Everything You Need to Know About PUC PU Coil Tubes: Features, Uses, and Buying Tips

What Is a PU Coil Tube?

PUC PU Coil Tube, also known as PU Coil Tube,PUC is just its model name,is a highly flexible and resilient pneumatic air hose widely used in industrial automation, pneumatic tools, assembly lines, and air compressor systems. It is made from polyurethane synthesized primarily with polyether polyols.

In modern industrial pneumatic systems, the PU Coil Tube serves not only as a pneumatic piping types for compressed air but also enhances system flexibility thanks to its coiled design. This structure improves routing efficiency and increases equipment safety and maneuverable.

It is an essential tubing component in applications where flexible hose routing is required.

PU Coil Tube Features 

A PUC PU Coil Tube is a flexible pneumatic air hose tubing commonly used in industrial pneumatic air systems. The term "PUC" typically stands for Polyurethane Coil, indicating that the tube is made from polyurethane (PU) material and shaped into a coiled or spiral form.

Material

The core material of the  PU Coil Tube is polyurethane, It is one of the very common and widely used materials in pneumatic air hoses.PU Coil Tube used durable polymer known for its excellent mechanical properties. The polyurethane material it uses is ether based structure, which provides superior resistance to moisture, abrasion, and chemicals.

Ether-based Polyurethane Key Features

Flexibility: The coil tube can bend and twist without cracking, ideal for dynamic applications where movement occurs frequently.

Resilience: Thanks to the elasticity of the polyurethane material and the coil design, the tube easily returns to its original shape after stretching or bending.

Lightweight: Compared to rubber or metal hoses, PU coil tubes are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install, reducing operator fatigue.

Durability: High abrasion resistance and good resistance to oil and chemicals ensure a long service life even under harsh conditions.

Ether-Based vs Ester-Based PU

When it comes to polyurethane materials used for coils, there are mainly two types based on the chemical structure of polyol components: ether based PU and ester based PU. Understanding the differences between these two materials can effectively help us choose suitable industrial specialized pipes.

Characteristic Differences

Ether-based PU has excellent water resistance, making it more suitable for humid or wet environments. It can withstand general alkaline substances and microbial attack. Its abrasion resistance is average, but it offers good flexibility and elasticity, with a long service life.

Ester-based PU is not water-resistant and undergoes hydrolysis when exposed to water. Its chemical resistance is average. Compared to ether-based PU, it has better abrasion resistance. However, its service life is shorter, but it offers a higher cost-performance ratio.

Common Applications

Air Compressor Connections:The PUC PU coil tube for air compressor systems provides a flexible, tangle-free connection between the compressor and pneumatic tools.

Automated Machinery:In industrial automation, these tubes are ideal for moving components such as robotic arms, sliding mechanisms, or rotating equipment that require reliable compressed air delivery with high bending resistance.

Workshop & Assembly Lines:In car repair shops, manufacturing plants, or packaging facilities, PU coil tubes supply air to hand tools, air blowers, or small cylinders.

Mobile Equipment & Tool Stations:Because of their excellent recoil ability, PUC PU coil tubes are commonly used in mobile workstations or suspended tool rails where quick extension and retraction are necessary.

You can learn more about the differentiation between ether based PU and ester based PU in this article.

Advantages and Function of PU Coil Tubing

◆ High Durability & Pressure Resistance

◆ Excellent Oil and Hydrolysis Resistance

◆ Self-Recoiling Coil Design

◆ Easy Installation & Handling

◆ Good Abrasion Resistance

PUC PU Coil Tube vs Other Tube

When choosing the right coiled tubing for pneumatic systems, it's important to compare different materials in terms of flexibility, durability, and environmental performance.

According to the table above, PU coil tubing offers excellent flexibility, resilience, and bend resistance. It maintains good softness even in low-temperature environments, making it ideal for pneumatic applications that require frequent bending or dynamic movement. In contrast, nylon tubing provides higher strength, rigidity, and pressure resistance, along with superior abrasion and chemical resistance, making it more suitable for fixed installations or industrial environments with high pressure requirements.

How to Select the Right PU Coil Tube

Choosing the right PU coil tube is essential for ensuring safety, performance, and longevity in your pneumatic system. Here are some key factors to consider.

Length and Coil Stretch Range

Select a tube length that matches your working range. Consider both the coiled (resting) and fully extended length to ensure mobility without overstretching.

Fitting Type

Common end connections include male/female thread, quick couplers, or barbed fittings. Choose based on your tool or equipment interface to ensure a secure and leak-free connection.

Working Pressure

Verify that the tube’s rated working pressure meets or exceeds your system’s operating pressure. Allow for a safety margin, especially in high-pressure air compressor setups.

Usage Environment

Consider the temperature, humidity, oil exposure, and abrasion conditions. For example, ether-based PU is preferred in wet or oily environments due to its excellent hydrolysis resistance.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate pneumatic piping is crucial for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of industrial air systems. PUC PU coil tube is an efficient and flexible solution that combines excellent material quality with spiral structural design to meet the problems of insufficient flexibility in modern automated gas source connections, limited space, and frequent movement leading to pipeline wear and entanglement.