Air Hose Materials
Air tools, or pneumatic tools, have initially been in widespread use only in industrial and manufacturing milieus. However, because of their advantages over electric power tools, they have become increasingly popular among do-it-yourselfers. Among these advantages are air tools are generally cheaper than their electric counterparts, and safer to operate. Also, they have a better power-to-weight ratio.
An air tool, however, needs to be powered by an air compressor. With its motor, pump, and tank, it stores compressed air that is delivered to the air tool via an air hose.
Air hoses are made either of rubber, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. These have their own properties and characteristics that make them suitable for particular applications. Which is best for you, therefore, depends largely on your intended use of your air tools.
Rubber
Rubber has long been used to manufacture air hoses. In spite of the appearance of newer materials such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, many still prefer the soft and pliable feel of rubber.
The hoses can either be made of natural or synthetic rubber. They can have one or more rubber compounds. In order for the hose to have a high resistance to fatigue, it has to have a high level of adhesion. They can be braided with polyester, or reinforced with nylon fabric or steel wire for added strength.
Rubber hoses resist oil and other fluids, aromatics, and ozone. They are flexible, and kink- and abrasion-resistant. They are also capable of operating at temperatures as high as 200°F or as low as -20°F. Some rubber hoses can handle pressures as high as 300 PSI.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a very versatile product and has a lot of applications from hard fiberglass, through soft upholstery foam, to liquid varnish or glue. One of its several incarnations is an air hose.
Like rubber hoses, those made of polyurethane are also resistant to kinks and abrasions, oil, fluids, and other chemicals. The difference between the two is that polyurethanes hoses are much lighter than rubber hoses.
These hoses are braided with synthetic polyesters for added strength. With this support, they can withstand pressures up to 250 PSI. Also, they can handle temperatures ranging from -40° to 180°F.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride, popularly called PVC, like polyurethane, also has a several applications. It is used in clothing materials to waterbeds and inflatable structures. This is because it has excellent properties, which also make it suitable for an air hose.
Among such properties is its chemical resistance. It is not affected by oils, acids, or other corrosive compounds. Also, it resists abrasions, scratches, as well as kinks.
Owing to the flexibility and light weight of polyvinyl chloride, PVC hoses are resistant to fracturing. They are tough and can withstand pressures as high as 350 PSI. In addition, it can also withstand temperatures up to 300°F.