Flexible Plastic Tubing

Plastic tubing is used in some way in nearly every residential, commercial, and industrial facility. Constructed from plastic compounds with varying degrees of flexibility and rigidity, plastic tubing facilitates the movement of fluids and gases for an expansive range of pneumatic, hydraulic, processing, and medical applications, among others. The name plastic tubing usually applies to smaller tubing with a greater amount of flexibility rather than larger plastic tubes or hoses. 

At Fournier Rubber, we supply a full product line of plastic tubing options to ensure we have a solution for nearly any use case. Our experienced team can assist you in selecting the best tubing for your application.

Types of Flexible Plastic Tubing

The construction of flexible plastic tubing varies according to its specific intended purpose. There are multiple polymer options available, as well as various plasticizers that can be added to increase flexibility. Common types of plastic tubing include:

• Silicone tubing
• Antimicrobial tubing
• Chemical-resistant tubing
• PVC tubing
• Dairy and beverage tubing
• Polyurethane tubing

Characteristics of Each Type of Flexible Tubing

Choosing the right tubing for a unique application requires a better understanding of the various characteristics of each available type, as well as the advantages and benefits they provide for each situation.

Silicone Tubing

Silicone is a tough elastomer with significant flexibility, strength, and resistance. Stretching silicone will not cause it to tear and it will not weaken with repeated twisting and bending. It is clean and non-toxic, making it an ideal choice for medical and healthcare applications. Silicone also works well across a broad temperature range and adapts easily to sudden temperature changes.

• Standard measurement: 1/32″ inside diameter (ID) to 1″ ID
• Pressure ratings up to 180 psi reinforced (22 psi non-reinforced) @ 70° F (21.11° C)
• Temperature range of -79° F (-62° C) to 500° F (260° C)
• Sterilization: Low pressure steam autoclaving up to 250° F (121.11° C)

Antimicrobial Tubing

Antimicrobial tubing prevents the formation of biofilms and polymer slime. Silver-based compounds on the inner surface at the point of liquid contact facilitate these microbial properties. Antimicrobial tubing won’t leach elements from the materials moving through it, which helps to eliminate bad tastes and odors and lessen material degradation and discoloration, making it a good choice for medical and food and beverage applications.

• Standard measurement: 1/16″ ID to 1″ ID
• Pressure ratings up to 45 psi @ 73° F (22.78° C)
• Temperature range of -40° F (-40° C) to 170° F (76.67° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Chemical-Resistant Tubing

Chemical-resistant tubing transfers a variety of organic and inorganic liquid chemicals, including acids and bases, salt solutions, hydrocarbons, paints and varnishes, solvents, and more. This tubing contains an inner layer that is resistant to chemical corrosion. This layer may be made from a variety of materials depending on the application, including EPDM, EPM, fluoropolymers, Viton, polyamide, or polyethylene UPE.

The exterior construction of chemical-resistant tubing often includes reinforcements, such as a textile cord or braid, or a steel wire helix. Common uses for this tubing include chemical processing and loading/unloading of liquid chemicals into tank trucks, rail tankers, or IBC containers.

• Standard measurement: 1/16″ ID to 1″ ID
• Pressure ratings from 19 psi up to 40 psi @ 73° F (22.78° C)
• Temperature range of -103° F (-71° C) to 130° F (54.44° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

PVC Tubing

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible tubing, or vinyl tubing, is as flexible as rubber, lightweight, strong, and abrasion resistant. PVC tubing accommodates a wide variety of liquids, chemicals, and gases, making it an ideal choice for biotechnology, chemical transfer, food and beverage, fuel, pharmaceutical, and pressure and vacuum applications.

• Standard measurement: 1/16″ ID to 3″ ID
• Pressure ratings up to 70 psi @ 68° F (20° C)
• Temperature range up to 165° F (73.89° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Dairy and Beverage Tubing

Designed for transferring milk, bottled water, carbonated beverages, juices, and other types of beverages, this specialized tubing features resistances to virtually all non-solvent chemicals. It is lightweight and flexible with non-wetting properties, which facilitates full drainage and allows easy flush cleaning in accordance with dairy and beverage industry standards.

• Standard measurement: 1/32″ ID to 3″ ID
• Pressure ratings up to 100 psi @ 72° F (22.22° C)
• Temperature range of -32° F (-35° C) to 165° F (73.89° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Polyurethane Tubing

Made from a tough ester-based polyurethane, this tubing works well for applications requiring tight dimensional tolerances. Its advantages include oil, grease, and fuel resistance as well as good resistance to abrasion and tearing. Its broad temperature range allows it to stay flexible in sub-zero environments. Polyurethane tubing sees the broadest uses of tubing for transfer of food and beverages, lubricants, powders, pneumatics, hydraulics, coolants, and many other industrial applications.

• Standard measurement: 1/16″ ID to 1″ ID
• Pressure ratings up to 200 psi @ 70° F (21.11° C)
• Temperature range of -100° F (-73° C) to 200° F (93° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Polyethylene Tubing (LLDPE)

Polyethylene tubing, also known as PE tubing, is made from a flexible, lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant plastic. Its attributes include being odorless, tasteless, resistant to stress cracks, and chemical resistant. Poly tubing applications range from OEM machines, chemical processing, wire jacketing, food and beverage dispensing, and hospitals.

• Standard measurement: 1/8″ OD to 1″ OD
• Pressure ratings up to 140 psi @ 70° F (21.11° C)
• Temperature range of -42° F (-41° C) to 125° F (52° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Nylon Tubing

Manufactured from Nylon 11, this tubing will handle the flow of compressed air, nitrogen and inert gases. Nylon Vacuum Tubing helps provide strength and abrasion resistance at higher temperatures. The hard-wall of this tubing makes this product excellent for most vacuum applications.

• Standard measurement: 1/8″ OD to 1/2″ OD
• Pressure ratings up to 275 psi @ 70° F (21.11° C)
• Temperature range of -60° F (-5° C) to 200° F (93° C)
• Sterilization: Cannot be autoclaved

Flexible Plastic Tubing Solutions From Fournier Rubber

Flexible tubing plays a major role in the transfer of liquids and gases throughout a variety of industries and applications. The unique properties of each type of flexible plastic tubing determine the applications and environments for which they are best suited. Fournier Rubber and Supply Company has been a leading supplier of tubing products for a wide range of industries since 1933. Our trained personnel are eager to assist you with selecting the ideal flexible tubing for your unique application.

Contact us or request a quote to learn more about the flexible plastic tubing solutions available from Fournier.