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Polyurethane Tubing

Ether-based polyurethane flexible pneumatic tubing comprises both plastic and rubber-based materials, providing significant advantages in a wide range of applications. Compared to ester-based polyurethane products, polyurethane hose delivers high abrasion and tear resistance, high tensile and elongation values, low compression set, and uncompromised value.

As an exclusive ether-based polyurethane pneumatic tubing provider, UPC offers PUR flexible hose in various standard and metric sizes, colors, temperature ratings, and durometer levels, including 98, 95, 90, 85, and 70 shore A.
 

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Flexible Polyurethane Tubing Properties

Polyurethane is produced in a polymerisation reaction between diols or polyols and diisocyanates or polyisocyanates. The result is a molecule bonded by urethane (COONH) linkages. The following table provides a breakdown of some of the most common properties of polyurethane:
 
Properties Polyurethane
Density 0.05 - 1.7 g/cm3
Elongation at Break 2-950%
Hardness 45-98 Shore A
51-85 Shore D
Thermal Conductivity 0.14 - 0.5 W/m.K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 100-200 10-6 /ºC
Elastic Modulus 0.03 - 1.88 GPa
Flexural Modulus 0.029 - 18 GPa
Max. Service Temperature 80 - 90°C (120-135°C short-term)
Min. Service Temperature ~ -60°C
Dielectric Strength 17-25 kV/mm

Ester- Versus Ether-Based Polyurethane Hose Tubing

Polyurethane hose is comprised of two separate classes, esther-based and ether-based tubing. Both types of tubing display their unique chemical properties that cause similar reactions of differing qualities. Ester-based polyurethane tubing is inclined to degradation in moisture-rich environments; conversely, ether-based PUR hose products do not degrade under heavy moisture.

PUR Flexible Tubing Advantages

Polyurethane hose products are naturally clear and strongly resist chemicals, water, fuel, oil, and fungus. Flexible polyurethane pneumatic tubing provides a rubberlike feel without any plasticizers to leach or migrate, ensuring a long, stable service life. Additional PUR pneumatic tubing advantages include:
  • Incredibly flexible with an excellent memory
  • Low gas permeability, extractables, and compression set
  • Resistant to chemicals, water, fuel, oil, and fungus
  • Kink and abrasion-resistant
  • Tensile strength twice that of vinyl tubing

Polyurethane Hose Specifications

Polyurethane flexible hose maintains a high abrasion resistance while providing superior flexibility and kink resistance. Polyurethane pneumatic tubing is also highly regarded for its flex memory. Temperature-rated polyurethane pneumatic tubing is designed to be stretched and flexed, but it will always return to its original shape. Ether-based polyurethane tubing is available in 23 unique color options and can be used with push-in or barbed fittings.

Polyurethane Suggested Tubing Applications

Abrasive Powder Transfer • Agriculture • Air Tools • Automated Machinery • Automotive • Cement Slurries • Computer Disc Drive Equipment • Fluid Circuitry • Fluid Feeds • Granular Transfer • Grease & Lubrication Lines • Hydraulic Control Systems • Instrumentation • Insulating Sleeves • Lubricated Air Feeds • Metering Pumps • Oil & Fuel Lines • Oxygen & Gas Lines • Petroleum Products Transfer • Pneumatic Control Systems • Pressure Measuring Devices • Robotics • Sensing Systems • Small Motor Fuel Lines • Transfer Lines for Clean Liquids • Transfer Lines for Internal Contamination Fluids • Vacuum Equipment • Well Pipe and Cable Jacket • Many More

Differentiating Polyurethane Tubing ID and OD

When measuring polyurethane tubing dimensions, it is essential to remember that the OD is the outside diameter and is measured across the diameter of the pipe on the exterior walls. The ID is the internal diameter and is the diametric distance across the tube on the interior walls.

Contact Universal Power Conversion for Flexible Polyurethane Hose

Request a quote for the pneumatic accessories or hydraulic accessories you need. Click on one of the following links for more information about our Hydraulic Components, and Automation Accessories, including kink and abrasion-resistant polyurethane hose options.