Polyurethane Pneumatic Tubing Hardness Combination Strategy for Multi-Station Automation Lines

In multi-station automation lines, different motion units operate under varying pressure, bending radius, and vibration conditions. Using a single hardness level for Polyurethane Pneumatic Tubing often leads to premature wear, kinking, or unstable air supply. A strategic combination of 98A, 95A, 85A, and 80A tubing within the same system can significantly improve durability and motion consistency.

For equipment engineers and distributors supporting high-speed production lines, understanding how to deploy mixed-hardness PU Hose configurations creates both technical and commercial advantages.

Why Hardness Matters in Industrial Pneumatic Tubing

Hardness (Shore A) directly influences flexibility, pressure resistance, and recovery speed. In Industrial Pneumatic Tubing, higher hardness means stronger pressure tolerance and better dimensional stability, while lower hardness improves flexibility and routing convenience.

Instead of selecting one universal PU Air Line, advanced system design matches tubing hardness to motion type. Correct hardness allocation reduces failure rates and improves cycle stability.

Typical hardness characteristics:

98A & 95A Polyurethane Pneumatic Tubing for Main Air Distribution

At the primary air distribution stage, structural rigidity is more important than flexibility. 98A Polyurethane Pneumatic Tubing offers high burst pressure and minimal expansion under load. This ensures stable air volume delivery across long distances.

95A tubing serves as a balanced solution in sub-branches where moderate movement exists but pressure consistency remains critical. Compared to softer PU Hose, these harder grades reduce micro-expansion, maintaining faster actuator response in high-cycle systems.

In packaging or assembly lines running above 50 cycles per minute, stable supply lines directly affect cylinder repeatability.

85A PU Hose for Dynamic Axes and Robotic Motion

As air lines move closer to robotic arms or sliding modules, flexibility becomes essential. 85A Industrial Pneumatic Tubing provides an optimal compromise between bend radius and mechanical strength.

Repeated motion causes stress concentration at fittings. Using overly rigid tubing in dynamic zones increases fitting fatigue and leakage risk. An 85A PU Air Line absorbs vibration while maintaining adequate pressure capacity.

For systems integrated with compact cylinders and high-speed valves, matching flexible tubing with precision fittings prevents uneven airflow distribution.

80A PU Air Line in Compact or Confined Stations

In tight installations—such as labeling heads or small pick-and-place modules—space limitations demand maximum flexibility. 80A tubing allows smaller bend radii without kinking.

Although its pressure rating is slightly lower, in short-distance terminal connections this is rarely a limitation. Instead, flexibility reduces stress on push-in fittings and simplifies routing.

Using softer tubing only where needed optimizes both cost and lifespan.

Combined Hardness Strategy in a Single Production Line

A practical example in an electronics assembly line illustrates the advantage of mixed hardness deployment:

After implementing this combination, the factory reported a 15% reduction in tubing-related maintenance over one year.

For distributors, offering multiple hardness grades within one Polyurethane Pneumatic Tubing portfolio strengthens system-level sales rather than single-product transactions.

Selection Considerations for Procurement and Engineering Teams

When specifying mixed-hardness PU Hose solutions:

1. Evaluate motion frequency and bending radius

2. Match pressure rating with station demand

3. Avoid using soft tubing in long-distance supply lines

4. Ensure compatibility with push-in fittings and filtration units

In complex automation systems, tubing should not be treated as a commodity component. A structured hardness allocation strategy within your PU Air Line network improves airflow stability, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances overall production efficiency—while giving procurement teams flexible cost-performance options.

(FK9026)