Technical Guide to 70A Polyurethane Industrial Tubes

Choosing a higher durometer for durability often results in premature kinking and system failure in restricted industrial layouts. Abbey Extrusions understands that selecting the incorrect material hardness can compromise the integrity of an entire production line. You likely recognise that whilst standard tubing suffices for static applications, high-movement environments demand the specific balance of elasticity and resilience found in 70a polyurethane tubes. Finding a reliable UK source for bespoke dimensions is often as challenging as the technical application itself.

This guide provides a detailed technical analysis of this specific durometer, exploring how its unique mechanical properties solve common issues like abrasion failure and tight-radius kinking. We shall examine the chemical compatibility, industrial advantages, and the precision manufacturing processes we employ to deliver high-volume, custom solutions for your specific engineering requirements. By understanding the performance limits of this flexible grade, you can ensure your systems maintain peak efficiency without the risk of material fatigue.

For technical specifications or to discuss high volume requirements for your next project, please reach out to our specialist manufacturing team.

Understanding 70A Polyurethane Tubing Properties

Selecting the correct material grade is a critical engineering decision that dictates the longevity of any pneumatic or fluid handling system. At Abbey Extrusions, we recognise that 70a polyurethane tubes represent a specific niche in the market, offering a level of flexibility that harder polymers simply cannot match. Whilst most off the shelf solutions favour 95A for its rigidity, the 70A variant provides the tactile and mechanical characteristics required for complex routing and high-vibration environments. Our manufacturing process ensures that these tubes maintain their structural integrity even when specified for bespoke industrial machinery that requires non-standard dimensions or tight bend radii.

The Shore A Hardness Scale Explained

The Shore A scale is the industry standard for measuring the hardness of flexible elastomers. To visualise where 70A sits, consider that a standard rubber band typically measures around 40A, whilst a car tyre tread is closer to 60A or 70A. When you specify 70a polyurethane tubes, you are choosing a material that feels firm yet is easily compressed by hand. This specific hardness allows the tube to maintain its circular profile even when subjected to significant bending forces. Compared to 85A or 95A grades, 70A offers a lower bend radius. This is essential for engineers working within the confined spaces of modern industrial machinery where kinking is a common cause of downtime.

Ether vs Ester Based Polyurethane

The performance of your tubing is deeply influenced by its underlying Polyurethane properties. We manufacture these tubes using two distinct chemical formulations depending on the intended environment. Polyester based polyurethane is the standard choice for applications involving oils, fuels, and grease, as it offers superior resistance to chemical degradation. However, in humid conditions or where water transfer is required, we recommend Polyether based variants. Polyether polyurethane is particularly valued for the following reasons.

• It resists hydrolysis, which prevents the material from becoming brittle when exposed to water over long periods.
• It features inherent microbial resistance, which is vital for food grade applications where hygiene is a priority.
• It maintains superior low temperature flexibility, ensuring the tube does not crack in cold storage or extreme outdoor settings.

By understanding these molecular differences, Abbey Extrusions ensures that your bulk order is perfectly suited to its operational environment. Our polyurethane tube range is designed to outperform traditional rubber or silicone. It offers significantly higher abrasion resistance whilst maintaining the necessary elasticity for dynamic movement in automated systems. This makes it an ideal choice for large scale manufacturing projects that require a balance of softness and durability.

To discuss your specific technical requirements or request a quote for bulk supply, please contact our Leicestershire based manufacturing team.

Technical Advantages of Low Durometer Polyurethane

The mechanical superiority of 70a polyurethane tubes lies in their remarkable elasticity and resilience. Whilst harder polymers often fail under repetitive stress, this low durometer material excels in dynamic environments where constant movement is the norm. It provides a unique combination of dampening and durability that harder alternatives like 95A cannot replicate. The soft nature of the polymer allows it to absorb shocks and vibrations, protecting sensitive pneumatic components from premature wear. This inherent damping capability is a significant advantage in automated assembly lines where high speed motion is constant.

The bend radius of 70A polyurethane is typically calculated as three times the outside diameter; for example, an 8mm tube can maintain full flow whilst bent into a tight 24mm radius. This capability is vital for modern pneumatic systems where space is at a premium. Unlike rigid materials that crease permanently, 70A returns to its original shape once the stress is removed. This memory property also makes it the preferred choice for coiled applications, such as retractable air lines or flexible conduits for moving machinery parts.

Flexibility and Kink Resistance

Maintaining flow in tight radius bends is where 70A truly outperforms standard nylon tubing. Nylon is prone to permanent creasing when pushed beyond its limits, which can lead to costly system blockages. In contrast, 70a polyurethane tubes possess excellent shape memory, allowing them to recover quickly even after severe compression or bending. We carefully organise the wall thickness during the extrusion process to ensure the tube remains structurally sound without sacrificing the inherent flexibility of the material. This balance is critical for preventing vacuum collapse in suction applications.

