Silicone tube because of its high price often makes people wonder: why a seemingly simple tube can be so expensive? In fact, behind the high price of silicone tubes, there is a comprehensive effect of many factors from raw material characteristics to the complexity of the production process, and then to the certification testing requirements. At the same time, it occupies an important position in food, medical, industrial and other fields with its excellent performance. This article will analyze in detail why silicone tubes are more expensive than other materials, as well as its specific advantages.
First, why is the silicone tube expensive from the material
Silicone is a special polymer elastomer, and the material itself is much more expensive to produce than ordinary rubber or plastic.
1. Unique chemical structure of silica gel
Silica gel is the main chain structure of silico-oxygen bond (Si-O-Si), this chemical structure gives silica gel many distinctive properties:
2. The production cost of silicone material is high
The production of silica gel requires high-purity silica (SiO₂) as a raw material, which is prepared by multi-step chemical reaction:
In contrast, the production process of ordinary plastics (such as PVC, PE) and rubber is simpler and the raw material cost is lower. Therefore, the price of silicone raw materials is usually several times higher than that of ordinary plastics and rubber.
Second, the complexity of the production process: higher accuracy and stability requirements
The production technology of silicone tubes is extremely demanding, especially for food grade, medical grade and industrial high-precision applications.
1. Precision extrusion process
The production of silicone tubes is mainly based on the extrusion process, and each step requires extremely high technical control:
2. High temperature vulcanization
The silicone tube needs to be molded by high temperature vulcanization, a process that includes a complex multi-step process:
3. Quality inspection and scrap rate
In contrast, the production process of ordinary rubber and plastic pipes is relatively simple, the scrap rate is low, and the production cost is naturally lower.
Comparison with other materials
Characteristics |
Silicone pipe |
Common rubber pipe |
Plastic pipe (such as PVC) |
Temperature range |
-60°C to +200°C |
-30°C to +70°C |
0°C to +60°C |
Chemical resistance |
Excellent |
Generally |
Poor |
Biocompatibility |
Excellent |
Generally |
Poor |
Service life |
Long time |
A shorter time |
Short time |
Environmental protection property
|
Environment-friendly materials |
May contain harmful ingredients |
Contains plasticizers and other harmful substances
|
Cost |
High cost |
Medium-price |
Inexpensive |
The advantage of silicone tube in comprehensive performance determines that its cost is higher than that of ordinary rubber tube and plastic tube.
Third, the certification and testing requirements are strict
Silicone tubes are mainly used in food, medical and high-tech industrial fields, so they must pass a number of strict certifications and tests. The cost of certification directly drives up the price.
1. Food grade certification
Silicone tubes need to meet international food grade safety standards such as FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) or LFGB (German Food Safety Standard) :
2. Medical grade certification
Medical grade silicone tubing is subject to a series of biocompatibility tests (e.g. ISO 10993) :
3. Industrial application standards
Industrial silicone tubes need to meet specific industry requirements, such as:
4. Environmental certification
In contrast, ordinary plastic and rubber tubes usually do not need to pass such a strict certification.
Four, the advantages of silicone tube: Why is it worth it?
Although expensive, silicone tubes are irreplaceable in many fields due to their excellent performance. The following are its main advantages over other materials:
1. Performance stability
2. Security
3. Long life
The silicone tube has excellent aging resistance and is not easily degraded by sunlight, humidity or high temperature, so it has longer life and higher cost performance than ordinary rubber and plastic tubes.
Comprehensive analysis: The logic of the high price of silicone tubes
From the material selection to the production process, to the final certification and testing, the silicone tube embodies high standards and high technical content. The combination of these factors makes its price significantly higher than that of ordinary pipes.
Link |
Specific factor |
Cost contribution |
Materials |
High purity silica gel raw material, expensive catalyst and filler |
High |
Production |
Precision extrusion, complex vulcanization process, multiple testing |
High |
Certification |
Testing and certification fees for FDA, ISO, RoHS and other standards |
High |
Application value |
Long life, reliable performance, high security for users to create long-term economic benefits |
High value-added benefit |
Why choose Ruixiang silicone?
Conclusion
The high price of silicone tubes is due to the high cost of many links from raw materials to production processes, and then to certification testing. Compared with ordinary rubber and plastic tubes, silicone tubes have irreplaceable performance advantages, especially in the food, medical and high-tech industrial fields. Despite the high initial price, the long life and high performance of silicone tubes make them more cost-effective in many applications. Because of this, silicone tubes are widely used in scenarios with high safety and performance requirements, becoming the industry's first choice.
If you have customized precision silicone tube needs, welcome to consult!