Pneumatic cylinders are widely used in industrial automation to create linear motion for pushing, pulling, lifting, clamping, positioning and handling. Although the cylinder is the main actuator, the pneumatic tube connecting it to the valve and air supply is also an important part of the system.
The right tube needs to deliver compressed air reliably while handling pressure, vibration, repeated bending and, in some machines, continuous movement.
For many industrial pneumatic applications, polyether PUR tube is a practical choice because of its flexibility, abrasion resistance, hydrolysis resistance and good low-temperature performance.
But the best pneumatic cylinder hose depends on how the cylinder is installed and how the equipment operates.
The Role of Pneumatic Cylinders in Industrial Equipment
A pneumatic cylinder converts compressed air into mechanical movement. When compressed air enters the cylinder, it moves an internal piston and produces linear motion.
Because the operating principle is simple and fast, pneumatic cylinders are commonly integrated into automated machinery.
- Typical functions include:
- Moving pneumatic grippers
- Pushing components
- Pulling mechanisms
- Clamping workpieces
- Lifting parts
- Positioning components
- Opening and closing mechanisms
- Feeding materials
Pneumatic cylinders can therefore be found in many types of equipment.
| Equipment | Typical Pneumatic Cylinder Function |
|---|---|
| Automated assembly machines | Pushing, positioning, clamping |
| Packaging machines | Cutting, pushing, sealing |
| Pick-and-place systems | Moving and positioning |
| Automotive equipment | Clamping, pressing, positioning |
| Material handling equipment | Lifting, pushing, sorting |
| Testing equipment | Clamping and positioning |
| Robotic systems | Gripping and tool movement |
In these machines, the pneumatic cylinder normally works together with valves, fittings, air preparation components, sensors and pneumatic tubing.
Why Does the Hose Matter in a Pneumatic Cylinder System?
It is easy to focus on the cylinder itself and overlook the tube connecting it to the pneumatic circuit.
However, the hose is responsible for transporting compressed air to and from the cylinder. If the tube is not suitable for the operating conditions, problems can occur even when the cylinder itself is correctly selected.
A pneumatic cylinder hose may need to withstand:
- Working pressure
- Temperature changes
- Repeated bending
- Vibration
- Mechanical friction
- Frequent movement
- Moisture
- Contact with nearby machine components
For fixed pneumatic lines, tube movement may be limited.
For automated equipment, however, the tube may move every time the cylinder operates. This makes flexibility and abrasion resistance important considerations.
What Hose Is Used for Pneumatic Cylinders?
For many industrial automation applications, polyether PUR pneumatic tube is a suitable option for connecting pneumatic cylinders.
PUR, or polyurethane, offers a combination of flexibility and mechanical performance that makes it useful for pneumatic equipment.
Polyether PUR tube is particularly suitable when the application requires:
- Flexible routing
- Repeated bending
- Good abrasion resistance
- Hydrolysis resistance
- Low-temperature flexibility
- Lightweight pneumatic connections
The correct choice still depends on the actual pressure, temperature, tube dimensions, movement and working environment.
Why Polyether PUR Tube Is Suitable for Pneumatic Equipment
Flexible Connections for Moving Components
A pneumatic cylinder may repeatedly extend and retract during machine operation. The tube connected to the cylinder can therefore experience continuous movement.
A flexible PUR tube can follow this movement more easily, making it suitable for automated equipment where pneumatic connections cannot remain completely fixed.
This is useful for:
- Moving pneumatic cylinders
- Pneumatic grippers
- Pick-and-place systems
- Automated assembly equipment
- Robotic mechanisms
- Compact pneumatic systems
Good Abrasion Resistance
Pneumatic tubes are often installed in limited spaces inside machinery.
The tube may rub against:
- Machine brackets
- Cable carriers
- Metal frames
- Fittings
- Moving components
Good abrasion resistance helps the tube withstand this type of mechanical contact during long-term equipment operation.
Hydrolysis Resistance
Polyether-based polyurethane is known for good hydrolysis resistance.
