Rubber Tube
A rubber tube is made from natural latex or synthetic rubber and is used in flow lines to transport liquids or gases. Natural rubber tubing is derived from natural latex, which is a product of several plant species, most notably the Pará rubber tree. Synthetic rubber is made from various molecules derived from petroleum. The inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of rubber tubing can range in size from a few thousandths of an inch to several inches.
Quick links to Rubber Tube Information
Rubber Tubing Advantages
Tube is essential for gardens. If you visit your nearby garden supplies store, chances are, you would find so many tubing options that would leave you baffled. Out of many choices, rubber tubing is considered the best, due to its many advantages. Some of the biggest advantages of rubber silicone tubing are:
- Rubber Flexibility
- Rubber is a highly flexible material giving rubber tubing its yielding structure. This property is convenient for a variety of applications such as water supply extension, in homes, garages, and for gardens. There are various types of rubber tubes, some are meant for home purposes (water supply) only, while others can be employed for industrial objectives, such as the transference of chemicals and process fluids.
- Low Prices
- Low prices are another advantage of rubber tubes. If we would compare plastic or metallic pipes with rubber tubes, we would find the latter to be more cost effective. In addition, rubber tubes do not require frequent maintenance and care. Instead, they keep working for a long duration of time. This way, they help save plenty on your maintenance or repair budget.
- Tube Durability
- If you are making a $100 investment for your garden’s rubber hose, you can be sure that it would last for five to six years. In comparison to an investment of over $1000 in metal tubing that lasts for ten years or so, investing in rubber tubes is wiser than investing in metal tubes.
Rubber Tube Applications
Rubber tubes, like all other tubes, require connectors, hose barbs or other attachments in order to be connected to tools, instruments or more tubing. Both natural and synthetic rubber tubing are polymers with repeating molecules called monomers. Natural rubber is only made with isoprene monomers while artificial rubber can be made from many different kinds. The variations in materials and chemicals added to the mixture result in a range of characteristics and uses. Rubber products are everywhere and rubber tubes are used in many industries including medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, laboratory, food and beverage processing, sports, manufacturing, hydraulic, pneumatic and specialty applications. These tubes can be spark-resistant, explosion-proof, sterilized, reinforced or conductive and are inherently flexible, resilient and elastic.
Design of Rubber Tubes
Gum rubber is made from natural latex. Once harvested, it is taken to a processing plant and mixed with chemicals so it thickens. In synthetic rubber, certain additives can influence the attributes of the final product. For example, some rubber tubing is conductive while other tubing is sterile and inert. Neoprene, silicone, and Viton are a few examples of materials that have different characteristics while still being classified as rubber tubing. For instance, neoprene is buoyant, silicone is very smooth and elastic and Viton tubing is highly resilient. When sulfur is added, a process called vulcanization takes place and the rubber becomes hard and mostly inelastic. After mixing, the rubber must be given its shape. There are three main ways this is done: molding, extrusion and dipping. Liquid rubber can be poured into molds and pressed into place; the two halves will later be attached and smoothed together. Rubber extrusion involves forcing raw rubber materials through an extrusion die. Dipping rubber tubes involves long cylinders called mandrels whose thickness is the width of the desired internal diameter. They are dipped into vats of rubber and then dried and steam cured.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Rubber Tubes
Considering all these positive points, rubber tubes undeniably are a smart investment. But there are many showrooms, suppliers, and companies that offer rubber tubes. But, the question is, how would you figure out which tube is best suited for you? The following pointers underline a few tips that will help you find the best rubber product from the best rubber tubing supplier.
- Pipe Length
- You should choose a pipe length that can comfortably cover the entire area of your lawn. Make sure that you buy one or two meters extra than your required length. Usually, tubing is available in "feet", therefore you should calculate the length accordingly.
- Correct Tube Thickness
- Thickness of the tube plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired pressure. One by two inches is the standard diameter of home/garden rubber tubing. Consider going with the standard measurement.
- Tubing Quality
- Now comes the quality of the rubber tubing! Many tubing suppliers offer a variety of rubber tubes, including ones with a robust, weather resistant coating. This rubber tubing is suitable for outdoor purposes, for example, lawn irrigation. Some rubber tubes are made from a material that is a combination of rubber and polymer. This is called silicone tubing, and this could also be an ideal selection for your requirements.
- Find the best supplier in your area. You can Google or us a renowned business directory, like IQSdirectory.com, to reach a reliable supplier of rubber tubing in your region.