Nylon Tubing
Nylon tubing, also known as polyamide tubing, is a type of tubing made from polyamide resin, which has a strongresistance to abrasion. It is used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications...
Plastic Tubing: Applications, Designs and Production
Introduction
Here is everything you need to know about the manufacture of plastic tubing and its use.
You will learn:
- What is Plastic Tubing?
- Applications for Plastic Tubing
- How Plastic Tubing is Made
- Plastic Tubing Design
- And much more �
Chapter One � Understanding Plastic Tubing
Plastic tubing is produced from a combination of polymers and diverse chemicals, creating a material that can be either rigid or pliable. Since its debut in the 1950s, plastic tubing has revolutionized industrial procedures and become essential to a wide array of uses.
Renowned for its adaptability and flexibility, plastic tubing comes in numerous wall thicknesses, diameters, tolerances, and strengths. It is constructed from a variety of materials designed to accommodate specific needs in several applications.
Chapter Two � What are the Applications for Plastic Tubing?
The flexibility, chemical resistance, durability, and adaptability of plastic tubing make it essential for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Plastic tubing is engineered to deliver reliable, long-lasting performance in sectors as diverse as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, automotive, and food processing. The main advantages of plastic tubing over traditional materials—such as steel, copper, and aluminum—include its high tensile strength, lightweight structure, superior corrosion resistance, and exceptional cost-effectiveness. Since plastic is significantly less expensive to produce and install, it remains a preferred option for numerous fluid transfer and protective conduit solutions.
Pneumatic Tubing
Pneumatic tubing refers to specialty plastic tubing designed specifically for pneumatic control systems and compressed air distribution. This flexible pneumatic tubing can withstand the pressure and cyclical loads typical in factory automation, robotics, and instrumentation. Made from materials like polyurethane, nylon, or polyethylene, pneumatic plastic tubing is ideal for industrial automation and process control applications. Its robust construction ensures reliable operation in outdoor environments and harsh conditions, tolerating temperatures as low as -4° F and up to 140° F (-20° C to -60° C). Most plastic pneumatic tubing meets industrial standards and can handle working pressures up to 115 PSI at 68° F (20° C), making it suitable for compressed air lines, air tool connections, and pneumatic actuators.
Mailing Tubing
Clear plastic mailing tubes are widely used for safe delivery of blueprints, marketing literature, posters, product samples, and other sensitive items. Constructed with heavy-duty walls, these polyethylene or polycarbonate tubes provide reliable protection against crushing, moisture, and rough handling encountered during mail transit. Plastic mailing tubes are manufactured in a wide range of lengths and diameters, offering versatile shipping solutions for documents and promotional materials. Tamper-evident end caps and transparent walls further support security and visibility of the contents during shipment.
Banking Tubing
In the banking and financial services industry, plastic tubing is a critical component of pneumatic tube systems. These systems use durable, thick-walled plastic tubing to transport transaction carriers safely between tellers and customers, both indoors and at drive-through banking stations. The smooth interior of plastic banking tubes enables frictionless movement, minimizes the risk of blockage, and supports high-speed, secure transfer of documents, currency, and coins. Quality PVC or polycarbonate banking tubing is engineered to meet rigorous safety and durability standards, contributing to seamless financial transactions and enhanced customer convenience.
Farming Tubing
Plastic agricultural tubing plays a vital role in modern farming operations, particularly in irrigation, fertigation, and livestock watering systems. Thanks to its lightweight design and resistance to corrosion, scaling, and UV rays, plastic tubing can be installed across vast acreage with minimal joints or connectors. Polyethylene (PE) tubing, PEX pipe, and flexible PVC tubing are commonly used to help farmers optimize water distribution to crops and animals. The resulting low maintenance requirements and reliability translate to cost savings and improved efficiency for both small farms and large-scale agricultural operations.
