Pneumatic tubing is used when compressed air is to be supplied to the point of consumption. Which tube is the right one depends on the area of application and the individual requirements. It is important that the tubing is maintained regularly so that defects can be ruled out and the longevity and functionality of the pneumatic application is not jeopardised. Festo pneumatic tubing is just as reliable at meeting standard requirements as it is at operating in extreme conditions such as heat, welding spatter, high pH values or hydrolysis resistance.
O.D. pneumatic tubing is the current standard in pneumatics. It is suitable for use with all modern fittings, e.g. QS, NPQM as barbed fitting and NPQH. For standard O.D. tubing, the outside diameter of the tube is specified as the tube size. In addition, there is standard I.D. tubing where the inside diameter of the tube is specified as the tube size. These were used as the standard in pneumatics before there were push-in fittings. You will find I.D. pneumatic tubing for all fittings that were commonly used, e.g. CK, CN, PK. However, when using different working lengths and tensile loads, spiral tubes are the first choice. Especially when combined with pneumatic tools, they also offer the right accessories. Our wide range of O.D. and I.D. tubing as well as spiral tubes is available in various diameters and materials. You will also find suitable accessories for your pneumatic tubing at Festo.
The material of a pneumatic tube should be suitable for the individual requirements. Here are some individual materials and their characteristics:
Pneumatic tubing made of polyurethane (or PU) is the first choice when pneumatic control systems have to be connected. It is available in numerous sizes and is characterised by its flexibility and small bending radii. PU pneumatic tubing is available in many different colours, which is practical for keeping track of the individual lines when installing tubing for complex control systems. It meets numerous requirements thanks to its different special properties: they are spatter-proof, flame-retardant and electrically conductive.
Compared to PU tubes, those made of polyamide (or PA), are more temperature-resistant and thus more pressure-resistant. As a result, the tubing material is stronger and therefore less flexible since polyamide is semi-rigid and kink-resistant. PA tubing is generally completely pressure-resistant at a temperature range of -50°C to +20°C (decreasing thereafter as the temperature rises) and is therefore ideally suited for use as compressed air lines as well as compressed air brake lines.
Pneumatic tubing is made of polyethylene (or PE), is very light, resistant to impacts and largely resistant to acids, alkalis and salt solutions. PE tubing is suitable for use in a temperature range from -30°C to +80°C and is the most cost-effective variant of all pneumatic tubes.
Pneumatic tubing PTFE / PTFA / PFA is suitable for extreme temperature ranges from -20°C to +150°C. It fits with all common connector types and is available as standard in natural colours and as CS type in green and red. PFA tubes can also be welded.
Which of the Festo pneumatic tubes is the right one for you depends entirely on your requirements. Our product range includes tubes of different diameters, lengths, colours and materials. Regardless of whether the tube has to meet standard requirements or extreme conditions such as high temperatures or changeable weather conditions, at Festo you will find a suitable tube for every industry.