Polycarbonate Tube

Polycarbonate Tube refers to an elongated, hollow, and strong component engineered from polycarbonate thermoplastic material with space inside. It is widely used in different applications revolving around holding or transporting different substances, especially liquids and gases.

Kusla supply customed Polycarbonate tubes with different sizes and colors for different use.

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Polycarbonate tube Specification

DIAMETEROutside Diameter:
0.375 in – 6 in
LENGTHCustom
TEXTURE, SURFACE,
PATTERN		Custom
GRADESMachine, Glass-Filled, Print Grade, General Purpose, Food Grade, FDA Compliant (Non UV Stabilized), Low Flammability, Flame Inhibiting, Class A Fire Rating, Sign Grade, Abrasion Resistant (AR 2), Light Diffusing, UV Resistant, IR Blocking, Containment Grade, Bullet Resistant, Optical, FMVSS Compliant, Antimicrobial
TYPES AND COLORSClear

Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, by manufacturer, brand, and grade.

Custom sizes and colors available upon request. Also available in roll stock.

Typical Properties of Polycarbonate

UNITSASTM TESTPOLYCARBONATE
Specific gravity (73°F)D7921.2
Light transmittance (transparency/clarity)%D100386
Heat deflection temperature @ 264 psi°FD648270
Tensile strengthpsiD6389,500
Flexural moduluspsiD790345,000
Izod impact (notched)ft-lbs/in of notchD25612.0 - 16.0
Maximum continuous service temperature in air°F240
Water absorption (immersion 24 hours)%D5700.15
Coefficient of linear thermal expansionin/in/°Fx10-5D6963.8

Choose Polycarbonate Tube For Your Program

  • White Polycarbonate Tube
  • Transparent Polycarbonate Tube
  • translucent polycarbonate tube
  • Square Polycarbonate Tube
  • Round Polycarbonate Hard Tube
  • polycarbonate tube thick wall
  • Polycarbonate LED Tube
  • Polycarbonate Centrifuge Tube
  • Plastic Polycarbonate Tube
  • Opal Polycarbonate Tube
  • Milky Polycarbonate Tube
  • Medical Polycarbonate Tube
  • Light Diffusing Frosted Polycarbonate Tube
  • frosted polycarbonate tube
  • Extruded Polycarbonate Tube
  • Colored Polycarbonate Tube
  • Co-Extruded Polycarbonate Tube
  • clear polycarbonate tube
  • Clear Pipe Polycarbonate Tube
  • black polycarbonate tube

Main Benefit Of Polycarbonate tube

  • 265° F continuous use temperature
  • Transparent
  • Excellent toughness
  • Low moisture absorption
  • Superior electrical properties
  • Excellent UV resistance
  • Easily machined and fabricated
  • Glass fiber filed grades for improved strength and stiffness
  • High dielectric strength
  • Light weight
  • Wide range operating temperatures (-40° F to 280° F)
  • High impact resistance- virtually unbreakable
  • High clarity and light transmission

Frequently Asked Questions about Polycarbonate tubes

Polycarbonate tubing is a type of plastic tubing that refers to an elongated, hollow, and strong component engineered from plastic material with space inside.Polycarbonate tube has excellent strength and durability, and can handle high-pressure air and water applications. It is clear, rigid, and resistant to ultraviolet light. It is used for applications such as sight glasses, medical devices, electronics packaging, LED tubing, flow lines, and more. 

Polycarbonate tubing is a type of plastic tubing that has many advantages over other materials. Some of the advantages are:

  • It has excellent impact strength, which means it can withstand high forces without breaking or cracking.
  • It is flexible and can be shaped at room temperature, unlike acrylic which needs to be heated and molded.
  • It has good resistance to alkalis, acids, chemicals, UV and ozone, which makes it suitable for various environments.
  • It can tolerate high temperatures and is non-flammable, which makes it safe for applications that involve heat or fire.
  • It is lightweight and easy to transport and install.

Polycarbonate tubing is ideal for applications that require high durability, transparency, and versatility, such as sight glasses, medical devices, electronics packaging, LED tubing, flow lines, bullet-resistant windows, greenhouse windows, roofing panels, etc.

To measure polycarbonate tubing, you need to know the inside diameter (ID), the outside diameter (OD), and the wall thickness of the tubing. These dimensions are usually given in inches or millimeters. Here are some steps to measure polycarbonate tubing:

  • Use a ruler or a caliper to measure the OD of the tubing. This is the distance across the widest part of the tube. You can also use a tape measure if the tubing is flexible enough to wrap around it.
  • Use a ruler or a caliper to measure the ID of the tubing. This is the distance across the narrowest part of the tube, or the opening of the tube. You may need to insert a rod or a dowel into the tube to measure the ID accurately.
  • Subtract the ID from the OD to get the wall thickness of the tubing. This is the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the tube.
  • Record your measurements and compare them with the specifications of the tubing you need. You can also use online calculators or charts to convert between different units of measurement.