Liquid Tubing
Plastic tubing for liquid transfer is engineered for safe, clean, and efficient fluid movement in a range of industries. When it comes to potable water and beverage lines, FDA-approved food-grade plastic tubing—crafted from materials such as silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon, or PVC—meets strict standards for sanitation, taste, and odor neutrality. In chemical processing, manufacturers select chemical-resistant tubing formulations to handle acids, solvents, and other aggressive fluids. End-users benefit from options including flexible vinyl tubing for home aquarium systems, reinforced thermoplastic hose for industrial fluid handling, and sanitary tubing for breweries, laboratories, and medical applications. Choosing the right tubing ensures compliance with federal regulations, proper pressure and temperature ratings, and leak-free operation for applications ranging from soft drink dispensers to laboratory water treatment systems.
Automotive Tubing
In the automotive industry, plastic tubing offers performance and engineering advantages over traditional metal lines. Flexible automotive tubing—often made from reinforced nylon, PTFE, or high-density polyethylene—is widely used for fuel lines, vent hoses, vacuum tubing, windshield washer fluid lines, and coolant system connections. The inherent flexibility and chemical compatibility of plastic tubing supports vibration absorption, high temperature and pressure resistance, and weight reduction in modern vehicle design. As automotive emissions standards tighten, more manufacturers turn to engineered polymer tubing for efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Marine Tubing
Marine-grade plastic tubing is specifically developed for use in boats and ships, where it delivers optimal performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments. For example, flexible PVC marine tubing is popular for bilge pump systems, livewell and bait tank plumbing, and fuel delivery lines. This tubing provides outstanding resistance to salt, abrasion, chemicals, and oils commonly encountered in marine settings. Non-toxic, non-corrosive materials ensure compliance with Coast Guard regulations, while UV stabilization prolongs the tubing’s service life even when exposed to sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
Medicinal Tubing
Medical plastic tubing is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, facilitating safe and sterile transfer of fluids, medications, and gases in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. High-performance medical tubing is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and clarity. Options include single-lumen and multi-lumen extrusions, kink-resistant tubing, and antimicrobial formulations for use in catheters, IV lines, peristaltic pumps, and diagnostic devices. Medical-grade PVC, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubing meet stringent USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards for patient safety and product reliability. Sterile packaging, tailored sizes, and custom manufacturing are common features requested by medical device designers and purchasing professionals.
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic, or roller pumps, rely exclusively on flexible plastic tubing to provide accurate, contamination-free fluid transfer in industries including food processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory analysis. The pump’s rotor and wipers create a gentle "pinch" action, ensuring precise dosing, metering, and dispensing of sensitive or viscous liquids. Compatible tubing materials—such as silicone, Tygon®, or thermoplastic elastomers—are chosen based on resistance to chemicals, sterilization methods, and pressure requirements. Selecting the right tubing for peristaltic pumps not only protects product purity but also extends pump life and maintains system efficiency.
Additional Applications and Considerations
Beyond the industries listed above, plastic tubing is integral in HVAC systems, aquaculture, laboratory research, beverage dispensing, and industrial automation. Key considerations when specifying plastic tubing include material compatibility with the intended fluid, pressure and temperature ratings, required certifications (such as NSF for potable water or USP for pharmaceuticals), flexibility, UV resistance, and installation requirements. Custom colors, branding, and packaging further support brand recognition and product differentiation. When selecting your plastic tubing supplier, consider manufacturers offering a wide selection, fast turnaround, engineering support, and compliance with relevant standards to ensure reliable, safe, and cost-effective solutions for your project needs.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Chapter Three � How Plastic Tubing is Made?
Plastic tubing is manufactured using two primary methods: extrusion and pultrusion. In extrusion, molten plastic is forced through a die, shaping it into the desired form. In contrast, pultrusion involves pulling the molten plastic through the die, allowing it to solidify into its final shape.
Plastic Extrusion Process
The extrusion process involves several key steps. Initially, polymer resin, known as nurdles, pellets, granules, flakes, or powder, is loaded into a hopper mounted on the extruder's barrel. From the hopper, the resin travels down through the feed throat into the barrel, where a screw pushes it towards the die. As the resin moves through the barrel, it is gradually heated to its melting point. The extrusion process employs advanced equipment to meticulously control temperature, speed, force, tension, and duration to ensure precise results.
