When it comes to pneumatic tubing, two names come up frequently: Nylon Tube and PU Tube (also known as Polyurethane Tubing).
As a result, both are popular across industries, thanks to their unique properties, specific applications, and manufacturing processes.
Nylon, for example, is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum-derived raw materials, while PU tubing is made from polyurethane, known for its flexibility and resilience.
Common Use Cases For These Different Types of Tubes
You will often see Nylon Tubes used in high-pressure applications such as hydraulic and fuel lines, as well as in applications that operate at lower temperatures.
On the other hand, PU Tubes are used in applications such as pneumatic tools, packaging systems, and medical devices, and they have higher temperature tolerances. Another key reason is their excellent flexibility and bend radius, making them ideal for tight spaces and a wide range of applications.
Material Characteristics
When it comes to their material characteristics, they can vary in a few ways, including, for example:
Nylon Tube’s Features and Benefits
Nylon tubing offers excellent abrasion and low-temperature resistance, making it a solid choice for harsh environments and extreme conditions. As a result, it is often used in aircraft, fuel systems, and industrial applications where strength is critical.
Nylon’s stiff overall structure also means it maintains its shape well under load.
PU Tube’s Features and Benefits
PU tubing excels in applications requiring excellent flexibility and a soft touch. For example, it is commonly used in pneumatic applications where movement is frequent and can easily accommodate stainless steel fittings.
Polyurethane hoses are also resistant to kinks, making them well-suited for dynamic applications and robotic arms.
Strength and Pressure Resistance
When it comes to their strength and pressure resistance, here you have a lot of variations in these as well, including, for instance:
Burst Pressure Ratings
When it comes to burst pressure, Nylon Tube takes the lead here.
This is because it is designed to withstand higher pressures, making it ideal for hydraulic systems and other high-pressure applications.
PU tubing also performs well, but is generally better suited for medium-pressure environments on the whole.
Load Handling
For load handling, you will typically see that Nylon handles heavy loads better due to its rigid structure, making it a go-to in the automotive and industrial sectors.
PU tubing, while not as strong, still performs well in less demanding tasks where flexibility is key, though it is not as good as Nylon overall.
Flexibility and Bend Radius
When it comes to their flexibility and bend radius, they differ in a number of ways, such as for example:
PU’s Superior Flexibility
PU Tube is known for its excellent flexibility, especially in cold temperatures, making it ideal for tight bends and complex routes in machinery.
That is one reason you will often see it used widely in robotics, automation, and food processing applications.
Nylon’s Stiff Structure
Nylon Tube is less flexible than PU, making it more challenging for installations requiring tight curves. However, its stiffness is an asset in systems needing firm tubing that won’t collapse or deform under pressure.
Temperature Resistance
For their temperature resistance here, the main differences are around:
Nylon’s High Temp Tolerance
One of the key strengths of Nylon Tubes is their ability to withstand high temperatures.
This makes them ideal for applications requiring heat resistance, such as fuel lines and hot-air systems, and their temperature range is well-suited to extreme temperatures in industrial processes.
PU’s Moderate Temp Range
PU Tubing can also handle moderate temperatures quite well,l but may struggle under extreme heat. Consequently, it works best in environments where cold or room temperatures are the norm, such as in air conditioning and pneumatic systems.
Abrasion and Wear Resistance
For their abrasion and wear resistance properties, here we have, for example:
How Nylon Handles Friction
Nylon offers better abrasion resistance, which is why it’s used more often in harsh environments with high movement or friction.
As a result, it tends to last longer in rugged environments such as construction and heavy machinery.
PU’s Resistance in Dynamic Applications
On the other hand, PU tubes also resist wear, especially when there’s significant movement.
This makes it more commonly chosen for dynamic pneumatic applications, where tubing must bend and move continuously.
Moisture Absorption and Water Resistance
For their moisture absorption and water resistance properties, they can differ in a number of ways, including:
Nylon’s Hygroscopic Nature
Nylon is well known to absorb environmental moisture, which can slightly affect its performance; this is something to keep in mind for outdoor or damp environments.
