Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-09-11 Origin: Site
In every pneumatic system, tubing is the circulatory network that carries compressed air from the source to the point of use. While often overlooked, the choice of tubing material, diameter, and construction directly affects system efficiency, response time, and long-term reliability. An incorrectly selected tube can cause pressure drop, kinks, leakage, or premature failure — leading to reduced performance and unnecessary downtime.
The WAALPC pneumatic tubing range encompasses three primary materials — PU (Polyurethane) , PE (Polyethylene) , and PA (Polyamide/Nylon) — available in straight coils, spiral (spring) tubes, and multiple colors and sizes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of each material, their specifications, selection criteria, and application scenarios.
WAALPC offers pneumatic tubing in three base materials, each suited to different operating conditions and applications.
Material | Hardness | Key Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
64D / 60D | Excellent flexibility, high elasticity, abrasion resistant | General pneumatic systems, robotics, moving applications | |
PE (Polyethylene) | 95A / 98A | Rigid, low cost, good chemical resistance | Fixed installations, water lines, low-flex applications |
PA (Polyamide/Nylon) | 95A / 98A | High strength, heat resistant, excellent pressure rating | High-pressure, high-temperature, automotive, industrial |
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Applicable Fluid | Air, water, oil, neutral solvents |
Environment & Fluid Temperature | –20°C to +60°C |
Features | Ester-based PU/PE/PA coiled tube with high flexibility and excellent restoring force |
Usage | Easy to use and flexible for movable parts |
Note: PA (nylon) tubing can withstand higher temperatures than PU or PE and is suitable for applications requiring greater mechanical strength.
WAALPC tubing follows a clear, systematic product code that makes selection straightforward.
PA - 04 - 20
Position | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
① | Model | PA, PE, or PU (material type) |
② | O.D. | Tube outer diameter (e.g., 04 = 4mm) |
③ | I.D. | Tube inner diameter (e.g., 20 = 2.0mm) |
CL - 08 - 50 - 06M
Position | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
① | CL | Coil / spiral tube |
② | O.D. | Tube outer diameter (e.g., 08 = 8mm) |
③ | I.D. | Tube inner diameter (e.g., 50 = 5.0mm) |
④ | Length | Total length in meters (e.g., 06M = 6 meters) |
WAALPC tubing is available in a wide range of colors for easy identification and system organization:
Code | Color |
|---|---|
BU | Blue |
C | Transparent |
O | Orange |
B | Black |
G | Green |
Y | Yellow |
R | Red |
Color coding is particularly useful in complex pneumatic systems, allowing technicians to quickly trace air lines and identify circuits.
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. (mm) | Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
PA0420 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 30.0 |
PA0530 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 35.0 |
PA0640 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 40.0 |
PA0860 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 50.0 |
PA1075 | 7.5 | 10.0 | 60.0 |
PA1080 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 65.0 |
PA1290 | 9.0 | 12.0 | 70.0 |
PA1410 | 10.0 | 14.0 | 100.0 |
PA1612 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 130.0 |
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. (mm) | Length (M) |
|---|---|---|---|
CL0850-06M | 5.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 |
CL0850-09M | 5.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
CL0850-12M | 5.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 |
CL0850-15M | 5.0 | 8.0 | 15.0 |
CL1065-06M | 6.5 | 10.0 | 6.0 |
CL1065-09M | 6.5 | 10.0 | 9.0 |
CL1065-12M | 6.5 | 10.0 | 12.0 |
CL1065-15M | 6.5 | 10.0 | 15.0 |
CL1280-06M | 8.0 | 12.0 | 6.0 |
CL1280-09M | 8.0 | 12.0 | 9.0 |
CL1280-12M | 8.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 |
CL1280-15M | 8.0 | 12.0 | 15.0 |
Metric Sizes:
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. (mm) | Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
PE0420 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 25.0 |
PE0640 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 35.0 |
PE0860 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 55.0 |
PE1080 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 65.0 |
PE1290 | 9.0 | 12.0 | 80.0 |
PE1411 | 10.0 | 14.0 | 80.0 |
Inch Sizes:
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. | Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
PE1/8 | 1.57 | 1/8" | 13.0 |
PE1/4 | 4.3 | 1/4" | 32.0 |
PE3/8 | 6.35 | 3/8" | 50.0 |
PE1/2 | 9.65 | 1/2" | 64.0 |
Metric Sizes:
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. (mm) | Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
2.5 | 4.0 | 10.0 | |
PU0640-200M | 4.0 | 6.0 | 15.0 |
PU0850-100M | 5.0 | 8.0 | 20.0 |
PU0855-100M | 5.5 | 8.0 | 20.0 |
PU106-100M | 6.5 | 10.0 | 25.0 |
PU1280-100M | 8.0 | 12.0 | 35.0 |
PU1410-100M | 10.0 | 14.0 | 45.0 |
PU1612-100M | 12.0 | 16.0 | 70.0 |
PU1613-100M | 13.0 | 16.0 | 80.0 |
Inch Sizes:
Item No. | I.D. (mm) | O.D. | Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
PU1/8-200M | 2.0 | 3.2 | 32.0 |
PU1/4-200M | 4.57 | 6.35 | 24.0 |
PU3/8-100M | 6.5 | 9.6 | 24.0 |
PU1/2-100M | 9.6 | 12.6 | 24.0 |
Beyond the standard PU, PE, and PA ranges, WAALPC offers specialized tubing for specific applications:
