Tubes are used in many industries because they can easily move gases, liquids and air between two points. You can find them in cars, machines, medical devices, plumbing systems and more.
The market offers many types of tubing and each one has different features and materials. In this guide, you will learn about the most popular tubing types and where you can use them.
Types of Tubing Based on Material
Metal Tubing
Metal tubing is a hollow tube made from different metals and their alloys. They are used to carry liquids, gases or support mechanical systems.
| Material | Properties | Usage |
| Steel tubing | High tensile/yield strength, structural integrity and easily welded | Transport water, oil, gas & steam plus used in hydraulic lines |
| Stainless steel tubes | Exceptional corrosion/oxidation resistance and sterile/easy to sanitize | Transfer fluids & gases, used in marine equipment and provide structural support |
| Aluminum tubing | Lightweight, excellent corrosion resistance & high thermal/electrical conductivity | Structural framing and fluid/gas transfer |
| Copper tubing | Outstanding thermal/electrical conductivity, highly ductile, antimicrobial | Plumbing/potable water lines, HVAC & refrigeration systems medical gas piping |
| Brass tubing | Corrosion-resistant, low friction & highly machinable | Plumbing fittings and low pressure fluid/gas transfer |
Plastic Tubing
Plastic tubing is a lightweight and hollow tube made from polymer materials. You can use it to carry fluids and gases, protect electrical wires or provide support in different industries. These tubes are available in many different materials and each has its own benefits.
- Nylon tubing: These tubes offer high chemical resistance like fuels and oils. They can handle temperatures between -40°F to 200°F (-40°C-93°C). You can use them for air & fluid transfer, medical devices, industrial equipment and high pressure systems such as hydraulics.
- Polyurethane tubing (PU): If you want tubing that can bend easily and handle regular movement, PU tube is an ideal option. It is suitable for temperatures between -40°F and 180°F. You can use them to carry compressed air in robotics and transfer fuel/oils.
- PVC tubes (Polyvinyl Chloride): For those sectors that need an affordable and versatile tubing option, PVC tubes work well. They are lightweight and easy to handle. You can use them for water lines, drainage systems, air systems, irrigation and many industrial uses.
- Polyethylene tube (PE): This is a flexible and chemical-resistant plastic tube used to carry water, air, gases, food and other fluids. You can find PE tubing in water lines, irrigation systems, pneumatic systems and industrial equipment.
- Polypropylene tubes (PP): Polypropylene tubes have excellent heat and weather resistance. They can tolerate many chemicals, including some acids and caustic substances. You can use PP tubing for vacuum systems and outdoor applications.
- PTFE tubes: PTFE (also called Teflon) has a low-friction surface and excellent chemical resistance. They can resist strong acids, bases & harsh solvents without degrading. Hence, you can use these tubes for chemical, automotive, medical, laboratory and industrial systems.
Rubber Tubing
Rubber tubing is a flexible and hollow tube made from natural or synthetic rubber. These tubes are popular in various industries including automotive, aerospace, agriculture, food and medical industries.
| Type | Characteristics | Use |
| Natural rubber tubing | Outstanding elasticity/tensile strength, superior wear/tear resistance, extreme flexibility | To transfer non corrosive liquids in flexible vacuum/suction setups and drainage/fluid transfer lines |
| EPDM tubing | Can handle heat, steam, ozone & weathering, compatible with brake fluids and polar solvents | Coolant lines, heater hoses, windshield washer fluid lines and FDA approved grades to carry food grade liquids |
| Neoprene tubing | Moderate weather & oil/chemical resistance, flame retardant | Transfer fluids & powders and to protect electrical wiring in industrial and automotive setting |
| Nitrile (NBR) tubes | Resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, grease, low gas permeability and high tensile strength | To handle oils, fuels and chemicals or to insulate HVAC and plumbing lines |
| Viton/FKM tubing | Unmatched resistance to aggressive chemicals and concentrated acids | To transfer aggressive chemicals, hot fuels and corrosive solvents |
Silicone Tubes
These are flexible elastomer tubes made from silicone rubber. They offer excellent temperature stability, UV/ozone resistance and low reactivity. Silicone also has low toxicity and does not add unwanted taste or odor to fluids. Due to this property, these tubes are useful for food, beverage & laboratory applications.
Note: Silicone and rubber are both elastic materials, but they differ in their chemical structure. For example: silicone has a silicon-oxygen backbone. In contrast, traditional rubber has a carbon-based backbone.
Glass Tubing
Glass tubing is made from silicate-based material and has a hard structure. It is a transparent or translucent tube. So, because of its rigid and clear nature, you can use glass tubes in laboratories, chemical processing, medical equipment and other uses that require visibility and chemical resistance.
Fiberglass Tubing & Composite Tubing
Fiberglass tubing uses glass fibers for high strength and electrical insulation. However, composite tubing combines two or more materials to achieve properties such as high strength and corrosion resistance. You can use both in electrical, aerospace, automotive and industrial applications.
Tubing Types According To Application
Fluid Transfer Tubing
Fluid transfer tubing is a flexible tube designed to safely move liquids between one container or system to another. You can use it for tasks such as siphoning gasoline, draining water plus to transfer medical or laboratory solutions. Remember, you should select tubes based on fluid compatibility and required flow rate.
Hydraulic Tubing
Hydraulic tubing is a rigid or semi-rigid metal tube. You can use it to carry pressurized hydraulic fluid between components in a fluid power system. These tubes need high-pressure strength and fluid compatibility to handle heavy hydraulic systems. You can find them in hydraulic machinery and various industrial setups.
Pneumatic Tubing
Pneumatic tubing consists of sealed tubes or flexible hoses. It uses compressed air or a partial vacuum to move physical objects such as capsules. You can also use them to deliver pressurized air or gases to operate tools and automated machinery.