PU’s Better Moisture Resistance
The success of many products often depends on the impact of environmental conditions associated with their use. Careful consideration should be given not only to the forces of an application but also to the environmental conditions. Certain combinations of conditions can lead to issues such as rapid hydrolysis, discolouration, accelerated ageing, and cracking.
Chemical Compatibility
For their chemical compatibility, they differ in the following ways:
Exposure to Oils, Fuels, and Solvents
Nylon, for example, offers excellent chemical resistance, especially against oils and fuels, and is a strong option for automotive applications and environments where chemical exposure is common.
Which Tube to Use in Harsh Environments
Consequently, if you are handling many chemicals, PU Hose is also a solid option. That is because it has excellent chemical compatibility and is suitable for a range of applications, including cleaning systems and laboratory environments.
Weight and Density
When comparing their weight and density, here we have:
Lighter Tube for Mobile Applications?
PU Tubing is generally lighter than Nylon, making it better suited for mobile setups and lightweight machinery.
It also helps reduce your overall load without sacrificing performance.
Comparison in Density
As a result, Nylon is denser and therefore heavier – this can be beneficial in static or permanent installations where weight is not so much of a concern, but durability is we should note.
Durability and Longevity
For their durability and lifespan, here they tend to differ by:
Lifespan in Demanding Applications
Nylon has a longer lifespan in demanding and high-performance applications, and as a result, it is built to last in rough and tough environments – which is why it’s used in fuel lines and heavy-duty setups, after all.
Performance Over Time
PU Tube also offers decent durability, but it may wear out faster in extreme temperatures or under continuous mechanical stress.
Still, it should perform well for most pneumatic and light-duty tasks.
Installation and Handling
When it comes to their installation and handling, here you will tend to see:
Nylon’s Rigidity During Setup
Installing Nylon Tubes can be challenging due to their stiffness, so you will need to carefully route and support them during setup, especially around bends.
PU’s Ease of Use
PU Tubes, on the other hand, are much easier to work with, as their flexibility means you can bend and route them with minimal effort – making installation faster and simpler as a result of this.
Applications by Industry
Where they are used can also differ, for example:
Nylon in Automotive and Pneumatics
Nylon Tubes are widely used in the automotive industry for fuel systems, brake lines, and air conditioning, and are also key components of high-pressure pneumatic systems.
PU in Robotics and Packaging
PU Tubes, on the other hand, are widely used in robotics, packaging, and automation systems for their flexibility. They are also found in the food and medical sectors for their chemical resistance, food-safe properties, and ease of handling.
Comparison Table of Nylon Tube vs PU Tube
| Feature | Nylon Tube | PU Tube (Polyurethane) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Rigid, less flexible | Very flexible, great for tight bends |
| Pressure Resistance | Excellent for high-pressure applications | Good for medium-pressure systems |
| Temperature Resistance | Handles higher temperatures well | Best for moderate to low temperatures |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent in harsh environments | Very good, especially in moving parts |
| Moisture Absorption | Can absorb moisture (hygroscopic) | Low water absorption, water resistant |
| Chemical Compatibility | Great with fuels, oils, and solvents | Good with many chemicals |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Ease of Installation | Stiffer, trickier to install | Very easy to install and handle |
| Durability | High durability and longevity | Good for less extreme environments |
| Typical Uses | Automotive, fuel lines, air brakes | Robotics, packaging, pneumatic tools |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Budget-friendly upfront |
| Environmental Impact | Harder to recycle | More eco-friendly and recyclable |
Nylon Tube vs PU Tube Final Thoughts
As you can see, these two types of tubing have different properties and use cases. For example, you should consider Nylon if you need a tube that can withstand higher pressures, extreme temperatures, and harsh environments, and it is also ideal for automotive, hydraulic, and heavy-duty pneumatic applications.
On the other hand, you should consider choosing PU for its flexibility, ease of use, and suitability for light-to-medium-duty pneumatic systems. It is also well-suited for robotics, packaging, and applications with high movement and tight spaces.
If you still need help knowing which one is right for your application, though, our team is on hand to help you as well – so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Other Types Of Tubing
If you are considering this, other types you should consider, or you may be interested in considering, include, for example:
