Plastic tubing is hollow tubing made from plastic materials. It is used in applications ranging from fluid flow and structural systems to sheathing or insulation for heating or electrical assemblies. Plastic tubing is highly versatile and can be manufactured to be either rigid or flexible, depending on the needs of the application. To ensure that you have the correct tubing for your project, it is important to choose the right material, size, and design. A wide variety of standard tubing is available; however, custom tubing is often better for more complex or specialized applications.
WHAT IS PLASTIC TUBING?
Plastic tubing is composed of a mixture of polymer materials and various chemicals to create a rigid or flexible blend. Different materials offer unique benefits, such as enhanced toughness, abrasion resistance, and temperature resistance. The majority of plastic tubing is manufactured using the following methods:
Extrusion
Extruded plastic tubing is created when molten plastic material is pushed through a pre-cut die with the desired diameter. The plastic exits the die in one consistent strand and cools into the desired shape. As the tube lengthens, the plastic tube extrusion equipment cuts the plastic to the required length, for precise tubing that exhibits regular dimensions along its entire length.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PLASTIC TUBING FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Plastic tubing is available in a wide variety of materials. To ensure that you have the right material for the job, it is important to understand the physical properties of different types of plastic tubing. Some of the most common types of plastic tubing include:
ABS
Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Nylon (polyamide)
Polycarbonate
Polyethylene (PE)
Low & High-Density Polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Plastic tubing materials offer unique advantages for specific applications. Some polymers offer enhanced heat resistance, while others maintain flexibility in extreme cold. Other important features incorporated into plastic tube designs include spark resistance, flame resistance, chemical resistance, reinforced structure, and enhanced sterilization.
