Abbey Extrusions

Polyurethane Tube

Polyurethane Tube, or PU Tube, is widely used in pneumatic control systems thanks to its resilience, tight bend radii, flexibility and suitability in low temperatures; our polyurethane tubing is a high-performance tube option that offers excellent capabilities and abrasion resistance. 

UK Polyurethane Tubing Manufacturer

Introducing our Premium Polyurethane Tubing, also known as PU Tube, the industry standard for reliability and durability. Ideal for a wide range of pneumatic applications, this tubing offers superior flexibility, kink resistance, and a lightweight design to meet your project needs.

As a UK polyurethane tubing manufacturer, we can extrude/manufacture and supply large quantities of this tubing to your bespoke specifications at our Midlands-based manufacturing facility.

We are a regular supplier of PU hose to many clients and have the capabilities and required documentation to support one-off or ongoing supply of this tubing.

What makes Polyurethane tubing (PU pipe) right for your requirements?

Urethane tubing has many properties, making this unreinforced polyurethane tube a versatile solution. For instance, it is resilient to abrasion, chemicals, gases, and most fuels, oils, greases, and other materials.

This type of tubing also offers maximum kink resistance and minimal kink memory, making it an excellent choice for confined spaces. It is also silicone-free, REACH-, RoHS-, and ISO-compliant, and is widely used in pneumatic applications.

This tubing’s suitability for low temperatures and tight bend radii often makes it a superior choice to  nylon tubing that lacks these qualities.

• Abrasion resilient
• Chemical resistant
• REACH, RoHS and BSI ISO 9001 compliant
• Silicone free
• Suitable for low temperatures
• Highly flexible with kink resistance

Some of the Polyurethane Tubes‘ main properties include:

Antibacterial Properties

Polyurethane does not support mould, mildew, fungus or other similar growth.

Abrasion, Impact & Shock Resistance

This property is ideal for preventing our tubing from being damaged and causing the inner contents to leak and flow outside the tubing due to external damage.

Material

High-grade polyurethane, known for its elasticity, tear resistance, and long service life, makes this PU tube ideal for many applications.

Polyurethane Tubing in Various Industries

Polyurethane tubing, known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and weathering, is widely used across industries for a range of applications. Here are ten common uses of polyurethane tubing:

Pneumatic Control Systems

It is extensively used in pneumatic controls and machinery for conveying pressurised air due to its flexibility and high resistance to kinking and abrasion.

Fluid Handling

Polyurethane tubing is suitable for transferring fluids, including water, petroleum-based products, and certain chemicals, because it is highly resistant to abrasion and chemical attack.

Medical Devices

Because of its biocompatibility and flexibility, it’s used in medical applications like catheters and IV tubing.

Food and Beverage Industry

Approved grades of polyurethane tubing are used to transfer food products and beverages, as they do not affect the taste or odour of the contents.

Robotics and Automation

Its durability and flexibility make it ideal for wiring protection and fluid delivery in robotics and automated machinery.

Automotive Industry

Polyurethane tubing is used in automotive applications, including fuel lines and air intake systems, due to its resistance to oil, gasoline, and other chemicals.

Water Purification Systems

Due to its corrosion and scale resistance, it is used in water filtration and purification systems to transport water.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it’s used to transfer sensitive fluids due to its chemical resistance and non-toxic properties.

Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings

Polyurethane tubing is used in low-pressure hydraulic systems and fittings, providing a lightweight, flexible hose option.

Oil and Gas Industry

Because of their resistance to petroleum products and harsh environmental conditions, they are used in various applications in the oil and gas industry, including extraction and refining.

Polyurethane tubing’s combination of flexibility, durability, and chemical and environmental resistance makes it a versatile choice across a broad spectrum of applications, from industrial and automotive to medical and food processing.

Forms a Tight Seal

Because polyurethane is tear- and abrasion-resistant, it forms a tight seal that blocks unwanted air ingress and prevents punctures, keeping the contents safe from external factors.

Temperature-Resistant Properties

PU tubing has excellent temperature resistance and can withstand both high heat and extreme cold.

Electrical Insulating Properties

Polyurethane has an excellent electrical insulating property.

Chemical & UV Resistance

This type of tubing is resistant to oil, fuel, and other common chemicals, and is also ideal for long-term exposure to sunlight.

