Top 4 Pneumatic Hoses and Tubing By SMC

When we think of hoses, the industrial ones used for manufacturing appear smaller than tools for the garden or fire department. They exist to transport liquids and gases, depending on the machine’s purpose. Pneumatics is no different, and the tubes within it could use repairs or replacement as well. Sometimes they spring a leak, or the material wears down in one place. Alternatively, they get clogged, and there isn’t an opportunity to remove the blockage.

Pneumatic machines need to have a functioning system that transports energy-generating forces to the necessary actuators, valves, and engines. They are not that different from the human body, which has internal organs to transport blood, oxygen and electric signals to various parts of the body.

Why Do You Need Pneumatic Hoses?

Pneumatic machines run by absorbing air in the workspace, filtering and compressing the molecules, and then using the pressure to power up the engine. As long as the air is clean and there are no leaks, then you have consistent pressure. Gauges can measure that, as can sensors to ensure that work is going on as normal.

Hoses and tubes do the hard work of transferring the compressed air through valves and toward the actuator. They ensure that the air does not remain trapped within the filter and compressor, and if they are damaged, then you get no flow and possibly a good amount of leaks.

You want a hose when you have a heavy-duty machine. Hoses can handle higher amounts of air pressure, due to having a layer of tightly-wound fibers. They are also less likely to leak, due to the design. You do have to pay more, however, for that security.

Purpose Of Tubing

Why would you choose a tube over a hose? When you need fewer layers to hold and transport compressed air, you may want one. Or you want an affordable alternative since hoses are more costly compared to the two.

All hoses have tubes, but not all tubes have hoses. You can use a tube when your machine is lighter and is less complicated. Also, they are better for when you are making repairs on a tight budget.

Choosing A Hose Or Tube

You have to consider your machine’s functions and the flow rate for air. Hoses and tubes have two different measuring standards. While tubes are sold and sized based on their inner diameter (ID), hoses are organized based on their outer diameter (OD). This makes sense since a hose has multiple layers, and you cannot judge its insides as accurately.

Tubes come in either nylon, polyurethane, fluorescein, polyolefin, and polyethylene. You can also get tubes that are water-resistant or spark-proof. SMC Pneumatics has all of these, that you can use for your machine. Polyurethane is known for resisting kinks, which is useful as you try to coil and fit tubes into the machines.

They also have to match push locks or the following fittings: barb, compressed, push-to-connect, and threaded. They are often made of plastic, brass, or stainless steel. Make sure that the diameters match, and that the hose or tube openings fit. If they don’t, you can risk a leak, or a very frustrating time trying to fit the parts together in time to work on a project.

If the diameter of either the hose or tube is too small, then little to no air can flow relative to the machine. A too-large diameter can prove costly in the long run, and a waste of energy. You want to know what will connect to your cylinders, valves, actuators, or vacuums.

Recommended Series

We make recommendations based on various materials for your pneumatic tubes. Know if you are purchasing for flexibility, for size, and for what type of machine function. You can even order up to one thousand feet for certain tubes. Below are our recommendations.

Polyurethane Tubing – TCU

Do you need compact, flexible tubing? Then this series is just right for you. Sample several versions and use them in your machines that lack a fair amount of space. Choose from over a dozen color options and shades of red, green, black, yellow purple and more. You can find a part that is aesthetically

Choose from three different OD sizes depending on your needs, and use the seal while fitting in the tube under pressure. The minimum size is 66 feet, so order what you need to connect to your devices.

Polyurethane Tubing – TAU

Sometimes when you are conducting a machine, you want to avoid static electricity. The electricity can cause surprise jolts to operators.

There are six different diameters that you can use for your tubing, and the lengths are either a 20 M or 100 M roll. Install it without worrying about that sudden jolt from static electricity mixing with metal.

Wear Resistant Tubing – TUZ

Sliding motion abrasion can lead to wear and tear for tubes. The friction is unwelcome when it damages parts. You can use it in conditions between -4-140 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it highly useful for machines that generate intense amounts of heat. Choose from five different sizes.

Reduce your piping labor hours without a problem. Order up to 100 M and in five different colors.

TRTU, Flame Resistant Three-Layer Polyurethane Tubing

Does your workplace run the risk of electric fires? Those can pose a problem when working with potentially hazardous and flammable substances. You would rather reduce the risk so that your employees can remain safe and projects can finish on time.

This tubing is designed to resist fire and comply with RoHS. Six different colors and four OD sizes will ensure that you have an adequate variety for various diameters.

Learn More From SMC Pneumatics

SMC Pneumatics wants to help you make the right connections in your machine. We know what sizes you will need for your manufacturing processes or dental offices. Your push locks will match with the hose openings.

Call us today, to get recommendations for the proper fit for tubings and hoses. We are very happy to help you out and to choose appropriately sized diameters.