Both flexible and rigid tubing are produced through the extrusion process. Coextrusion allows for the combination of two or more materials to create tubing with a rigid core and a flexible outer layer.
Modern extrusion processes are overseen by computerized equipment to ensure that the final cross-section precisely matches the engineered design.
Plastic Pultrusion Process
Pultrusion, similar to extrusion, is a continuous feed process used to create tubing profiles. However, unlike extrusion, pultrusion involves pulling reinforced fibers, which are pre-wetted with a thermoplastic resin, through a die. During this process, polymerization occurs as the fibers pass through the die.
Pultrusion is an efficient and low-maintenance process for producing plastic tubing. It results in tubing that boasts both corrosion resistance and good thermal conductivity.
Plastic Tubing Materials
Acrylic Tubing
Acrylic tubing is clear, impact and UV-resistant, and half the weight of glass. It is used in a wide variety of applications from lighting to various industrial processes.
PVC Tubing (poly vinyl chloride)
PVC tubing is renowned for its resistance to chemicals, corrosion, abrasion, and wear, while offering excellent flexibility. It is widely used across various industrial applications.
CPVC Tubing (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
The primary distinction between CPVC and PVC is that CPVC offers greater corrosion resistance at higher temperatures.
Fiberglass Tubing
Fiberglass plastic tubing is produced through pultrusion, combining fiberglass with thermoset polyester or vinyl. Available in hundreds of shapes, it offers resistance to corrosion and UV rays. Fiberglass tubing is often used as an electrical insulator and is known for its dimensional stability.
Nylon Tubing
Nylon tubing is lightweight and has corrosion and abrasion resistance, which makes it useful for a variety of industrial applications. It has excellent elastic memory that makes it capable of being flexed multiple times over long periods without exhibiting fatigue or fracturing. Nylon tubing is impact-resistant, even at below freezing temperatures and has very low moisture absorption.
Polycarbonate Tubing
Polycarbonate tubing is designed to withstand harsh environments. It combines lightweight strength with flame and impact resistance. Additionally, polycarbonate tubing can be machined and drilled without risk of cracking.
Polyethylene Tubing
Polyethylene tubing features a waxy, durable texture and is valued for its resistance to erosion from water and chemicals. It exhibits exceptional resistance to cracking even under challenging environmental conditions.
Polystyrene Tubing
Polystyrene tubing is lightweight, flexible, and durable, making it ideal for safely transporting fluids and gases. It offers excellent vapor and moisture resistance and is available in burst prevention rates that meet heat resistance standards.
Silicone Tubing
Silicone tubing is favored in medical applications for its cleanliness and non-toxicity. It shares similar elasticity with rubber tubing, providing flexibility in its use. Rated by the NSF for food-grade temperatures, silicone tubing can operate within a temperature range of -100°F and 500°F (-73°C to -260°C).
Vinyl Tubing
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the most commonly used type of vinyl tubing. It is known for being resistant to chemicals, lightweight, exceptionally strong, non-toxic, transparent, and having a high melting point.
Polypropylene Tubing
Polypropylene tubing is quite similar to polyethylene but offers greater rigidity, a higher melting point, and can be made optically clear. It is also resistant to punctures and chemicals. This tubing is suitable for environments with temperatures ranging from freezing to 275°F (135 °C).
HDPE Tubing (High Density Polyethylene)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing boasts an excellent strength-to-density ratio and has a low risk of shattering, corrosion, and other failures. It is commonly used for transferring water, air, and chemicals. HDPE can be sterilized by boiling, withstand high pressure, and resist abrasion.
PTFE Tubing (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
PTFE tubes are flexible and can withstand temperatures ranging from -390°F to 500°F (-234°C to 260°C). They are resistant to corrosive liquids and gases and will not crack even in high-temperature environments. PTFE tubes are commonly used in laboratories and chemical operations.
