Selecting the correct pneumatic tube size is essential for system efficiency. The three key dimensions — outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), and wall thickness — directly impact flow rate, pressure capacity, and installation flexibility.
Standard PU pneumatic tubes range from 4mm to 16mm OD. Smaller tubes (4×2.5mm, 6×4mm) are ideal for low-flow control circuits, FRL units, and compact automation panels. Mid-range sizes (8×5mm, 10×6.5mm) handle most general pneumatic applications including actuators and air cylinders.
Larger tubes (12×8mm, 14×10mm, 16×12mm) are designed for high-flow applications such as compressed air mains, CNC machine feeds, and large-bore actuators where volume matters more than response time.
Wall thickness determines pressure capacity. Thicker walls handle higher working pressures but reduce flexibility. For dynamic motion applications like robotics, choose a softer compound (92A) with standard wall thickness for optimal bend radius.
When specifying tubes for export or OEM projects, always confirm the working pressure rating at your operating temperature. PU tubes derate at higher temperatures, so a tube rated at 12 bar at 20°C may only handle 8 bar at 60°C.
