Plastic tubing is versatile and used in various applications. You'll find it in pneumatic tubing, mailing tubes, banking data carriers, farming equipment, liquid transportation, automotive parts, medical tubing, and peristaltic pumps, among other places.
Examples of plastic tubing include polyethylene, polyurethane, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated PVC, fiberglass, nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone, polypropylene, and ethyl vinyl acetate. Polyethylene and polyurethane are two of the most popular types of plastic tubing.
Polyethylene and polyurethane share many similarities but also carry subtle differences worth noting. Here's an overview of the main differences between the two plastic tubing options.
What Is Polyethylene Tubing?
Polyethylene is flexible and highly durable lightweight tubing that is safe for various applications. Polyethylene is also the most common plastic worldwide and is also known as PE or Poly Tubing.
The tubing is excellent for applications that need moisture resistance and offers resilience against cracks and punctures. Most plastic bottles and corrosion-resistant pipes use polyethylene. The tubing blends well with the surroundings and provides a clean look.
You'll find manypolyethylene benefits and uses. Below are some popular applications that benefit from the versatility of polyethylene tubing:
- Airlines
- Wire jacketing
- Chemical lines
- Food and beverage
- Fluid lines
- Hospital and lab applications and more.
What Is Polyurethane Tubing?
Polyurethane is another popular plastic found in many products, such as car parts, insulation, hoses, etc. Unlike polyethylene, polyurethane can be stiff or flexible and is known for its impeccable stretching properties.
Polyurethane is the go-to option if you need improved flexibility, heat resistance, and products to withstand harsh conditions. It dates back to World War II when it was an alternative to rubber. However, polyurethane is more durable than rubber.
Here are some popular applications of polyurethane tubing:
- Welding gas tubes
- Fluid lines
- Outdoor hoses
- Robotics and industrial applications
- Waste plumbing tubes and more.
What Are the Key Differences?
Polyethylene and polyurethane have many differences in terms of structure, the material used, manufacturing process, chemical composition, and applications. Below are the key distinctions:
- Production. Polyethylene tubing is an injection-molded thermoplastic resin. On the other hand, polyurethane tubing is from thermosets molded through cast and RIM (reaction injection molded) processes.
- Recycling. Manufacturers can melt, reform, and recycle polyethylene with ease. Conversely, once the polyurethane cures, the result is permanent and can't be undone.
- Hardness. Polyethylene achieves limited durometers, while polyurethane offers a wide range of durometers to select from.
- Temperature. Polyurethane offers high heat resistance of -80 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyethylene won't resist heat above 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bonding. Polyethylene is difficult to bond to other subcomponents. Conversely, polyurethane bonds to various materials and is often combined with PVC.
- Forms. Polyethylene is available in solid and foam only, while polyurethane is custom formulated to the design needs.
- Recycling. Since polyethylene is a thermoplastic, manufacturers can melt old, used, and finished products and reuse them to make other moldings. Polyurethane thermosets cannot be recycled.
- ESD. Polyethylene requires carbon black to reduce and discharge electrostatic buildup. On the other hand, polyurethane dissipates electrostatic buildup without carbon black.
Which Option Is the Best?
Polyurethane and polyethylene have various other differences, including distinct applications. Polyurethane tubing generally performs better under harsh conditions and will maintain form.
Polyethylene will lose form under temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, you need custom solutions for the application. Polyethylene suits low-temperature and low-pressure applications.
Seiler Plastics has more than 40 years of experience in the plastic tubing industry and focuses on custom solutions. You can speak to an expert for professional insights about tubing selection.Contact ustoday at Seiler Plastics to find out more and the best options for your needs.
FAQs
Polyurethane should be used when you need something that is flexible and resistant to kinks. Polyethylene should be used when you need extra strength or are worried about your pipes corroding over time. Lastly, polyethylene is the ideal choice for food and beverage solutions, since it won't spoil odor or taste.
What is the difference between PU and PA tubing? ›
Polyurethane (PU) - This hose is both flexible and resistant to chemicals and temperatures. Polyamide (PA) - Hoses made from this material can withstand high working pressures and temperatures.
