Rubber Tubing

Rubber tubing is used in flow lines for fluids and gases in a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, process, medical, and specialty applications. Natural rubber tubing is based on polyisoprene and includes compounds such as gum rubber and latex. Synthetic rubber tubing includes silicone, polyurethane, polysulfide, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl, acrylic or polyacrylate, isoprene, polyisobutylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), vinyl and nitrile compounds. Rubber tubing can be flexible or rigid and clear or multi-color.

There are several performance specifications and important dimensions for rubber tubing. Performance specifications include rated pressure, maximum vacuum, minimum bend radius, and temperature range. Rated pressure and maximum vacuum are important specifications for rubber tubing. Rated pressure is stated as the short-term burst pressure at 75° F. Maximum vacuum is expressed in inches or millimeters of mercury and is referenced below one standard atmosphere. 

Minimum bed radius, temperature range, and dimensions should be considered when choosing rubber tubing. Minimum bend radius is based on an acceptable cross-section deformation. Temperature range is the full-required range of ambient operating temperature. Dimensions and important measurements for rubber tubing include outside diameter (OD), inside diameter (ID), and wall thickness. English measurements are expressed in inches or fractions of an inch. Metric measurements are expressed in millimeters or centimeters.

Specialized rubber tubing is available for a range of applications. Rubber tubing can be conductive or semi-conductive, spark-resistant, explosion-proof, sterilized, reinforced, coiled or spiraled, or corrugated. Conductive and spark-resistant rubber tubing assists are specialized rubber tubing. Conductive or semi-conductive tubing prevents the buildup of static electricity. Spark resistant tubing is designed to withstand electrical discharge. 

Explosion-proof rubber tubing, sterilized tubing, and reinforced tubing are commonly available. Explosion-proof tubing products can contain explosions caused by gas, vapor, or dust. Sterilized rubber tubing is treated with dry heat, gamma irradiation, or chemical disinfectants. Reinforced rubber tubes include fibers or banding, multi-layered tubes contain concentric layers, and multi-element tubes are formed or adhered together in a flat or ribbon rubber tubing configurations. 

Coiled tubing and corrugated rubber tubing are types of rubber tubing. Coiled rubber tubing provides increased flexibility and capacity for compression and elongation of rubber tubes.

Rubber tubing is used in many industries and applications, including aerospace, chemical, cryogenic, food processing, medical, and pharmaceutical. Some rubber tubing is suitable for use at high ambient temperatures, or can transport corrosive substances such as acids and solvents. Tubing that is rated for compressed air or a vacuum is also available. Specific applications for rubber tubing include flow lines for fluids and gases in a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, process, medical, and specialty processes.

• Reference Guide: Properties and Characteristics of Urethane and Rubbers
  IStandard of Shore Hardness of Urethane, Rubber CSelect the Shore A95, Shore A90, Shore A70, Shore A50, and Shore A30 based on the hardness of a golf ball, a hardball(using baseball), a softball, a...
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• How Pumps Work
  To see the basic principle of a tubing pump in action, lay a soft rubber or plastic tube across a hard, flat surface. (See Diagram Below) With a rolling pin, pinch the tube closed at the line A-A,...
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• Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP)
  Cold isostatic pressing (CIP) uses an oil-water or air mixture pressurized up to 100,000 psi. Flexible rubber or plastic tooling and steel mandrels are used in CIPing. CIP applications include...
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Part Numbers for Rubber Tubing