Different Grades and Types of Silicone Tubing
Running medical equipment, processing food safely, and managing industrial systems; that’s where quality silicone tubing makes all the difference. You need reliable tubing that matches your application’s specific demands. Your tubing choice impacts more than people realize, from delivering medications to patients and transferring beverages in breweries.
Medical grade silicone tubing is a biocompatible, durable material that offers real performance and safety, meeting strict regulatory requirements. It’s not about basic needs, but choosing the right grade for your specific use.
Silicone tubing is available in many different types, serving a specific purpose. Some are for medical use, while others work better in food processing plants. Understand these differences to choose the correct tubing for your requirements.
The Unique Property of Silicone Tubing
Silicone tubing differs from other types of tubing because it operates within an extensive temperature range. It allows silicone tubing to stay flexible when exposed to low temperatures, as well as not to break down when exposed to high temperatures.
Along with this characteristic, silicone tubing also has excellent chemical resistance; however, it will remain chemically inert when exposed to most chemicals; therefore, it can be used in many industries.
Understanding Different Grades
The grade of silicone tubing tells you about its quality and intended use. Higher grades meet strict rules and better purity. You’re paying for peace of mind and safety.
Medical Grade Silicone Tubing
Medical grade silicone tubing contains the industry’s highest-quality material. It is subject to intense scrutiny and testing before being approved for use in hospitals and by physicians. The FDA reviews medical-grade materials carefully.
In addition to being appropriate for use in contact with human bodily fluids, the tubing is made of materials that do not leach chemicals into the liquid. Medical silicone tubing can be sterilized multiple times without breaking down.
Common medical uses include:
● IV drips and fluid delivery systems
● Breathing equipment and oxygen lines
● Lab testing equipment
● Surgical drains
● Dialysis machines
Food Grade Silicone Tubing
Food grade silicone tubing meets FDA standards for food contact. It’s safe for liquids and foods to pass through without contamination. Breweries, dairies, and beverage companies use this type extensively.
This grade resists bacterial growth and cleans easily. There’s no need to add taste or odor to products. It maintains product quality.
Industrial Grade Silicone Tubing
Industrial grade works well with many chemicals and withstands high pressures. Silicone tubing manufacturers use it in equipment where medical or food-grade isn’t necessary.
This type costs less than medical or food-grade. It still offers excellent temperature resistance and durability. Factories use it for air lines, coolant systems, and general fluid transfer. It gets the job done without the premium price tag.
Platinum-Cured vs Peroxide-Cured
Here’s something most people don’t know: the way silicone gets cured changes everything. It produces no byproducts during manufacturing. Medical and food applications typically require platinum-cured material.
Peroxide-cured tubing works fine for industrial uses. It costs less but may have a slight odor initially. The curing method determines whether tubing meets medical or food-grade standards.
Common Types
Here are the common types of silicone tubing based on different applications. Read these out for a clear understanding:
Clear Silicone Tubing
Clear silicone tubing lets you watch fluid flow. This visibility helps in medical settings where monitoring fluid flow matters. Lab technicians and physicians prefer it for this exact reason.
Reinforced Silicone Tubing
Some jobs need tubing that won’t collapse or expand. This strengthening prevents collapse under vacuum pressure. These won’t burn even at high pressure.
High-Temperature Silicone Tubing
Some applications need tubing that handles extreme heat. High-temperature work in environments up to 500°F. Car engines and aircraft systems rely on these heat-resistant tubings.
Colored Silicone Tubing
Colored tubing isn’t just for good appearance. Hospitals use color-coding in medication lines to prevent errors. Factories use it to track various chemicals or fluids.
Comparison Table
|
Grade Type |
Temperature (°F) |
Primary Uses |
Relative Cost |
|
Medical Grade |
-60 to 400 |
Healthcare, laboratories |
Highest |
|
Food Grade |
-60 to 350 |
Beverage, dairy, brewing |
High |
|
Industrial Grade |
-65 to 400 |
Manufacturing, general use |
Moderate |
|
High-Temperature |
-65 to 500 |
Automotive and aerospace |
High |
How to Choose the Correct Tubing
Identify your requirements. Will the tubing contact food, medicine, or chemicals? What temperatures will it face? How much pressure must it handle?
Medical applications always require specific silicone tubing. Don’t compromise on this standard. Food processing needs a food-grade certification. Industrial uses can often work with standard grades.
Consider your budget alongside requirements. Higher grades cost more upfront but last longer and perform better. However, cheap tubing fails faster.
Quality Standards Matter
Good silicone tubing manufacturers test everything: tensile strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance; all checked. Quality certificates prove the tubing meets stated standards.
Always ask for documentation when purchasing medical or food-grade tubing. Real certificates from recognized labs aren’t optional; they protect you and everyone using your products.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance allows silicone tubing to last longer. Clean it correctly for your grade using approved products. Medical and food-grade products have specific sanitization requirements you need to follow.
Check your tubing regularly. Look for cracks, color changes, or spots where it’s getting hard. Then replace it.
Why Choose Ruixiang Silicone Tubing
Ruixiang Silicone offers guidance in selecting appropriate tubing grades. Our technical team understands application requirements and helps customers choose correctly. Every piece of tubing that leaves our facility meets our quality standards; no exceptions.
We give you all the certificates and documentation you need.
When ordering medical grade silicone tubing for a hospital or industrial-grade tubing for your workshop, you’ll get quality products at affordable prices.
Conclusion
Getting the right grade of silicone tubing matters. Medical-grade products serve healthcare needs safely. Food-grade protects product quality. Industrial-grade handles harsh factory conditions economically.
Ruixiang Silicone follows 1SO9001 quality standards to produce silicone tubing. It makes sure you receive a silicone tube manufactured to meet your requirements. So, explore their silicone tubing collection for different grades and choose according to the grades.
FAQs
What makes medical and food-grade silicone tubing different?
Medical grade meets tougher biocompatibility standards. It’s safe for contact with blood and body tissues. Food-grade is approved for food contact but not for internal medical use.
Can I use food-grade tubing for medical stuff?
No. Medical applications need medical-grade silicone tubing. Food-grade doesn’t meet the biocompatibility requirements for healthcare.
How long will silicone tubing last?
With decent care, quality tubing lasts several years. Medical and food applications need more frequent changes because of regulations. Industrial tubing often goes longer since the rules aren’t as strict.
Is all clear tubing medical grade?
No. Clear color doesn’t determine grade. Medical-grade silicone tubing needs proper certifications, whether it’s clear, white, or bright orange. Always check the documentation.
Why does platinum-cured cost so much more?
The platinum catalysts are expensive, and the process requires strict processing controls. But you get cleaner material with no byproducts. For medical and food use, it’s worth every penny.