Durability and Wear Resistance

It is a common misconception that softer materials are less durable. In reality, the compliant nature of 70A polyurethane allows it to "give" under impact, providing exceptional resistance to tearing and puncturing. This makes it ideal for abrasive environments where debris might otherwise damage a more brittle tube. These tubes also demonstrate excellent long term stability whilst under constant mechanical stress. Their resistance to UV exposure ensures they remain functional in outdoor settings without becoming brittle. If you are unsure if this grade is suitable for your specific environment, you can speak with our technical experts to confirm chemical and environmental compatibility. Our precision manufacturing ensures that every batch meets the rigorous standards required for industrial use.

For custom manufacturing enquiries or high volume production orders, please contact our specialist extrusion team.

Industrial Applications for Flexible 70A Tubing

The mechanical properties of 70a polyurethane tubes make them an essential component in systems where standard rigid tubing would fail. We find that this material is most effective in robotic pick and place systems that demand high cycle movement. Harder plastics often develop stress fractures or fatigue under the constant, rapid motion of automated arms. In contrast, the 70A grade absorbs these dynamic forces without compromising the internal flow. It remains flexible over millions of cycles. This resilience ensures that production lines remain operational for longer periods between scheduled maintenance. We also supply this material for use as protective sleeving. It creates a soft but durable barrier that shields sensitive internal wiring or secondary tubes from external mechanical abrasion.

Pneumatic control lines also benefit from the extreme flexibility of this durometer. Engineers often specify 70A when routing air lines through narrow channels or around sharp corners where kinking is a primary concern. The material's ability to maintain a consistent internal diameter whilst under tension is a major advantage for precision air logic systems. Our manufacturing expertise allows us to produce these tubes to tight tolerances, ensuring they fit securely with standard push-in fittings without leaking.

Fluid and Gas Transport

Whilst 70a polyurethane tubes are widely used for air delivery, they are equally suited for low pressure water and fluid transfer. This material is frequently utilised in laboratory and research environments where the transparent nature of the polymer allows for easy visual inspection of the media. It demonstrates excellent compatibility with common industrial chemicals and lubricants, resisting degradation that would normally affect rubber hoses. Its smooth internal bore prevents sediment build up, which is vital for maintaining the purity of the transported fluid. Our bespoke extrusion process allows us to adjust the formulation to meet specific chemical resistance requirements for your high volume orders.

Specialist Sectors and Compliance

The UK food and beverage industry requires materials that meet strict regulatory standards for contact. We manufacture 70A tubing that adheres to these safety protocols, ensuring it is suitable for transporting liquids within processing plants. For applications within the beverage sector, it is often necessary to use a dedicated brewery hose to ensure the flavour and quality of the product remain unaffected. The 70A durometer provides the easy handling required in busy cellar or production environments whilst meeting the necessary hygiene standards. Abbey Extrusions provides the technical support needed to ensure your selected material complies with all relevant UK and international safety legislation.

To discuss your large volume orders or bespoke manufacturing requirements, please contact our specialist technical team.

Specifying Custom Extrusions for Large Volume Orders

Off the shelf dimensions often fail to meet the exact requirements of specialised industrial equipment. When you specify 70a polyurethane tubes for a large scale project, you gain the ability to dictate precise inner and outer diameters. This level of customisation ensures a perfect seal with your existing fittings and prevents the flow restrictions that occur when using mismatched components. We maintain rigorous quality control protocols during the extrusion process to ensure that even the largest production runs adhere to your specific tolerances. Every batch undergoes thorough testing to verify that the 70A durometer remains consistent, providing the predictable mechanical behaviour your machinery demands.

Beyond basic dimensions, we offer custom colours and branding options that are essential for complex systems. Colour coding allows operators to identify different fluid lines at a glance, improving safety and maintenance efficiency. We can also incorporate permanent surface printing for part numbers or corporate branding, ensuring full traceability throughout the lifespan of the component. For applications requiring specific shapes, our secondary tube forming services enable the creation of pre-bent assemblies that simplify the installation process on your assembly line. This eliminates the need for manual bending and reduces the risk of stress points in the material, which is particularly beneficial when working with high volume orders.

