Braided Tubing FITCOFLEX®

Mixed Braided Tubing: An innovative solution for industrial protection

In industrial applications, braided tubing is indispensable when it comes to protecting cables, lines, and hoses. They not only provide mechanical protection but also a high degree of flexibility and resistance to various environmental influences. In recent years, mixed braided tubing has become increasingly important. These tubes combine different materials to unite the advantages of several properties and thus fulfill the special requirements of different applications.

What is mixed braided tubing?

Mixed braided tubing consists of different materials that are braided together to maximize the individual strengths of each material. Typical material combinations include metal threads such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or polypropylene, and occasionally high-performance materials such as Kevlar and PPS. The combination of these materials results in a product that is not only more resistant and durable but also fulfills the specific requirements of different industrial applications.

Moreover, mixed braided tubing includes not only the combination of materials such as plastic and metal but also the utilization of different plastics within the braid. One example of this is the FITCOFLEX®-B-PA/2PET. This is a halogen-free braided hose consisting of a PA (polyamide) monofilament yarn and two PET (polyethylene terephthalate) monofilament yarns. This combination makes it possible to customize the hose’s flexibility, abrasion resistance, and temperature resistance, whereby PA is known for its high strength and PET for its resistance to moisture. Although exclusively made of plastics, this is a mixed braid, as the threads are made of different plastic materials.

Another variant is the FITCOFLEX®-B-2PA/PET, where the ratio is reversed: two PA threads and one PET thread are combined. This variant offers greater strength and temperature resistance. This is due to the increased proportion of robust PA material, while PET provides flexibility and lower moisture absorption. Such mixtures of plastics enable numerous customization options, depending on the specific requirements of the application, such as protection against mechanical stress, temperature resistance, or flexibility. This variety of material combinations emphasizes the versatility of mixed braided tubing in industrial applications.

Advantages of Mixed Braided Tubing

• Increased Mechanical Strength: By combining materials such as metal and synthetic fibers, mixed braided tubing offers excellent abrasion resistance and can withstand significant mechanical stress.
• High-Temperature Resistance: When heat-resistant plastics are incorporated, mixed braided sleeving can handle extreme temperatures, making it ideal for high-temperature environments.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The use of flexible materials like nylon or polyester allows this tubing to easily conform to complex shapes and tight spaces, facilitating installation and use in challenging environments.
• Electromagnetic Shielding: With the integration of metallic components, some mixed braided sleeving also provides effective electromagnetic shielding, which is particularly advantageous in the electronics and automotive industries.
• Corrosion Resistance: Metal braids made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel protect the tubing from chemical exposure, extending its lifespan in harsh environments.

Applications of Mixed Braided Tubing

Thanks to its versatile properties, mixed braided tubing is used in a wide range of industries:

• Automotive Industry: It is commonly used to protect cables and wires in engine compartments, where they are exposed to high temperatures, vibrations, and mechanical stresses.
• Aerospace Industry: In this sector, protecting cables and systems from extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference is crucial. Mixed braided sleeving provides an optimal solution, provided it meets the specific certification requirements of the industry.
• Electronics Industry: In electronics, this tubing protects sensitive cables and wires from mechanical damage and electromagnetic interference. Its ability to provide electromagnetic shielding can be precious in certain applications.
• Mechanical Engineering: In industrial applications, this tubing protects hydraulic and pneumatic hoses from abrasion, chemical exposure, and mechanical damage.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Here, it protects pipes and cables in extreme environments from corrosive chemicals, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stresses.

Conclusion

Mixed braided tubing offers a flexible, robust, and adaptable solution for numerous industrial applications by combining various materials. It is capable of meeting specific demands in challenging environments and contributes to the durability and reliability of cables, wires, and hoses. In a world where industrial processes are becoming increasingly complex, this innovative tubing provides valuable protection and performance at the highest level.