Some tips for measuring polycarbonate tubing:

  • Make sure you use a sharp and clean blade to cut the tubing if you need to trim it. Use a fine-toothed saw blade for thin tubing and a triple-chip carbide blade for thick tubing.
  • Make sure you measure the tubing at room temperature, as polycarbonate can expand or contract with changes in temperature.
  • Make sure you measure the tubing along its length, not across its curve, as polycarbonate can bend or twist with pressure.

polycarbonate tubing has a temperature range of -40° to 200° F and a tensile strength of 8,900-9, 500 psi. However, the pressure rating of a tube is negatively affected by maximum operating temperature and severity of service. You may need to consult the temperature derating factor table and severity of service derating factors table to arrive at the maximum working pressure for your application.

Polycarbonate and acrylic are both transparent plastics that can be used as alternatives to glass. However, they have some differences in their properties and applications. some of the critical differences between acrylic and polycarbonate are:

  • Cost: Acrylic is cheaper than polycarbonate.
  • Temperature resistance: Polycarbonate has a higher heat resistance than acrylic and can withstand temperatures up to 240°C, while acrylic can only withstand temperatures up to 95°C.
  • Impact resistance: Polycarbonate has a much higher impact resistance than acrylic and can resist shattering or cracking under high stress. Polycarbonate is 250 times more impact resistant than glass, while acrylic is only 17 times more impact resistant than glass.
  • Durability: Polycarbonate is more resistant to chemicals and UV rays than acrylic and does not yellow over time. Acrylic is more prone to scratching and fading under exposure to sunlight or harsh chemicals.
  • Flexibility: Polycarbonate is more flexible than acrylic and can be bent or molded without heating. Acrylic is more rigid and brittle and requires heating to bend or shape.

Depending on your application and requirements, you may choose either polycarbonate or acrylic tubing. Polycarbonate is better for high heat applications, high impact applications, or applications that require flexibility and durability. Acrylic is better for low heat applications, low impact applications, or applications that require transparency and scratch resistance.

Polycarbonate tubing is UV resistant, meaning it does not degrade or deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet light. Polycarbonate as a material block almost the entire relevant UV spectrum, meaning both UVA and UVB. The material absorbs UV radiation and does not allow it to be transmitted through. This makes polycarbonate tubing suitable for outdoor applications where UV exposure is a concern.

Polycarbonate tubing has variable chemical resistance, depending on the type and concentration of the chemical and the conditions of use. Polycarbonate exhibits good chemical resistance against diluted acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols; moderate chemical resistance against oils and greases. However, polycarbonate is readily attacked by diluted alkalis, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. You may need to consult a chemical compatibility chart or test the tubing under your specific application before using it with any chemicals.

No, polycarbonate tubing is not flexible.  Polycarbonate is the toughest clear plastic available. Polycarbonate tubes and tubing are rigid and do not bend. If you need flexible tubing, you may consider other materials such as polyurethane, silicone, or PVC.

the best way to cut polycarbonate tubes is using a table saw that’s outfitted with a special blade that’s designed specifically for cutting polycarbonate. Cut the polycarbonate tubes in a straight line using a guide at a steady, moderate pace to reduce the chance of chips and breakage. You can also use a jigsaw, a circular saw, or a tube cutter to cut polycarbonate tubes, but make sure you use fine-toothed blades and follow safety precautions.

There are different methods to bend polycarbonate tubes, depending on the equipment and tools available.

One of the methods is using a heat gun and a spring. you need to insert a spring that fits the inside diameter of the tube firmly. Then, with a heat gun, you need to heat up the tube until the plastic is elastic and can be bent around a form until it cools. Then, you can remove the spring and the tube will have a nice curve without any distortion.

Another method is using a thermal bending bench, a heat coil or an air circulation furnace. you need to heat your polycarbonate tube completely or partially, depending on the desired bend angle. Then, you need to bend the tube into the desired shape using a mould. Once the polycarbonate has cooled, it will retain its new shape without support.

Polycarbonate tubes are available in different sizes and lengths, KUSLA polycarbonate tubes can range from 10mm to 200mm in outer diameter, and from 1mm to 2.5mm in wall thickness. The lengths can vary from 6ft to 8ft, or can be cut to size according to the customer’s needs. Polycarbonate tubes are sold in box sets or single quantities depending on the item and price.

Yes, polycarbonate tubes are recyclable. polycarbonate plastic is 100% recyclable and identified by recycling code “7”. Polycarbonate tubes can be recycled into new products such as carpet, fleece clothing or even more plastic tubes.

