Thin Wall Plastic Tubing
Thin wall plastic tubing is clear, translucent, opaque, or multi-colored tubing constructed with plastic compounds. It is used primarily in packaging, packaging enhancement, and as an overwrap and is generally extruded in various grades and formulations in order to meet regulatory requirements for custom applications.
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Thin Wall Plastic Tubing Design
Shapes into which tubing is often extruded are round, oval, square, triangular, rectangular, and hexagonal. Tubing may be additionally extruded into custom shapes, such as circular bands, which can serve as an aid in product tamper detection. Extrusions may be rendered to tolerances as tight as .00025”, and tube wall thickness may be as thin as .001”. Because it can stand high temperatures, tubing can also be heat stamped. Other custom features of thin wall plastic tubing include options for open bottoms, sealed bottoms, or end caps. A sealed bottom means that a bottom has permanently adhered to the tube. End caps provide a removable bottom, and their closures are generally available in many different styles, with standard or hanging capabilities.
Grades of Thin Wall Plastic Tubing
Thin wall plastic tubing comes in a number of grades, such as FDA or flame retardant grade. It may also be constructed to meet UL requirements. Tubing may come equipped with UV stabilizers for outdoor applications. Additionally, it may be rigid or flexible. Types of plastic with which tubing is constructed include Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Polyethylene Terephthalate Polyester (PET Polyester), High Impact Polystyrene, and Polyvinyl Chloride.
Applications of Thin Wall Plastic Tubing
Applications and industries served by thin wall plastic tubing include packaging of crafts, toys, food and candy, medical and pharmaceutical, electronic, cosmetic, and personal hygiene. This tubing is recommended only for the packaging of lightweight or non-fragile items like novelties, toys, posters, confectionery products, baked goods, houseware, and anything else that requires inexpensive yet attractive packaging. Thin wall plastic tubing provides adequate protection to retail items while remaining quite affordable, even when packaging sales items. It can also be designed to withstand extreme temperatures, a feature that is important for the integrity and safety of any product. Outside of the retail world, thin wall plastic tubing can also serve as catheter tubing, catheter lines, and other medical tubing.