The Benefits of Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose
Is that a RUBBER hydraulic hose? Nope. It’s THERMOPLASTIC!
Rubber hydraulic hoses are a staple for many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), but there are alternatives to rubber, like thermoplastic, that offer significant advantages. Thermoplastic hose has been around for more than 75 years, and it often gets a bad rap; when it is engineered correctly, thermoplastic hydraulic hose can often outperform its rubber counterpart. Today, it’s hard to differentiate thermoplastic from rubber based solely on its appearance, by touch, or flexibility. Technology has come a long way.
Take a look at the advantages thermoplastic hose provides.
HOW DOES THERMOPLASTIC HYDRAULIC HOSE COMPARE TO RUBBER?
> Tight bend radius with high flexibility
Imagine the wire reinforcement in a rubber hydraulic hose as a bread tie. The more the hose is twisted, flexed, and pressurized, the more the wire reinforcement will work-harden, reducing the strength and life of the hose. The steel reinforcement, like a bread tie, can fail after repeated bending and twisting.
Conversely, the synthetic fibers in a thermoplastic hose will not weaken or crack like a wire braided rubber hose, even with repeated bending. This is extremely advantageous in flexing and high impulse applications as thermoplastic hose can continue to flex and power forward without fail. Additionally, tight routing applications benefit from a more flexible thermoplastic hose.
> Abrasion resistance
Hoses are often under environmental pressures including kinks, scrapes, and exposure to UV, ozone, and chemical applications. Any of these conditions can expose a rubber hose’s steel braid and eventually lead to premature failure.
The braid in a thermoplastic hose is protected by an abrasion resistant thermoplastic cover that is superior to rubber in abrasion, UV, ozone, and chemical resistance. Its durability helps prevent the types of failures commonly seen with rubber hoses.
> Unlimited shelf life and UV/ozone resistance
Thermoplastic is extremely long-lasting in a variety of environmental conditions which would typically cause a rubber hose to degrade. In fact, thermoplastic hose is regarded as having an unlimited shelf life.
Rubber hoses act like rubber car tires; UV accelerates the curing of the rubber compound which leads to cracking and exposure of the steel braid. Once the braid is exposed, it’s just a matter of time until the hose fails. Since rubber never stops curing, and UV exposure accelerates the process, SAE states that rubber hoses have a shelf life of up to 6 years when properly stored. That lifespan can decrease significantly if they are kept in improper conditions.
Alternately, thermoplastic hoses are made with urethane covers, which are UV, ozone, and abrasion resistant and provide unlimited shelf life.
> Long continuous lengths with lower contamination risk
Because rubber hose manufacturing requires a mandrel, the maximum hose length is limited by the length of the mandrel. Additionally, contamination and dimensional issues can arise in the process. Contamination of the hose can create a pinhole which causes the hose to fail prematurely.
At ProPulse, we manufacture our thermoplastic hoses without a mandrel, using virgin material, never regrind. This process eliminates the risk of contamination while allowing us to produce very long, continuous hose lengths. The result is less scrap and fewer reel changeovers during production, improving overall cost efficiency.
> Lower cost due to domestic manufacturing
Many rubber hoses are made overseas, causing supply chain issues for U.S. OEMs. ProPulse thermoplastic hose is 100% manufactured in Peosta, Iowa. Because our manufacturing process is vertically integrated, our lead times and costs are lower than overseas rubber hose suppliers.
> Lighter weight
Rubber hose assemblies utilize steel braiding in the reinforcement of the hose. This increases the weight of the hose and can cause problems for select OEMs. Thermoplastic hydraulic hoses do not use steel braid reinforcement, resulting in lighter components. This can be especially beneficial for weight-sensitive applications such as over-the-road equipment.
Request A Free Sample of Thermoplastic Hose Today!
ProPulse thermoplastic hoses are engineered to look and act like rubber, only better! Manufactured in Peosta, Iowa, they provide OEMs with shorter lead times, lower costs, and the advantage of unlimited shelf life. Because we control the entire manufacturing process, we maintain strict quality standards and can customize hoses to meet specific requirements. Our state-of-the-art assembly facility also offers private branding, custom hose colors and personalized lay lines when volume requirements are met.
While thermoplastic offers many advantages, ProPulse also provides rubber hydraulic hose solutions when they are the right fit for the application.
Regardless of your preference, thermoplastic or rubber, ProPulse is the clear choice for OEMs seeking a flexible, responsive, high-pressure hose manufacturing partner.
Experience the ProPulse Difference for yourself!
- SUPERIOR QUALITY HOSE
> Backed by our internal testing to SAE/ISO/customer requirements
- 100% ON-TIME DELIVERY
> For 5+ years
- ENGINEERING SUPPORT
> From hose selection to routing to custom design
- OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE
> Providing personalized support
- BUILT IN THE USA
> For optimal turnaround time, flexibility, and control