EPDM Tubing
EPDM tubing is a type of tubing, tubes being hollow channels, made from a synthetic rubber, known fully as non-polar ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. EPDM tubing may be tubing with an outer covering layer of EPDM, and inner covering layer of EPDM or both. EPDM is electricity resistant, heat resistant, fairly chemical and corrosion resistant and resistant to the effects of prolonged weather exposure, such as oxidation and ozone damage. For those reasons, among others, hollow EPDM channels are among the most popular synthetic rubber tubing types in the world.
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Materials in EPDM Tubing
Before EPDM tubing is extruded, the raw material from which it is made can be treated or altered in order to enhance its various qualities or add new ones. In order to do so, manufacturers may blend the EPDM with other synthetic rubber compounds like SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) or an additive like sulphur. Such modifications emphasize properties like tensile strength, compression set resistance, tear and abrasion resistance, oil swell resistance, flame retardance or low temperature flexibility. The alteration of EPDM compounds is a useful practice and is valuable in the creation of tubing in high stress environments like firefighting, automotive oil conveyance and medical treatment. EPDM tubing can also be enhanced with different types of reinforcements, including embedded helix wire, steel wire braiding, spiral high-tensile textile and polyester layers. Also, to significantly increase its chemical resistance, it can also be coated. For aesthetic appeal or for practical reasons like color stability, EPDM tubing or hose is typically available in black, blue, green, grey, red and yellow.
EPDM Extrusion Process
EPDM tubing may be formed using a number of different methods, but the most common way to make it is through rubber extrusion. The EPDM extrusion process is much the same as other rubber extrusion processes. It begins with the collection of raw EPDM, which is first placed in a hopper that suspends it above a conveyance channel. It continues when manufacturers allow the release of the raw EPDM from the hopper into the conveyance channel below. Once in the channel, the EPDM is forced down the channel by a long and turning shearing screw. The turning of the screw creates levels of friction that lead to the heating and pressurization of the raw EPDM. Eventually, the combination of heat and pressure melt the EPDM. Once molten, the material is ready to be forced through the die at the end of the channel. The die used in rubber extrusion is specially designed to work with and shape rubber products. Once the molten EPDM passes through the die, it emerges on the other side as newly extruded tubing. Once it has sufficiently cooled, the tubing can be cut and otherwise processed before being prepared for shipping.
EPDM Tubing Applications
Used to transmit liquids and gases, EPDM tubing is used in a wide variety of general purpose and speciality applications, particularly in the automotive, HVAC, water, drainage and home and garden industries. Among other things, EPDM tubing is commonly used as: heater hose, coolant hose, shop hose, vacuum hose, hose in emission system and water and garden hose. Because of their properties, EPDM tubes are well-suited to the conveyance of substances including: alcohols, alkalis, concentrated acids, fireproof hydraulic fluids, gasoline, halogenated solvents, hot and cold water, hydrocarbons, kerosene and ketones.
Standards and Specifications for EPDM Tubing
In addition, most manufacturers offer the ability to engineer their EPDM tubing products to meet the requirements of various organizations and sets of standards. Examples of such standards include: MIL Specs (U.S. Department of Defense standards), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), FDA/NSF, ASTM International, USP (U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention) Class VI, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) International and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards). Learn about the offerings and capabilities of various expert tubing manufacturers by reaching out to one or more of the many manufacturers listed on this page. All of those with whom IQS Directory partners are reputable, experienced and ready to assist new customers.
Things to Consider When Purchasing EPDM Tubing
They also typically offer custom services like repetitive cutting, printing and striping and packaging. Printing and striping services can refer to the printing of nearly any type of pattern that enhances product traceability, company recognition or the conveyance of information such as product capabilities and limitations. Patterns like this include company logos, size information, date codes and part numbers. EPDM tubing can be extruded to virtually any diameter or tolerance and cut to virtually any length.
EPDM Tubing Accessories
Manufacturers offer EPDM tubing with a variety of useful accessories, such as plastic and metal fittings, couplings, connectors, pinch clamps, ear type clamps, double bond clamps and tube cutters.
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EPDM Tubing Informational Video