The usefulness of rubber and rubber products in our daily lives is beyond prediction. From our windows to the seals of a tiffin box, rubber’s usage is indispensable. While rubber’s operational use is prominent, there are times when rubber plays a supportive role in carrying out a machine/device’s functionality.
A silicone tube facilitates and supports the transmission of various materials. These materials may exhibit an array of properties; however, a silicone tube constitutes and imbibes the properties of silicone rubber, which makes them resistant, durable, and robust, ensuring smooth transmission.
In this blog, we will deep dive into what silicone tubes are, their key benefits, and industrial applications.
What Exactly are Silicone Tubes?
A silicone tube is made up of silicone rubber and is secured through the process of rubber extrusion and curing. The rubber is forced through a die to attain the desired shape or form; this procedure is labelled rubber extrusion. A silicone tube is acquired through the process of extrusion and is later cured with platinum or peroxide, which allows it to attain a higher level of flexibility and elasticity.
In its appearance, a silicone tube resembles a pipe and constitutes a channel that allows the passage of a liquid or gas. With high durability, they have a capacity to retain their original properties and shape even after repeated stretching and bending.
Key Benefits of Using a Silicone Tube
1. High Temperature Resistance
One of the focal benefits of a silicone tube resides in its property to resist high temperatures. They are capable of withstanding temperatures too hot and even too cold (This benefit makes them well-suited for industrial applications that involve exposure to a wide range of chemical compounds).
2. Serves as a Great Alternative
The harmful and disastrous impact of plastic on the environment has been widely noted. Silicone tubes serve as an alternative to their plastic counterparts by exhibiting the physical and chemical properties of rubber and silicone.
3. Thermal and UV Resistant
Silicone as a material encompasses the quality of low thermal conductivity, which allows the transfer of heat at a slower rate. Due to this property, the temperature of the tube does not rise quickly,y maintaining a balance. Thus, sustaining the quality of the inside materials and not hampering the tube’s efficiency as well.
Additionally, silicone tubes are resistant to UV radiation and ozone, which curbs the process of degradation during their usage.
4. Biocompatible
Processes and innovation have allowed silicone tube manufacturers to produce silicone tubing that constitutes non-toxic components with embraced biocompatibility. This quality makes them super adaptable in the medical and healthcare industry.
5. Easy to Clean
Silicone tubes used for industrial and medical purposes are sterilized. For other uses, silicone tubes can be rinsed thoroughly with water to clean the debris or any accumulated contaminants. Additionally, the silicone tube’s smooth surface makes it an easier instrument to cleanse and use.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Silicone Hose Manufacturer for Your Needs?
Industrial Applications of Silicone Tubes
1. Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
The healthcare industry has most benefitted from the advent of silicone tubes. Serving fluid and IV infusion systems, they are additionally utilized in catheters, surgical drains, oxygen supply tubes, and anesthesia machines. In the pharmaceutical space, silicone tubes widely assist in the transfer of fluids and solvents and even constitute part of peristaltic pumps, which transfer liquids and drugs.
2. Food and Beverage
Silicone tubes are used as a mode to transfer liquids, milk, water and wine in their respective processing units. In the industrial unit, they are even integrated into automated bottle-filling machines and dispensers.
3. Aerospace
Due to their excellent thermal insulation and heat resistance, silicone tubes provide valuable benefits to the aerospace industry even in applications where their role is minimal. They are used as protective jackets for wires, cables, and hoses, and even assist in the airflow maintenance system in the aircraft’s cabin.
4. Electronics
Due to its strong insulation property, silicone tubes protect and safeguard against high-voltage electricity transmission in an electronic device. They even act as protective measures around wires and cables, acting as shock absorbers and shielding the wires from heat and moisture.
Conclusion
Silicone tubes are one of the many implementations of rubber and other compounds coming together to give a good product. This union is reliable and versatile, benefiting the smallest and biggest of industries.
Shree Rubber Works holds expertise in manufacturing silicone tubes and other high-quality rubber products. To know more about our product range, get in touch with us