Flexibility

Our polyurethane tubing performs well for flexible applications with a tight bend radius. This unique tubing feature provides maximum kink resistance and minimal kink memory, making it an excellent choice for use in confined spaces. This kink resistance helps prevent tubing damage, allowing easy movement of the tube installation.

High Load-Bearing Capacity

Polyurethane has a higher load capacity than materials such as rubber. Under a heavy load, the material may experience temporary deformation; however, it will regain its original shape once the burden is removed.

Resistance to Gases, Fuels, Oils, and Water

Polyurethane will remain stable in or carrying: Gases, Fuels, Oils, and Water.

Creates Less Noise

Compared with other materials, such as metals or plastics, this tubing produces less noise during movement.

REACH, RoHS and ISO Compliant

Our Polyurethane tubing is REACH, RoHS, and ISO compliant, addressing the production and use of chemical substances and their impacts on health and the environment.

High Cut & Tear Resistance

This PU Tubing offers high tear resistance and tensile strength.

Colour Coding Parts

We can pigment this type of tubing, providing a wide selection of colour options. This pigmentation is especially advantageous when you need to colour-code your tubing.

Versatile

This type of tubing is suitable for various industrial, automotive, and medical applications.

Automated Manufacturing Lines

Polyurethane tubing is ideal for delivering air to automated machinery, as its flexibility and durability support high-speed operations, helping keep your production lines running smoothly with minimal downtime or maintenance.

HVAC Systems

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, this tubing helps you control airflow, pressure, and drainage, and it is resistant to cracking, making it a long-lasting choice.

Car Wash Equipment

Polyurethane tubing also performs well in car wash systems, as it can carry water, soap, or air under pressure and withstand wet conditions without splitting or degrading over time.

Dental Equipment

Dental chairs and tools often rely on compressed air. As a result, this tubing delivers it quietly and cleanly, helping everything from drills to suction tools run smoothly.

Packaging Machinery

In packaging plants, tubing powers pneumatic arms and sealing machines because its flexibility enables quick movements while withstanding constant pressure and the wear of repetitive tasks.

Paint and Coating Systems

Whether spraying cars or furniture, polyurethane tubing keeps paint flowing smoothly by resisting solvents and preventing kinks, so your spray stays consistent from start to finish.

Agricultural Sprayers

Farm equipment also uses this tubing for fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation systems, as it’s chemical-resistant and withstands outdoor conditions well, making it ideal for rugged field use.

Printing Industry

From ink delivery to vacuum handling, this tubing is used in commercial printers and copiers due to its properties. It also remains flexible and doesn’t clog, helping maintain print quality and reducing downtime.

Medical and Laboratory Equipment

For air, gas, or non-critical fluid transfer, this tubing is a go-to in labs and clinics, as it is clean, reliable, and resistant to chemicals used in sterilisation or testing.

Large Temperature Ranges and Pressures

This tubing operates efficiently from -20°C to 70°C and handles a wide range of pressures and vacuum conditions, making it suitable for both high- and low-temperature and pressure applications.

Lengths & Colours

Our polyurethane (PU) tube is available in sizes ranging from 2.5mm to 9mm inside diameter. All sizes are available in natural (opaque off-white), tinges of brown, red, black, and blue.

The polyurethane tube has a standard coil length of 30 metres but is available in alternative sizes. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our sales office for more information if you have any queries.

PU Tubing Uses

This unreinforced polyurethane tube is ideal for a large number of applications. Some of these consist of the following:

• Low-pressure pneumatic application
• Hydraulic Control Systems
• Automotive applications
• Pneumatic control systems
• Transfer of Petroleum
• Fuel lines
• Grease and other forms of lubrication for Lines
• Liquid lines
• Oxygen lines
• Gas lines
• Agriculture tubing
• Insulating sleeving
• Machinery tubing
• Air feeds
• Robotics
• Automotive lines
• Fluid Transfer
• Medical Equipment
• Along with many similar application uses

PU Tube Sizes

ID = Inside diameter

OD = Outer diameter

Technical Details

The working pressure for this polyurethane tube is based on the short-term burst pressure at 20°C, applied with a 4:1 safety factor.

The maximum recommended continuous working temperature is 55°C with occasional short-term use at 85°C. Minimum temperature for use is -55°C.

The standard coil length is 30 metres; however, we can provide customised solutions for our sales team if you are looking for alternative lengths. We would be happy to discuss your options. All tube sizes are also available in various colours and tints.

You can find out more about Polyurethane at this Wikipedia page