Bespoke Profile Development

Our technical expertise extends beyond standard circular tubing. As a specialist profile extrusion company, we collaborate with your engineering team to develop custom cross sections tailored to your machinery. This process involves precise tooling design to ensure the 70A material maintains its profile integrity during the cooling phase. Whether you require a multi-lumen design or a specific exterior geometry to fit a guide rail, we provide the technical guidance necessary to move from concept to high volume production. This collaborative approach ensures that the final profile meets all functional requirements whilst remaining cost effective to manufacture at scale.

High Volume Procurement

Sourcing directly from a UK manufacturer offers significant advantages for large industrial contracts. Bulk ordering ensures material consistency across your entire inventory whilst providing better cost efficiency compared to smaller, fragmented purchases. We manage our production planning to align with your project timelines, ensuring reliable lead times for national UK distribution. Our packaging solutions are designed to protect the material during transit, ensuring that your custom tubes arrive in perfect condition for immediate use. By maintaining a stable supply chain, we help you avoid the delays often associated with imported goods, allowing your manufacturing operations to continue without interruption.

If you are ready to discuss the specifics of your next project, you can request a technical consultation with our manufacturing experts.

For technical guidance or to request a bespoke manufacturing quotation, please contact our Leicestershire based team.

Sourcing 70A Polyurethane from a Specialist UK Manufacturer

Sourcing 70a polyurethane tubes from a specialist UK manufacturer provides a level of oversight that is often absent in global supply chains. Abbey Extrusions maintains a focused production environment where quality control is prioritised at every stage of the process. This proximity allows for direct technical support. You can discuss material selection or performance limits with the engineers who actually oversee the production. We understand that industrial systems require absolute reliability. Sourcing locally reduces lead times and eliminates the complexities of international logistics and customs regulations. It ensures that your high volume orders are delivered according to a predictable schedule.

Whilst we specialise in 70a polyurethane tubes, our manufacturing capabilities extend to a comprehensive range of polymer solutions. We recognise that different environments demand different material properties. For applications requiring higher pressure resistance or rigidity, we offer high quality nylon tube. Alternatively, our pvc tube range provides a cost effective solution for general purpose fluid transfer. This breadth of choice ensures that we can provide the correct technical solution for your entire production line, rather than forcing a single material to fit every application. We take pride in our ability to deliver consistent quality across all product categories.

The Abbey Extrusions Advantage

We have operated as an independent UK manufacturer since 1985. This heritage gives us a deep understanding of the technical requirements across various sectors. Our Leicestershire facility is equipped to handle complex, high volume orders whilst maintaining the precision required for bespoke profiles. We don't simply supply stock items. We provide a partnership based on technical competence and long term trust. You have direct access to our specialists, ensuring your material specifications are met with absolute accuracy. This commitment to British manufacturing standards ensures that our clients receive products that perform exactly as specified.

Next Steps for Your Project

To initiate a technical enquiry, we recommend preparing a detailed summary of your requirements. This should include the operating temperature, chemical exposure, and required tolerances. We are happy to provide samples for testing in your specific machinery to ensure the 70A grade performs as expected. Once the specification is finalised, our team will provide a comprehensive quotation for your high volume production run. This structured approach ensures that every project starts with a clear technical foundation. Our goal is to ensure your systems maintain peak efficiency through the use of correctly specified materials.

To discuss your technical specifications or to request a quote for bulk supply, please contact our specialist manufacturing team.

Optimising Industrial Performance with Specialised Polyurethane

The selection of 70a polyurethane tubes is a strategic decision for engineers who prioritise system longevity and flexibility. We have explored how this specific durometer prevents the kinking and material fatigue that often lead to industrial downtime. By balancing the elasticity of rubber with the resilience of advanced polymers, these tubes ensure consistent performance in high cycle robotic systems and complex pneumatic layouts. Reliability is our standard. This material remains the superior choice for environments where dynamic movement and abrasion resistance are essential for operational success whilst maintaining structural integrity.

As an independent UK manufacturer established in 1985, Abbey Extrusions provides the technical competence required for large scale industrial supply. We offer specialist custom tube forming and bespoke profile extrusion to meet your exact machinery specifications. Our commitment to precision ensures that every high volume order maintains the rigorous quality standards your operations require. Abbey Extrusions remains dedicated to providing the reliable, British made components that keep your production lines moving without interruption.

Contact our technical team for bespoke 70A polyurethane enquiries to discuss your specific project requirements and secure a technical consultation.

We look forward to supporting your next project with the reliable manufacturing and material expertise that has defined our business for decades.

Article by

Bryan Cowan

Bryan Cowan is the Founder and Managing Director of Abbey Extrusions Ltd, a leading UK manufacturer of high-quality plastic tubes and hoses. With over 40 years of industry experience, Bryan established the company in 1985, growing it from a startup into a BS ISO9001-registered supplier for global sectors including aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.