Air hoses are devices that are used to deliver compressed air, gases, or air-borne bulk solids to a pneumatic tool or air compressor. Air hoses are used in a variety of applications in the industrial, medical, construction, and agricultural sectors ranging from the low-pressure air hose used to inflate a tire to the highly pressurized air supplied to a heavy manufacturing facility. They also have the ability to operate in high and low temperatures and pressures as well as in the most extreme environments.
They are made up of different materials like Rubber, PVC, Polyurethane, Nylon, and Hybrid. The material you choose depends on the application as each material has a different level of flexibility, durability, kink resistance, weight, performance in hostile environments and conditions, and cost.
Some of the most commonly used hose materials are given below.
Rubber air hoses
One of the most commonly used air hose materials, rubber, gets its popularity from its flexibility and durability. An economical choice too, rubber hoses are strong and can handle different pressure and temperature variations (except extreme frozen conditions). Rubber is kink-resistant and is easy to coil up and store.
However, being on the heavier side, rubber is best used in a static location, like a garage or workshop. Rubber is soft on the outside and so it collects dirt; this may leave marks on surfaces or on your hands.
Rubber hoses are widely used in industrial and agricultural sectors, and also in professional and home settings.
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Polyurethane air hoses
Polyurethane is a fairly new material used to manufacture hoses and was only introduced in the early 1980s. These hoses are durable because they do not wear and tear easily. The elasticity makes these hoses extremely light and easy to carry around. For this reason, polyurethane hoses are the best choice for on-the-move uses and applications.
However, polyurethane hoses are costly and not kink resistant.
Polyurethane hoses are used in many high-pressure applications such as pneumatic control systems, powder and granular material transfer, and low-pressure hydraulic systems.
PVC air hoses
Another widely used air hose material is PVC. PVC hoses do not cost much and are durable. Being lightweight, PVC hoses are extensively used outside.
However, PVC hoses can crack under extreme temperature conditions and should not be used in extreme colder temperatures. They also kink fairly easily.
PVC air hoses are used to convey air, water, and mild chemicals.
Hybrid air hoses
A hybrid of both PVC and rubber, hybrid air hoses get the best qualities of both materials. Hybrid hoses are lightweight, easily maneuverable, and flexible. The material is kink resistant and can perform in almost any application, from quite cold weather to working at heights.
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Nylon air hoses
Nylon hoses are cheap, lightweight, and can easily coil up. For this reason, nylon air hoses are used in factories and workshops where the hose can be hung from the ceiling.
However, Nylon can be easily punctured and is not kink resistant.
To take a look at our extensive choice of affordable air hoses that are available in different materials, log on to our website.
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