What is polyurethane tubing used for? ›
What Applications Are Polyurethane Tubes Commonly Used For? They are widely used in pneumatic and hydraulic lines, fuel and oil transfer, material handling, robotics, medical devices, and in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
What is the difference between low density polyethylene and polyurethane? ›
Unlike polyethylene, polyurethane can be stiff or flexible and is known for its impeccable stretching properties. Polyurethane is the go-to option if you need improved flexibility, heat resistance, and products to withstand harsh conditions.
What is polyethylene plastic tubing? ›
Poly tubing, often referred to as PE tubing or polyethylene tubing is one of the most common PE tubing materials, noted for its flexibility and corrosion resistance. Freelin-Wade is a premier supplier of flexible, lightweight, durable polyethylene tubing in single item and high volume quantities.
Which is better polyethylene or polyurethane? ›
Even though it is not as flexible as polyurethane, polyethylene still provides excellent moisture protection and resistance from cracks and puncture-related problems.
What is the difference between polyethylene and polyurethane plastic? ›
Polyethylene is a thermoplastic resin, which means an item made with the material can be recycled, melted down and reformed into another shape. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a thermoset resin, meaning that it has two parts mixed together to form a chemical chain.
What are 2 benefits of using polyurethane? ›
Polyurethane is very resistant to extreme temperature, meaning harsh environmental conditions and many chemicals rarely cause material degradation. Most polyether based polyurethanes do not support fungal, mold and mildew growth and are therefore highly suitable for tropical environments.
Can polyethylene tubing be used outside? ›
Another advantage of poly tubing is its durability. This type of tubing is resistant to UV radiation and other environmental factors, which makes it ideal for use in outdoor settings.
What are the different types of polyurethane tubing? ›
There are two basic types of polyurethane tubing, ester-based and ether-based. Ester-based polyurethane has better chemical resistance to fuels, lubricants and other petroleum based chemicals. However, ether-based is more resistant to moisture while still providing good chemical resistance.
Polyurethane is strong and more durable than natural rubbers or thermoplastics, and it outperforms in highly abusive environments. It is a more cost-effective material in the long run for its long-lasting capabilities.
Is polypropylene the same as polyurethane? ›
Polypropylene and polyurethane serve many of the same purposes. However, each presents its own trade-offs. Polypropylene is created through the polymerization of propylene monomers while polyurethane is produced by reacting a diisocyanate with a polyol.
What are the disadvantages of low density polyethylene? ›
The disadvantages of low density polyethylene are:
- Susceptibility to stress cracking.
- Low strength, stiffness, and maximum service temperature.
- High gas permeability, particularly with carbon dioxide.
- Poor UV resistance.
- Highly Flammable.
The Multi-Purpose PU Lined Hose contains anti-abrasive PU lining, PVC compounds and polyester yarn, for added reinforcement. Ideal for pneumatic tools in general and anti-abrasive applications. The PU lining material is WRAS approved, making it safe for use with drinking water and food applications.
Can you use polyethylene tubing for drinking water? ›
In use in potable water applications since the 1960s, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has become the ideal material for piping systems used to transport drinking water.
How long does polyethylene tubing last? ›
Typically polyethylene pipe can last between 50-100 years if designed, maintained and installed correctly.
What is the difference between PA coating and PU coating? ›
Chemical Composition: PU coatings are flexible and water-resistant, while PA coatings boast strength and moisture-wicking properties. Waterproofing: PU coatings excel in waterproofing, while PA coatings offer good waterproofing alongside breathability.
Which is better PU tube or nylon tube? ›
Nylon enjoys a higher heat deflection temperature than polyurethane, as well as better chemical resistance and higher working pressure. Polyurethane and nylon both provide excellent abrasion resistance, offering protection from oils and fuel.
Which is better nylon or polyurethane recoil air hose? ›
The Flexzilla® revolution continues with the Flexzilla® polyurethane recoil air hose. Flexzilla® recoil air hose exhibits extreme, all-weather flexibility and outperforms nylon hose. Plus, with the field repairable fittings, damaged hose can be repaired quickly, using tools commonly available on the jobsite.
Which is better nylon or polyurethane hose? ›
Polyurethane Hose Or Nylon Tubing? Flexibility: While polyurethane is naturally flexible, nylon tubing can withstand repeated flexing better and longer. Application: Polyurethane hoses are better suited to tight bending in and through equipment, such as in robotics and pneumatic control machinery.
