes of tubing?

Polyurethane air tubing is usually measured by the OD of the tube.  It also comes in inch and metric tubing sizes.  Common inch sizes are 1/8″ OD, 5/32″ OD, 1/4″ OD, 3/8″ OD, 5/16″ OD, 1/2″ OD and sometimes 3/4″ OD.  Common metric sizes are 4MM OD, 6MM OD, 8MM OD, 10MM OD, 12MM OD, and sometimes 16MM.  How long does polyurethane tubing last?