What is the hardness of vinyl tubing? Well, as a vinyl tubing supplier, I've been asked this question more times than I can count. So, I thought I'd sit down and write a blog post to explain it all.
Let's start with the basics. Vinyl tubing is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. The hardness of vinyl tubing can vary quite a bit, and it's usually measured on the Shore durometer scale. This scale goes from 0 to 100, with 0 being super soft and 100 being rock - hard.
Most of the vinyl tubing you'll come across in the market has a Shore hardness rating between 40A and 90A. The 'A' scale on the Shore durometer is used for softer materials like rubber and vinyl.
Now, why does the hardness matter? Well, it has a big impact on how the tubing is used.
Soft Vinyl Tubing (40A - 60A)
Soft vinyl tubing, with a Shore hardness in the range of 40A to 60A, is extremely flexible. It's like a piece of soft rubber that you can bend and twist easily. This type of tubing is great for applications where you need a lot of flexibility, such as in medical devices. For example, in some IV sets, the tubing needs to be able to bend around the patient's body without kinking. Soft vinyl tubing can also be used in aquariums. You can use it to transfer water from one tank to another, and its flexibility makes it easy to route around the aquarium equipment.
Another advantage of soft vinyl tubing is that it's gentle on the things it comes into contact with. If you're using it to transfer delicate liquids or small particles, the softness won't damage them. However, the downside is that it's not very strong. It can be easily punctured or torn, so it's not suitable for high - pressure applications.
Medium - Hard Vinyl Tubing (60A - 75A)
Medium - hard vinyl tubing, with a Shore hardness between 60A and 75A, strikes a good balance between flexibility and strength. It's still fairly flexible, but it can withstand a bit more wear and tear than the soft tubing. This type of tubing is commonly used in industrial applications. For instance, in some chemical transfer systems, it can handle the flow of mild chemicals without getting damaged easily.
In the automotive industry, medium - hard vinyl tubing can be used for coolant hoses. It can bend around the engine components, but it's also strong enough to withstand the heat and pressure in the cooling system. It's also a popular choice for pneumatic systems, where it can be used to transfer compressed air.
Hard Vinyl Tubing (75A - 90A)
Hard vinyl tubing, with a Shore hardness of 75A to 90A, is much more rigid. It's almost like a plastic pipe. This type of tubing is used in applications where you need a lot of strength and durability. For example, in construction, it can be used for drainage systems. It can handle the weight of the water and any debris without collapsing.
In some manufacturing processes, hard vinyl tubing is used to transport abrasive materials. Since it's hard, it can resist the wear caused by the abrasive particles. However, its lack of flexibility can be a problem in some cases. It's difficult to bend, so you need to use fittings to change the direction of the tubing.
Factors Affecting Hardness
There are several factors that can affect the hardness of vinyl tubing. One of the main factors is the additives used in the manufacturing process. Manufacturers can add plasticizers to make the tubing softer. Plasticizers are chemicals that make the PVC more flexible by reducing the intermolecular forces between the polymer chains. On the other hand, if they add fillers like calcium carbonate, the tubing will become harder.
The manufacturing process itself can also have an impact. For example, the temperature and pressure during extrusion can affect the final hardness of the tubing. If the extrusion process is done at a higher temperature, the tubing may end up being softer.
Our Product Range
As a vinyl tubing supplier, we offer a wide range of vinyl tubing with different hardness levels. Whether you need soft tubing for a medical application or hard tubing for an industrial project, we've got you covered.
We have Braided Reinforced Vinyl Tubing. This type of tubing has a braided layer inside, which adds extra strength. It can be used in high - pressure applications, and we offer it in different hardness levels to suit your needs.
Our Clear Vinyl Tubing is also very popular. It allows you to see the flow of the liquid or gas inside the tubing, which is useful in many applications. We have clear vinyl tubing in various hardness ratings, so you can choose the one that's right for your project.
How to Choose the Right Hardness
When choosing the right hardness of vinyl tubing for your application, you need to consider a few things. First, think about the flexibility you need. If you need a lot of flexibility, go for a softer tubing. If you need strength and durability, then a harder tubing is a better choice.
Next, consider the pressure and temperature of the application. High - pressure applications usually require harder tubing, while low - pressure applications can use softer tubing. Also, if the tubing will be exposed to high temperatures, you need to make sure it can withstand the heat.
Finally, think about the chemicals or materials that will be flowing through the tubing. Some chemicals can react with the vinyl and make it softer or harder over time. So, you need to choose a tubing that's compatible with the substances it will come into contact with.
Conclusion
The hardness of vinyl tubing is an important factor to consider when choosing the right tubing for your application. Whether you need soft, medium - hard, or hard tubing, there's a vinyl tubing out there that will meet your needs. As a vinyl tubing supplier, we're here to help you make the right choice. If you're interested in our products, whether it's the Braided Reinforced Vinyl Tubing or the Clear Vinyl Tubing, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with more information and discuss your specific requirements.
References
- ASTM D2240 - Standard Test Method for Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness
- "Plastic Pipe and Tubing Handbook" by Norman C. Rasmussen