EVA Tubing (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate)
EVA tubing is flexible, impact-resistant, and can withstand very low temperatures. It is also resistant to grease, oil, and UV rays. Commonly used in hospitals, surgical environments, and the pharmaceutical industry, EVA tubing operates within a temperature range of -76°F to 140°F (-60°C to 60°C) and meets FDA standards.
Polyurethane Tubing (PU)
Polyurethane (PU) tubing is highly resistant to abrasion while remaining flexible and kink-resistant, with excellent memory properties. It can stretch and flex easily but returns to its original shape. PU tubing is ideal for high-pressure and medical applications, as well as situations where flexibility is crucial. Its resistance to gasoline, oils, and other petrochemicals makes it a popular choice for fuel lines and similar uses.
Chapter Four - What are some of the leading plastic tubing machines?
In the United States and Canada, there are numerous machines available for producing plastic tubing. These machines are crucial in today's manufacturing industry, as they facilitate the efficient production of plastic tubing used in a wide range of applications, including irrigation parts, medical devices, automotive components, and more. Below, we discuss some of these leading machines.
Davis-Standard's Thermatic® Series Extruders
Features/Characteristics: Davis-Standard's Thermatic® series extruders are known for their versatility, enabling the production of a wide range of plastic tubing in various sizes, shapes, and materials. These extruders provide excellent process control, uniformity, and high output rates, making them a popular choice across different industries.
Milacron's TP Series Extrusion Machines
Features/Characteristics: Milacron's TP series extrusion machines are renowned for their efficiency and precision in plastic tubing production. Equipped with advanced controls and automation systems, these machines allow for easy adjustments and process optimization. The TP series is highly valued for its high throughput, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Conair's MedLine® Extruders
Features/Characteristics: Conair's MedLine® extruders are specifically engineered for medical tubing applications, making them a popular choice in the healthcare industry. These machines provide exceptional quality control and cleanliness to meet stringent medical standards and include features that minimize contamination risks during production.
Arburg's ALLROUNDER Series Injection Molding Machines
Features/Characteristics: Arburg's ALLROUNDER series injection molding machines are renowned for their precision and versatility. While typically used for injection molding, some models in this series can also produce plastic tubing via "tube molding" or "pipe molding" processes. These machines are praised for their high repeatability and are capable of mass-producing complex tubing designs.
Wilmington Machinery's Series III Blow Molding Machines
Features/Characteristics: Wilmington Machinery's Series III blow molding machines excel in producing hollow plastic tubing, including bottles and containers. They are designed to ensure consistent wall thickness, excellent dimensional accuracy, and rapid cycle times, making them ideal for high-volume manufacturing.
It's important to note that technological advancements and evolving industry trends may have led to the development of newer and more advanced machines since this posting. For the most up-to-date information on leading machines for plastic tubing production in the United States and Canada, it is advisable to consult manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts.
Chapter Five � What factors are important in plastic tubing design?
Given the wide range of materials and applications for plastic tubing, selecting the right type for a specific use requires careful consideration of the desired properties. While plastic is a versatile and durable material, the challenge lies in determining the specific features needed for the application.
Plastic Tubing Design
Strength
Assessing the mechanical properties of a material, including its tensile strength, is crucial when selecting the appropriate plastic. Tensile strength measures how much stress a plastic can withstand before breaking, and it varies between 12,400 psi and over 20,000 psi. The chart below provides a comprehensive list of various plastics and their tensile strength in megapascals at 73°F (23°C).
Diameters
Tubing is measured by its inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD), which can range from 0.125" to 4" (0.3 to 10 cm). The difference between the ID and OD represents the wall thickness, which is a key factor in determining the strength of the tubing.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness is calculated by subtracting the inside diameter (ID) from the outside diameter (OD) and then dividing the result by two.
Flexibility
The flexibility of plastic tubing depends on the material used in its manufacture. PVC, polyurethane, and silicone are all flexible materials, with silicone being the most flexible of the three.
