How to choose the right material for your compressed air tubing? Materials guide

Considerations

Pneumatic tubes and hoses are responsible for transporting compressed air from a compressor or main reservoir of a pneumatic system to the tool or equipment.

However, not all hoses have the same properties, and the material should be selected based on:

• Maximum working pressure
• The temperature range
• The type of fluid that circulates: air, water, oil, chemicals, etc.
• Working conditions: UV rays, abrasion, extreme temperatures, etc.

Classification of materials

Polyurethane . It is characterized by its flexibility, lightness and low permeability, as well as its resistance to abrasion, torsion, chemicals and high temperatures.

Polyamide . It also stands out for its flexibility and lightness, but also for its resistance to chemicals and temperatures.

Polyethylene . This material is popular due to its combination of flexibility, strength, and low cost. Unlike other materials, it softens at high temperatures and becomes brittle at low temperatures, does not withstand high pressure, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the material.

PVDF . The properties of this hose are excellent: it is extremely resistant to chemicals and UV radiation, can withstand high temperatures, helps maintain the temperature of the transported fluid, and is safe for contact with food and pharmaceuticals.

PTFE . Polytetrafluoroethylene hoses, commonly known as Teflon, are an excellent choice given their properties. It is one of the most chemically inert materials, can withstand a wide range of temperatures, has low gas permeability, is non-reactive, has a low coefficient of friction, resists abrasion, is an excellent electrical insulator, and is self-lubricating.

PVC is a popular choice thanks to its flexibility, resistance to abrasion and chemicals, and low cost. Therefore, it is common in DIY applications and some low-demand industrial applications where flexibility and low cost are paramount.

PFA . This material, belonging to the fluoropolymer family, is an excellent alternative for applications requiring high purity, chemical resistance, and thermal resistance. Its wear-resistant surface is flame-retardant.

Silicone . It is a suitable alternative for food and pharmaceutical use because it is odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and transparent. Furthermore, it exhibits good resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and UV radiation.

At Disumtec, we also have a wide variety of accessories to connect pneumatic hoses, such as clamps or flanges .