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The Difference Between Polyethylene Tubing and Polyurethane Tubing

Polyethylene tubing and polyurethane tubing

What’s the difference between polyethylene tubing and polyurethane tubing? While both are good for creating custom pipe solutions, there are some subtle differences between the two that you have to account for whenever you are doing work in a residential or commercial unit.

Polyurethane Tubing

What is Polyurethane Tubing?

Polyurethane is a plastic material that can be either stiff or flexible and is found in many goods you already own — insulation, car parts and mattresses. It was originally invented during World War II as a replacement for rubber, but polyurethane tubing provides a more durable alternative to rubber, and is used in robotics and other industrial applications.

Why Use Polyurethane Tubing?

Polyurethane tubing uses are numerous, as it is a versatile material that can be manufactured for a wide variety of jobs. It is primarily known for its ability to stretch. If you need flexibility, it is the product that you need to use. Polyurethane is also able to resist heat, cracking and punctures, making it a great for use in harsh conditions.

When to Use Polyurethane Tubing

Anyone who needs to create a system of tubes to be laid outdoors should use polyurethane pipes because it won’t crack in the cold and is resistant to mold and other chemicals. Polyurethane hoses are also popular in the welding trade, as it has flame-resistant properties.

Polyethylene Tubing

What is Polyethylene Tubing

Polyethylene is the most common plastic in the world. Polyethylene tubing is a flexible, lightweight and highly durable substance used across many industries. It is safe to use with a wide variety of chemicals, gases, fluids and materials.

Why Use Polyethylene Tubing

Polyethylene is known in the industry as poly tubing or PE. Although it is not as flexible as polyurethane, it is still great at resisting moisture as well as cracks and other punctures. Due to its strength and durability, polyethylene is often used to create plastic bottles as well as corrosion-resistant pipes.

When to Use Polyethylene Tubing

The clear polyethylene tubing allows it to blend in with its surroundings, which is important when you want a clean look at the end of your project. It is commonly used in air lines, chemical lines, wire jacketing, fluid lines, food & beverage, hospital and laboratory applications. You can even use it for a DIY rope lighting project.

PVC Pipes May Be Mixed with Polyurethane

PVC piping is used mainly for plumbing purposes in residential and commercial buildings. A PVC pipe can come in a variety of shapes and colors to help you with any custom project that you are working on. A good PVC pipe can last for many years or decades if installed properly.

If your PVC piping is mixed with polyurethane, do not use it in the handling of food or beverage. The chemical composition of polyurethane off-gases, and this can add an odor and taste.

Although both polyurethane and polyethylene pipes can be used in a variety of different projects, there are clear differences between the two. Polyurethane should be used when you need something that is flexible and resistant to kinks. Polyethylene should be used when you need extra strength or are worried about your pipes corroding over time.  Lastly, polyethylene is the ideal choice for food and beverage solutions, since it won’t spoil odor or taste.