Fittings
Plastic tubing fittings come in various types, including compression, push-to-connect, quick turn, threaded, barbed, socket, and flanged. The choice of fitting should be based on the specific application and how the tubing will be used.
Color
Plastic tubing is available in an almost limitless range of colors, including translucent and clear options.
Length
Plastic tubing can be manufactured to any length, tailored to the specific needs of the application. It can range from just a few inches to several hundred feet.
Cost
When comparing the cost of plastic tubing to steel or stainless steel in terms of tensile strength, steel and stainless steel are significantly stronger. However, the primary advantage of plastic tubing is its cost. While a few stainless steel tubes may cost as much as hundreds of flexible plastic tubes, plastic offers a more economical alternative.
Durability
The durability and strength of plastic tubing are influenced by its wall thickness and the resin blend used. The strength of plastic tubing is directly related to the amount of stress it can withstand. Plastic can endure significant stress before failing, making it quite resilient.
Corrosion Resistance
All plastics are resistant to corrosion, but the degree of resistance varies depending on the type of polymer used. Polyolefins and PVC are among the most corrosion-resistant plastics. Polyolefins include polyethylene and polypropylene, which are available in various densities and molecular structures to facilitate design versatility.
Antimicrobial Properties
Resins used for plastic tubing can be manufactured with antimicrobial properties integrated into the pellets. This feature is essential for applications such as food storage, coolers, water tubes, and medical tubing. The antimicrobial additive helps prevent contamination and ensures that the tubing remains sanitized.
Toxicity
Plastic products can potentially be toxic, with the level of toxicity depending on the type of resin used in their production. When deciding to manufacture plastic tubing, it is important to consider the potential toxicity of the materials as part of the design process.
Chapter Six � What are the characteristics of plastic tubing?
The characteristics of plastic tubing depend on the materials, configuration, and manufacturing methods used. While surgical and industrial tubing can have vastly different applications, all plastic tubing shares certain common features despite these variations.
Characteristics of Plastic Tubing
Hollow Shafts
Plastic tubing serves as a hollow shaft designed to transport gases, fluids, or solid, flaky materials. While circular profiles are most common, plastic tubing can also be made in various shapes, including hollow designs.
Polymer
Plastic tubing is made from different types of plastic, all originating from a polymer base. This material is chosen for its strength, durability, resistance to corrosion and rust, and cost-effectiveness.
Versatility
The strength, durability, and transparency of plastic tubing depend on the materials used in its production. Despite these differences, plastic tubing remains one of the most widely used components in manufacturing due to its low cost and versatility.
Cleararity
Plastic tubing can be manufactured to achieve clarity comparable to glass while being more durable and less prone to breaking.
Functionality
Plastic tubing can be engineered to withstand various conditions and handle different materials. Unlike some other tubing types, it often does not require special treatment to move chemicals or corrosive substances.
Durability
Although plastic does not match the tensile strength of steel or stainless steel, it is highly capable of enduring everyday wear and tear. Plastic tubing can sustain significant damage while still maintaining its strength.
Recyclable
All plastics can be recycled and reprocessed into new products. When plastic tubing reaches the end of its useful life, it can be returned to be repurposed into pellets or resin and re-extruded for further use.
Chapter Seven � What are the different types of plastic tubing?
The variety of materials used to manufacture plastic tubing matches the diversity of its types, ranging from highly sanitary tubes for cleanrooms and surgical environments to drainage tubes for sewage and waste removal. Plastic tubing is engineered to meet specific application requirements and can be molded, shaped, and configured to suit various conditions.
Corrugated Plastic Tubing
Corrugated tubing is used in chemical processing, corrosive environments, laboratories, and for high-purity fluid and solvent transfer. It is highly flexible, allowing it to be extended or compressed without altering the inside diameter (ID). Corrugated plastic tubing can be manufactured in any length and with various IDs to meet specific needs.
Heat Shrinkable Plastic Tubing
Heat shrinkable tubing is used for insulating wiring. It is applied around the wire and then shrinks to fit tightly. This tubing is resistant to fuels, lubricants, acids, and solvents, even at high temperatures.
