Material selection for any manufacturing operation is one of, if not the most, critical aspects for customers and manufacturers to reach a unanimous conclusion on. In the case of tubing applications, that certainly rings true. Tubes and pipes can be exposed to some of the harshest conditions whether it’s varying pressure amounts, temperature fluctuations, moisture and humidity, and of several different chemical exposures.
Polypropylene tubing applications are vast and with those applications come benefits that allow the tubes to function as designed. Custom Profile lays out some of the biggest benefits and best applications of polypropylene tubing while highlighting some limitations of the material to consider.
Benefits of Polypropylene Tubing
Polypropylene tubing is one of the most used forms of tubing right next to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While the two materials differ in ways, they also have many of the same characteristics and product benefits that make them reliable options.
- Chemical Resistance: Polypropylene can withstand a wide range of harsh chemicals that feature acids, alkali, salts, and more. This corrosion-resistant ability allows polypropylene tubing in many industrial applications.
- Impressive Strength to Weight Ratio: PP tubing features one of the lowest densities in commercial plastics, which makes it easy to install and handle. Additionally, these tubes can withstand vibrations and bending, which highlights the mechanical strength of polypropylene tubing.
- Temperature Stability: Polypropylene as a material itself can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit without losing shape.
- Insulator: Electrical currents are resistant in polypropylene tubing, making this material a strong selection for wire and electronic component insulation.
- Moisture Absorption: A final benefit worth noting is the tubing material’s ability to tolerate damp environments without the risk of rotting, swelling, and even bacterial growth.
Best and Common Applications
With the benefits laid out in the beginning, it lays more context and a deeper understanding of those benefits can be applied in real world applications.
- Chemical dosing and transfer lines
- Laboratory fluid handling
- Water treatment
- Pneumatic and compressed air lines
- Protective conduit for components, write, and other electrical applications
- Food, beverages, and other sanitary systems
Limitations
While polypropylene tubing can work in some harsh environments, this material is best suited for mild-mannered conditions such as moderate temperatures and non-abrasive operations.
It is best to keep this type of tubing away from higher temperatures or high pressure systems as these extreme conditions can cause system failures when using polypropylene tubing.
Contact Custom Profile for Your Polypropylene Tubing Needs
Custom Profile are industry-leading experts in custom plastic extrusion operations. Since 1992, we’ve operated out of our Grand Rapids, Michigan, creating the extruded products OEMs and all our other customers rely on to keep their operations moving forward.
Polypropylene tubing is just one of the many forms of tubing manufacturing we perform not only at our headquarters, but at our two other North American locations. Between our experienced team of plastic engineers who work with you to ensure proper design considerations have been made, our skilled technicians on our facility floor overseeing the production of your tubes, and our seasoned leadership continuing to improve our operations for your next project, Custom Profile is the team to get the job done.
Contact us today for more information on polypropylene tubing applications and let’s create the products you need.