There are different ways to connect polycarbonate tubes to fittings or other tubes, depending on the type and size of the fittings and tubes. Some of the possible methods are:

  • Using push-to-connect tube fittings that have a single barb that creates a smooth clamping surface for extra-tight connections. These fittings are made of polycarbonate or other plastic materials and can be easily inserted into the tubes without any tools
  • Using compression fittings that have a nut and a ferrule that tighten around the tube to create a seal. These fittings are usually made of metal and require a wrench to tighten them
  • Using glue or adhesive to bond the tubes and fittings together. This method requires sanding the inside of the tube and applying the glue or adhesive to the connector before inserting it into the tube
  • Using couplers or adapters that have different sizes or types of threads or connectors on each end. These fittings can be used to join tubes and pipes that have different diameters or materials

To clean polycarbonate tubes, you should follow these steps:

  • Remove all the dust and dirt from the tubes by blowing them off or using water and a soft cloth to float them off
  • Wash the tubes with lukewarm water and mild soap that has no harsh chemicals such as white spirits or ammonia. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the tubes
  • Rinse the tubes with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or air dry them.
  • If you need to remove any stains or residues from the tubes, you can use a recommended cleaner such as Novus #1 or a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol
  • If you need to sterilize the tubes for laboratory use, you can use different methods depending on the type of polycarbonate and the level of sterilization required. Some of the possible methods are autoclaving, heating, soaking in chloroform, soaking in diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), soaking in sodium hydroxide (NaOH), soaking in orthophosphoric acid, or using ultraviolet (UV) light.

Polycarbonate tubes have many common applications in various industries and fields, thanks to their properties such as high transparency, thermal and electrical resistance, impact resistance, and workability. Some of these applications are:

  • Electric sign covers, glasses, lenses, visors, windows, and other products that require high optical clarity and UV protection
  • CDs and DVDs, electronic components, insulators, medical devices, wire jackets, and other products that require thermal and electrical insulation and stability
  • Aircraft components, automotive components, capillary tubing, custom extrusions, plastic pipes and tubing, plastic profile manufacturing, and other products that require high strength, durability, and flexibility
  • Greenhouse panels and nurseries, swimming pool enclosures, bullet-resistant windows and panels, hockey rinks, fences and barriers, and other products that require weather resistance, impact resistance, and safety

Polycarbonate tubes are generally food safe, as they have been approved by the FDA for food contact applications. However, there are some concerns about the potential health effects of bisphenol A (BPA), which is a chemical used to make polycarbonate. BPA can leach into food and beverages from polycarbonate tubes, especially when exposed to high temperatures or acidic substances

According to the FDA and other scientific studies, the level of BPA that can migrate from polycarbonate tubes into food and beverages is very low and does not pose a significant risk to human health However, some people may prefer to avoid BPA exposure as a precautionary measure. In that case, they can look for polycarbonate tubes that are labeled as BPA-free or use alternative materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene

To drill holes in polycarbonate tubes, you need to use a sharp drill bit that is suitable for plastic materials. You also need to follow these steps:

  • Mark the location of the hole on the tube with a pencil or a marker.
  • Clamp the tube securely to a workbench or a vise to prevent it from moving or spinning.
  • Position the drill bit perpendicular to the tube and start drilling at a medium speed. Do not use too much pressure or force the drill bit through the tube. Let the drill bit do the work and remove the chips frequently
  • Use a coolant such as water or oil to keep the drill bit and the tube cool and prevent overheating or melting. You can spray or drip the coolant on the drill bit and the tube as you drill
  • Drill all the way through the tube and then reverse the drill bit to remove it from the hole. You can also use a backer board under the tube to prevent chipping or cracking on the exit side of the hole
  • Clean and deburr the hole with a file, sandpaper, or a countersink bit. Remove any dust or debris from the tube

Polycarbonate tubes and polycarbonate pipes are both hollow cylinders made of polycarbonate plastic, but they have some differences in terms of size, shape, and application. 

  • the main difference between tubes and pipes is how they are specified. Tubes are usually defined by their outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, while pipes are usually defined by their nominal inside diameter (ID) and schedule (which indicates the wall thickness). Tubes are also more likely to have exact dimensions than pipes, which may vary slightly from their nominal size.
  • Another difference between polycarbonate tubes and polycarbonate pipes is their shape and appearance. Tubes are typically round, but can also be rectangular or square. Pipes are usually round, but can also have different profiles such as oval or elliptical. Tubes tend to have a smooth surface finish, while pipes may have a rough or textured surface finish
  • A third difference between polycarbonate tubes and polycarbonate pipes is their application and function. Tubes are mainly used for structural or decorative purposes, such as electric sign covers, lenses, windows, or custom extrusions. Pipes are mainly used for fluid transport or distribution, such as water pipes, gas pipes, or sewer pipes. Tubes may also be used for fluid transport in some cases, but they are not designed to withstand high pressures or temperatures like pipes

Other polycarbonate Material

  • Polycarbonate Film

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  • Polycarbonate Rod

    Polycarbonate Rod Polycarbonate rods are semi-transparent thermoplastic materials that exhibit high impact resistance, good machinability, and excellent electrical properties. They are lighter than glass and more dimensionally stable than acrylic over a wide temperature range. They can be used for various industrial applications that require durability and transparency. Kusla supplies customed Polycarbonate Rods in different sizes and colors....

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  • Polycarbonate Sheet

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  • Polycarbonate Tube

    Polycarbonate Tube Polycarbonate Tube refers to an elongated, hollow, and strong component engineered from polycarbonate thermoplastic material with space inside. It is widely used in different applications revolving around holding or transporting different substances, especially liquids and gases. Kusla supply customed Polycarbonate tubes with different sizes and colors for different use. Choose Polycarbonate Tube For Your...

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