Medical Plastic Tubing
Medical plastic tubing is manufactured to the exacting standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). USP Class VI defines the requirements for biological reactivity, while NSF 51 outlines the use of plastics with food products. Medical tubing has to be translucent, able to be sterilized and reusable, and nonreactive with bodily fluids or tissues.
Square Plastic Tubing
Square plastic tubing is less common but is occasionally used for its aesthetic appeal. It serves similar functions to cylindrical tubing and can transport liquids and gases. Its strength also makes it suitable for manufacturing lawn furniture.
Rigid Plastic Tubing
Hard or rigid plastic tubing is manufactured from various materials and is used both as a conduit and as construction material. It has a wide range of industrial applications due to its durability and structural integrity.
Small Diameter Plastic Tubing
Small diameter tubing, or miniature tubing, is used in applications where standard tubing is required but on a smaller scale. It is made from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC. This type of tubing is commonly used in electrical components, swab sticks, medical products, and dispensing tubes, and it can be produced in various lengths.
Centrifuge Plastic Tubing
Centrifuge plastic tubing consists of cylindrical tubes used in centrifuge machines to analyze and separate materials. These tubes are high-strength and precision-engineered to safely contain a variety of substances. Due to their cost-effectiveness, plastic centrifuge tubes are more commonly used than their glass counterparts.
Chapter Eight � What are the regulations and specifications for plastic tubing?
The regulations governing the production of plastic tubing primarily focus on its use in the food industry and for water transport. In addition to government regulations, various organizations establish and oversee guidelines for materials that come into contact with the public.
FDA (Food & Drug Administration) Regulations
The FDA regulates products that come into contact with food or beverages. Given the significant role plastic tubing plays in the food industry, the FDA has set regulations to ensure cleanliness and sanitary standards for food processing tubing. Materials used in plastic tubing are tested for composition, additives, and properties. If they meet the FDA’s standards, they are deemed FDA compliant. FDA CFR 21 encompasses regulations for materials used in medical applications as well.
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Regulations
The USDA oversees equipment used in the production of meat and poultry products. Its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides guidelines that align with FDA requirements listed in CFR 9, ensuring safety and compliance in food production.
3A-Dairy Regulations
The 3A-Dairy group is a voluntary organization dedicated to improving the quality, standards, and equipment used in dairy product production. Its main focus is on enhancing sanitary conditions during production. The organization collaborates with food handling manufacturers to improve their methods and awards a 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. compliance seal to those who meet its criteria.
NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Regulations
The NSF was established to standardize sanitation and food safety requirements, with over 80 standards for public health and safety. It covers all aspects of food production and includes critical examination and testing of equipment that contacts drinking water, such as plumbing systems, water treatment chemicals, and filters.
NSF Standards relevant to Plastic Tubing include:
- 51 Plastics in Food Equipment
- 61 Drinking Water System
- 14 Manufacture of Fittings
USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Regulations
The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) is a public standards authority for medicines and healthcare products, establishing criteria for quality, purity, strength, and consistency. USP Class VI standards specifically assess the toxicity of materials and their potential risks to human health. Tubes that come into contact with body tissues or muscles undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure they meet these standards. The USP employs various tests to determine whether a material complies with its safety and performance requirements.
Conclusion
- Plastic tubing is a form of tubing that is manufactured from a mixture of a polymer and a variety of chemicals to form a material that can be solid or flexible.
- Plastic tubing is produced in any wall thickness, diameter, tolerance, and strength using a combination of materials to specifically fit various applications.
- The main benefit of plastic tubing over steel, aluminum, or other materials is its consistent strength and cost-effectiveness since it is far less expensive to produce.
- The two methods for the manufacture of plastic tubing are extrusion and pultrusion.
- The number of materials used to manufacture plastic tubing is matched by the number of types of plastic tubing, which ranges from highly sanitary tubes used in cleanrooms and surgery to drainage tubes for sewage and waste removal.