This characteristic is useful for pneumatic equipment operating in humid environments or applications where the tube may be exposed to moisture.
Low-Temperature Flexibility
LANGCHI’s polyether polyurethane tube can be used for air applications within a typical temperature range of:
-40°C to +70°C
For water applications, the typical range is:
0°C to +40°C
The actual allowable temperature depends on the specific tube specification and operating conditions.
Common Pneumatic Equipment Using PUR Tube
Pneumatic cylinders are only one part of an automated pneumatic system.
The same type of flexible PUR tube can also be used with other pneumatic components.
Pneumatic Grippers
Pneumatic grippers use compressed air to open and close gripping mechanisms. Flexible tubing is useful when the gripper is mounted on a moving automation mechanism.
Pneumatic Valves
Valves control the direction and flow of compressed air. Pneumatic tube connects the valve with cylinders, actuators and other components.
Pick-and-Place Equipment
Pick-and-place machines repeatedly move components between different positions. Flexible tubing can help accommodate the movement of pneumatic actuators and grippers.
Automated Assembly Machines
Assembly equipment commonly uses cylinders for pushing, clamping, positioning and feeding operations.
Packaging Machines
Packaging equipment may use pneumatic cylinders for cutting, pushing, clamping, sealing and positioning.
Robotic Equipment
Robotic systems can use pneumatic tubing for grippers, end-of-arm tools and other pneumatic mechanisms. Dynamic applications require particular attention to bending radius, movement frequency and tube routing.
Choosing the Right Tube Size for a Pneumatic Cylinder
The tube should not be selected based only on the cylinder port.
The complete pneumatic connection includes the cylinder port, fitting, tube dimensions and air supply. These components should be considered together.
Common pneumatic tube outside diameters include:
| Tube OD | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 4 mm | Compact pneumatic mechanisms |
| 6 mm | Small cylinders and compact automation |
| 8 mm | General pneumatic equipment |
| 10 mm | Higher airflow applications |
| 12 mm | Larger pneumatic circuits |
These sizes are general references rather than universal standards for every cylinder.
The actual tube size should be determined by:
Cylinder port → Fitting size → Tube OD/ID → Required airflow → Working pressure → Tube length
An undersized tube can restrict airflow and affect cylinder speed. An unnecessarily large tube can increase installation space and material consumption.
PUR Tube vs. Nylon Tube for Pneumatic Cylinde
PUR and nylon are both widely used for pneumatic applications, but their characteristics are different.
| Feature | Polyether PUR Tube | Nylon Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Excellent | Good |
| Repeated bending | Excellent | Good |
| Abrasion resistance | Excellent | Good–Excellent |
| Low-temperature flexibility | Very good | Good |
| Hydrolysis resistance | Excellent | Depends on grade |
| Moving applications | Highly suitable | Suitable |
| Fixed pneumatic lines | Suitable | Highly suitable |
| Compact automation | Highly suitable | Suitable |
For pneumatic cylinders that move frequently or require flexible tube routing, polyether PUR tube can be a strong choice.
For fixed or relatively rigid pneumatic lines, nylon can also be appropriate depending on pressure, temperature and other application requirements.
The objective is not to identify one material as universally better, but to match the tube to the equipment.
Pneumatic Cylinder Hose Selection Guide
Before ordering a pneumatic tube, equipment manufacturers should confirm several basic operating conditions.
1. Connection Size
Confirm the cylinder port and fitting size before selecting the tube OD.
2. Working Pressure
The tube’s pressure rating must be suitable for the pneumatic system.
3. Working Temperature
Consider the normal operating temperature as well as possible temperature peaks.
4. Medium
Confirm whether the tube will carry:
- Compressed air
- Water
- Vacuum
- Other compatible media
5. Tube Movement
Determine whether the tube is:
- Fixed
- Occasionally bent
- Repeatedly bent
- Continuously moving
6. Working Environment
Consider exposure to:
- Abrasion
- Moisture
- UV radiation
- Heat
- Chemicals
- Welding sparks
- Hot metal particles
This information helps determine whether standard PUR tube is appropriate or whether a specialized hose is required.