Medical Tubing
Medical tubes are designed for use in medical devices and equipment. They are a safe option to transfer fluids, gases or other substances within or around the body. You can find it in IV systems and surgical drainage systems. Medical tubing must use biocompatible materials to reduce the risk of harmful reactions.
Chemical Resistant Tubing
Engineers design these tubes to handle contact with corrosive or reactive chemicals without rapid degradation. So, you can use them to safely transfer acids, bases, solvents and other reactive fluids. Common options include PTFE for high-temperature applications and FEP tubing for laboratory use.
Food-Grade Tubing
As it is clear from its name, these tubes carry food, beverages and other consumable fluids. Basically, they use materials that meet food contact and chemical compatibility requirements. You can use it in beverage processing, dairy systems, food pumps and dispensing equipment. These tubes must meet applicable food contact requirements such as FDA 21 CFR, NSF/ANSI 51 or 3-A Sanitary Standards depending on the material and market.
Plumbing Tubing
You can use them to transport water, wastewater, gas and other fluids in plumbing systems. For hot and cold indoor water supply, you can choose PEX tubes. Flexible plastic tubes are ideal for outdoor, low-pressure, and irrigation usage. It’s best to select a tube inside diameter (ID) and material based on the system requirements.
Automotive Tubing
Automotive tubing includes flexible hoses and rigid metal lines. They are designed to transport fluids, air, oil and gases between different parts of a vehicle. It supports systems such as cooling, fuel, braking, air intake and air conditioning. For example: silicone tubes are widely used in automotive systems where temperatures and stress can be high. Automotive tubing generally follows relevant SAE and ASTM standards based on its material and application.
Structural Tubing
Structural tubing is a hollow metal profile designed to support loads in buildings and other structures. It is also known as a hollow structural section (HSS). You can use them in building frames, machinery, automotive structures and equipment supports.
Aerospace Tubing
Aerospace tubing includes high-performance rigid or semi-rigid tubes. They are designed to meet the strict weight, strength, safety and durability needs of aircraft, spacecraft or defense systems. These tubes are mainly used to transport hydraulic fluids, fuel, coolants and compressed air through aircraft systems.
Electrical Tubing
These electrical conduits are basically used to enclose and organize cables or wires. They protect them from abrasion, static discharge (ESD), moisture, chemicals and other environmental factors. They also provide electrical insulation to prevent unwanted current flow.
Instrumentation Tubing
This tube creates a small connection pathway between process equipment and control instruments. It transfers air or liquid between the instrument and the process line, so the system can measure pressure or other process conditions. You can find it in industrial plants, control systems plus process equipment.
Types of Tubing By Construction
Tubes can also differ in how manufacturers build their walls and layers. The construction affects the tube’s strength and durability. This table will show you tubing types based on manufacturing technique and their properties.
| Type | Construction Method | Benefits | Common Uses |
| Seamless metal tubing | Formed from a solid billet without welding | High strength and pressure resistance | Hydraulic, oil & gas, high-pressure systems |
| Welded metal tubing | Formed from sheet or strip and welded along seam | Consistent dimensions and cost-effective production | Automotive, plumbing and industrial systems |
| Extruded plastic & rubber tubing | Material is forced through a die to form a continuous tube | Uniform wall and smooth surface | Medical, pneumatic plus fluid transfer setups |
| Braided/reinforced tubing (rubber & thermoplastic) | Tube is covered with fiber or wire reinforcement | Higher pressure resistance with good flexibility | Hydraulic, automotive, air and fluid lines |
| Coiled metal & plastic tubing | Continuous tubing is formed into a coil | Long lengths and easy routing | Instrumentation, pneumatic and fluid lines |
Tubing Shapes
- Rectangular: The tube with this shape has four sided and unequal width & height. This design provides good resistance to bending and twisting loads.
- Square: A tube with four equal sides. It mainly suits frames, supports, fabrication and other structural applications.
- Oval: This tube has an elongated and rounded cross-section. It works well where you need a wider tube but have limited height.
- Circular/round: This is the most common shape for tubes. It provides even pressure distribution and works well for liquid, oil, fuel as well as gas flow.
Wrapping It Up
With so many materials, shapes and designs available in the market, you need to match the tubing according to operating conditions. RONTEIX has more than 18 years of experience in the tubes and hoses production industry.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We can provide samples of our tubes, so you can check their quality and performance before you place an order. Aluminum and silicone tubes are our top-selling products, but you can also request customized tubes. Send your inquiry and get a quick quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum bend radius for flexible tubing?
The minimum bend radius is the smallest curve you can make with flexible tubing without causing damage. It shows you how tightly you can bend the tubing before it kinks, flattens or loses its shape.
Is all food grade tubing actually FDA approved?
No, not every tubing product labeled “food grade” is FDA compliant. Some manufacturers use the term to describe tubing that they consider safe for food contact. Hence, you should check the company’s compliance documents or certification to verify that the tubes meet FDA requirements.
Is silicone tubing better than vinyl for taste transfer?
Yes, high-quality silicone tubing is generally flavor-neutral and does not easily transfer tastes or odors to food. On the other hand, some PVC tubing can release plasticizers or other compounds into fluids. This can cause unwanted plastic or chemical tastes and odors.
Does thicker tubing always mean stronger tubing?
Thicker tubing is not always stronger. Its strength depends on factors such as diameter, wall thickness and material. However, tubes with thick walls can improve resistance to bursting and deformation in high-pressure scenarios.
Can I use fuel line tubing for coolant?
You should not use standard fuel tubes for coolant as a permanent solution. Fuel and coolant tubes use different materials. The wrong hose can soften, swell, crack or fail under heat and coolant exposure. Always use a coolant hose rated for your vehicle’s temperature and coolant type.