Tubing Type | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
PA11 Nylon Tubing | High-grade nylon, excellent flexibility and durability | Superior resistance to stress cracking and chemicals |
PU Spiral Tube | Self-retracting coiled tube | Ideal for moving tools and equipment |
Flame-Resistant Hose | Special formulation with flame-retardant additives | Enhanced safety in high-risk environments |
Anti-Static Tubing | Conductive material to dissipate static electricity | Essential for explosive or sensitive environments |
Nylon Spring Tube | Nylon coiled tube with excellent restoring force | High-strength retractable applications |
Factor | PU | PE | PA |
|---|---|---|---|
Flexibility | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
Pressure Rating | High | Moderate | Very High |
Temperature Resistance | –20 to +60°C | –20 to +60°C | –20 to +60°C (higher grades available) |
Chemical Resistance | Good | Excellent | Good |
Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
Cost | Moderate | Low | Higher |
Best For | Moving parts, robotics | Fixed lines, water | High pressure, high strength |
Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
Flow rate required | Larger I.D. = higher flow, lower pressure drop |
System pressure | Higher pressure requires thicker wall (smaller I.D./O.D. ratio) |
Bend radius | Choose a tube with a bend radius smaller than your tightest bend |
Connection fitting | Match O.D. to fitting size (e.g., 6mm O.D. = 6mm fitting) |
Length | Standard coils from 100M to 200M; spiral tubes from 6M to 15M |
Application: Air supply to a moving robotic arm in an assembly cell, requiring flexibility, abrasion resistance, and a 6mm O.D. connection.
Recommended: PU0640-200M (PU tubing, 4.0mm I.D., 6.0mm O.D., 200M coil) or CL0850-06M (PU spiral tube, 5.0mm I.D., 8.0mm O.D., 6M length) for retractable applications.
WAALPC pneumatic tubing is used across a wide range of industries:
Robotics: Flexible PU tubing for moving axes and end-of-arm tooling
Assembly lines: Reliable air supply for cylinders, grippers, and sensors
Pick-and-place systems: High-cycle tubing with excellent restoring force
Assembly shops: Durable PU and PA tubing for pneumatic tools
Paint lines: Chemical-resistant PE tubing
Testing equipment: High-pressure PA tubing
Packaging machinery: Clean, reliable air supply
Filling equipment: PE and PU tubing for washdown environments
Conveyor systems: Abrasion-resistant PU tubing
Knitting machines: PU spiral tubes for moving yarn guides
Weaving looms: Flexible tubing for high-cycle applications
Dyeing equipment: Chemical-resistant PE tubing
Analytical instruments: Clean PE and PA tubing
Respiratory equipment: Medical-grade PU tubing
Laboratory automation: Precision air control
Do | Do Not |
|---|---|
Cut tubing squarely with a tube cutter | Use a knife or side cutters (causes deformation) |
Deburr the tube end | Leave sharp edges that can damage O-rings |
Match tube O.D. to fitting size | Force an incorrect size into a fitting |
Allow for bend radius | Exceed minimum bend radius (causes kinks) |
Support long runs | Let tubing sag or vibrate excessively |
Inspect regularly: Check for cracks, abrasion, or discoloration
Replace worn tubing: Do not attempt to repair damaged sections
Keep clean: Prevent contamination from entering the tubing
Check connections: Ensure fittings remain tight and leak-free
Store properly: Keep unused tubing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
WAALPC pneumatic tubing offers a compelling combination of quality, variety, and value:
✅ Three material options — PU, PE, and PA for diverse applications
✅ Wide size range — I.D. from 1.57mm to 13.0mm; O.D. from 3.2mm to 16.0mm
✅ Multiple colors — Blue, transparent, orange, black, green, yellow, red
✅ Spiral tube options — Self-retracting for moving tools and equipment
✅ Specialized tubing — Flame-resistant and anti-static variants available
✅ High-quality materials — Ester-based PU/PE/PA with excellent restoring force
✅ Competitive pricing — Cost-effective without compromising quality
✅ Global availability — Exported to over 40 countries worldwide
Pneumatic tubing is a critical component in any compressed air system. Selecting the right material, size, and configuration ensures optimal airflow, minimal pressure drop, and long service life. WAALPC offers a comprehensive range of PU, PE, and PA tubing — available in straight coils, spiral tubes, and multiple colors — to meet the diverse needs of industrial automation, automotive, food processing, textile, and medical applications.
Key takeaways:
PU Tubing: Best for flexible, moving applications with excellent abrasion resistance
PE Tubing: Cost-effective choice for fixed installations and water lines
PA Tubing: High-strength option for high-pressure and high-temperature applications
Spiral Tubes: Self-retracting for tools and equipment requiring mobility
Specialty Tubing: Flame-resistant and anti-static options for safety-critical environments
Size Range: I.D. from 1.57mm to 13.0mm; O.D. from 3.2mm to 16.0mm
Temperature Range: –20°C to +60°C
Colors: Blue, transparent, orange, black, green, yellow, red
By selecting the correct tubing for your application and following proper installation and maintenance procedures, WAALPC pneumatic tubing will deliver reliable, efficient performance for years to come.
For more information about WAALPC pneumatic tubing or to discuss your specific application requirements, please contact our technical sales team or visit www.waalpc.com.
