Insulation Tubing

ETFE Tubing – Durable Solutions for Demanding Applications

ETFE (Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene) is a high-performance material that is gaining increasing significance across industries—and for a good reason. This fluoropolymer combines numerous advantages and is well-suited for applications requiring high chemical resistance and durability under demanding temperature conditions. For companies relying on reliable tubing solutions, ETFE tubing is an excellent choice. Especially in areas like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other applications where conventional materials quickly reach their limits.

ETFE Tubing: Exceptional Durability for Demanding Conditions

Similar to polyethylene, ETFE is characterized by impressive corrosion resistance and strength across a wide temperature range from -75°C to +150°C. ETFE tubes withstand extreme temperatures and aggressive media, ensuring reliable performance even under the most challenging conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where chemical resistance and mechanical durability are essential.

With high resistance to abrasion, impacts, and crushing, ETFE tubes remain robust even in demanding environments. Compared to PTFE tubing, it offers superior pressure resistance, providing a significant advantage in specialized HPLC applications.

Advantages of ETFE Tubing in Detail

1. High-Pressure Resistance: ETFE tubing, depending on wall thickness and diameter, is highly pressure-resistant. For the most commonly used dimension (0.25 mm x 1.6 mm), the pressure resistance reaches up to 260 bar when water is used as the mobile phase. However, when in contact with certain organic solvents, ETFE becomes more pressure-sensitive, and a maximum pressure of 70 bar is recommended. These factors enable ETFE tubing to be safely and stably used even under high demands.
2. Outstanding Chemical Resistance: ETFE resists corrosion from aggressive media such as chlorine salts, which can attack stainless steel. This is particularly advantageous for chemical applications, as the tubing maintains its stability even under intense chemical exposure. Notably, ETFE is superior to PTFE in terms of gas permeability.
3. Strong Mechanical Properties: Thanks to its high impact strength and resistance to stress cracking, ETFE tubing performs well in environments with mechanical stress. Its stability is maintained even under heavy use, making it an ideal solution for demanding industrial applications.
4. Smooth Surface and Tight Tolerances: The smooth surface of ETFE tubing prevents the accumulation of particles and deposits, facilitating cleaning and maintenance. Its precise manufacturing with tight tolerances makes ETFE tubing particularly suitable for laboratory applications where precision and cleanliness are critical.

Application of ETFE Tubing in Aviation

ETFE has a crucial application in the aviation industry as an insulation material for electrical wires and cables. Its unique properties – such as exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical stress – make it ideal for this field. In the aerospace sector, where safety and reliability are of utmost importance, ETFE tubing ensures that electrical wiring remains optimally protected even under extreme conditions.

Furthermore, ETFE-insulated wiring offers exceptional longevity and, compared to other materials, is lighter, contributing to an overall reduction in aircraft weight – a critical advantage in an industry where every gram counts. This combination of robustness, lightness, and resistance to environmental factors makes ETFE an indispensable material for modern aircraft wiring.

Further Applications and Conclusion

ETFE tubing is an excellent solution for companies seeking a durable, resilient, and high-pressure-tolerant option. With its unique material properties, it meets the demands of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, laboratory environments, aviation, and other challenging applications. Its outstanding resistance to chemical influences and mechanical stability make it a valuable investment.

GREMCO offers a wide range of products in various dimensions and specifications tailored to individual requirements. For demanding applications requiring high reliability and durability, ETFE tubing is a future-proof choice.