When Standard PUR Tube Is Not Enough
A pneumatic cylinder installed on an assembly machine may operate in a relatively clean environment.
A cylinder installed close to a welding process faces very different conditions.
Welding equipment can expose the pneumatic hose to:
- Sparks
- Welding spatter
- Hot metal particles
- Radiant heat
- Mechanical abrasion
For these applications, a standard PUR pneumatic tube may not provide the required protection.
A dedicated anti-spark PU hose or flame-retardant PU hose can be considered for equipment such as:
- Robotic welding systems
- Spot welding machines
- Laser welding equipment
- Automotive welding lines
- Metalworking equipment
The key is to select the hose according to the actual environment rather than choosing a material based only on the pneumatic pressure.
LANGCHI Polyether PUR Tube for Pneumatic Cylinders
LANGCHI manufactures polyether PUR tubes for pneumatic systems, industrial automation and equipment applications.
Our polyether polyurethane tubes are designed for applications requiring flexibility, abrasion resistance, hydrolysis resistance and reliable compressed-air transmission.
Typical Specifications
| Property | LANGCHI Polyether PUR Tube |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyether Polyurethane (PUR) |
| Medium | Air / Water |
| Air Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Water Temperature | 0°C to +40°C |
| Max. Working Pressure | Up to 0.8 MPa at 20°C |
| Hardness | 95A–98A |
| Key Properties | Flexible, abrasion resistant, hydrolysis resistant |
Pressure performance varies according to tube size, wall thickness and temperature. The final specification should therefore be confirmed according to the actual application.
LANGCHI supports different tube sizes, colors and specifications for pneumatic equipment manufacturers and industrial customers.
From Pneumatic Cylinder to Complete Automation System
A pneumatic cylinder is rarely used as a standalone component.
In an automated machine, it may work together with:
Air Supply → Air Preparation → Solenoid Valve → Pneumatic Tube → Cylinder
The same pneumatic circuit may also include:
Cylinder → Tube → Gripper → Sensor → Valve → Control System
This is why the tube should be considered as part of the complete pneumatic system.
A suitable tube can make routing easier, accommodate equipment movement and provide reliable air transmission throughout repeated machine cycles.
For equipment manufacturers, selecting the hose according to the complete working environment is more useful than selecting it based only on the cylinder connection size.
FAQ About Pneumatic Cylinder Hose
Can PUR tube be used for pneumatic cylinders?
Yes. Polyether PUR tube is suitable for many pneumatic cylinder applications, particularly where flexibility, abrasion resistance and repeated movement are required.
What size tube is used for a pneumatic cylinder?
The appropriate size depends on the cylinder port, fitting, required airflow, working pressure and tube length. Common outside diameters include 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm.
Is PUR tube suitable for moving pneumatic cylinders?
Yes. Its flexibility makes PUR tube suitable for many applications where pneumatic tubing needs to bend or move with the equipment.
Is PUR better than nylon for pneumatic cylinders?
Not in every application. PUR is generally advantageous where flexibility and repeated movement are important, while nylon can be suitable for fixed or more rigid pneumatic installations.
Can polyether PUR tube be used with compressed air?
Yes. Polyether PUR tube is commonly used for compressed-air pneumatic systems when the operating pressure and temperature remain within the manufacturer’s specified limits.
What hose should be used near welding equipment?
If the pneumatic tube is exposed to welding sparks, spatter or hot metal particles, an anti-spark or flame-retardant PU hose should be considered instead of standard pneumatic tubing.
Final Takeaway
The hose connected to a pneumatic cylinder is a small component, but it has an important role in the reliability of an automated pneumatic system.
For applications requiring flexibility, repeated bending, abrasion resistance, hydrolysis resistance and low-temperature performance, polyether PUR tube is a practical option.
However, tube selection should always consider the complete operating environment, including tube size, pressure, temperature, movement, medium and surrounding conditions.
For equipment manufacturers looking for flexible pneumatic tubing, LANGCHI provides polyether PUR tubes and other thermoplastic hose solutions for pneumatic and industrial automation applications.
