5 Critical Things You Should Know About Polyether based Polyurethane in Pneumatic Transmission Systems

The Versatility of Polyurethane Ether Tubing in Pneumatic Systems

In our daily lives, there is a material that perfectly embodies both flexibility and toughness.From sofas to automobiles, from shoe insoles to refrigerator gaskets, polyurethane (PU) products are everywhere around us.

In the fields of automation, manufacturing, packaging, and automotive assembly, polyurethane materials are also indispensable—particularly as tubing materials used to transfer compressed air in pneumatic systems.

Among them, polyether-based polyurethane (PU ether) is one of the two most common types of polyurethane tubing materials.

Advantages of Polyurethane Ether Tubing in Pneumatic Systems

1. High Flexibility and Elasticity

Ether based polyurethane tubing can bend without kinking, making it ideal for pneumatic systems that require complex yet flexible routing.

2. Excellent Hydrolysis and Microbial Resistance

Since pneumatic systems use compressed air as the energy transmission medium, condensed water is inevitably generated during operation.Therefore, the tubing material must resist hydrolysis.
Thanks to the ether linkage (–O–) in polyether polyurethane, which has higher chemical stability, the material is not easily degraded or broken by moisture.

3. Good Abrasion and Tear Resistance

Pneumatic components require flexibility, which means the tubing must withstand repeated bending and dragging.
The large bond angle and rotational freedom of the ether linkage (–O–) allow molecular chains to absorb impact energy under stress, making the tubing resistant to tearing and fracture.

4. Smooth Surface, Stable Air Flow, and Easy Connection

During extrusion molding, the molecular chains in polyurethane ether self-orient and align on the surface, forming a smooth and dense outer layer.With high-precision sizing molds, both the outer and inner diameters maintain minimal tolerance.
This ensures efficient air transmission, while providing reliable sealing and easy connection when inserted into quick-connect fittings.

Applications of Pneumatic Systems Using Ether Polyurethane Tubing

• Automated production lines: Connecting cylinders, valves, and nozzles.

• Robotic systems: Flexible movement and resistance to repeated bending.

• Packaging equipment: Continuous air pressure delivery with high fatigue resistance.

• Automotive and motorcycle assembly lines: For air tools and air supply lines.

• Medical and laboratory equipment: Clean, moisture-resistant, and available in transparent options.

Polyurethane ether vs ester in pneumatic industry manufacturing

Polyester PU Tubing

• High strength, excellent oil and solvent resistance

• Rigid wall structure, superior wear life

• Suitable for static pneumatic air lines where tubing is fixed and does not move after installation

Polyurethane ether Tubing

• Soft, flexible, easy to route, anti-kink

• Excellent hydrolysis resistance, non-hygroscopic, easy to connect, resistant to hardening

• Ideal for dynamic pneumatic air lines that move, bend, or flex frequently with machine components

Polyurethane esther vs ether in the selection and application of tubing for pneumatic systems, polyurethane ester PU tubes are more wear-resistant and oil-resistant, making them suitable for harsh environments with oil contamination, intense friction, and fixed locations that are not frequently moved; whereas polyurethane ether PU tubes are more hydrolysis-resistant, flexible, and are a more common, longer-lasting choice for standard compressed air and humid environments.