Common Materials Used in Extrusion Plastic Tubes And Their Applications

Plastic tubes produced through extrusion are essential components across many industries today, from electronics and renewable energy to consumer goods and OEM manufacturing. One of the biggest advantages of extrusion plastic tubes is the wide variety of materials they can be made from, each offering unique benefits. The selection of the right material is critical, as it determines the tube's durability, flexibility, resistance to temperature and chemicals, and suitability for specific industrial or consumer applications.

This article explores the most commonly used materials in the extrusion of plastic tubes and discusses their ideal applications—particularly in the fields of electronic components, new energy accessories, and custom OEM design.

Why Material Choice Matters in Plastic Tube Extrusion

Plastic extrusion is a process in which molten plastic is forced through a die to form continuous tubular shapes. While the process remains largely the same across applications, the material used plays a defining role in the performance of the final product.

Different applications require different tube characteristics. For example:

• Electronic components demand excellent insulation and thermal resistance.

• New energy accessories need materials that are durable and weather-resistant.

• OEM designs often require a balance between strength, appearance, and specific functional requirements.

Let’s examine the most common plastic materials used in extrusion and how they serve these needs.

1. Polyethylene (PE)

Properties:

Polyethylene is one of the most widely used thermoplastics. It comes in various densities, including Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Flexible and lightweight

Resistant to chemicals and moisture

Good electrical insulation properties

Cost-effective

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
LDPE and HDPE tubes are frequently used as wire insulation or cable sheathing due to their dielectric properties. They protect against moisture, abrasion, and mild chemicals.

For New Energy Accessories:
PE tubing can be used in wiring protection for solar panels and battery units because of its UV stability (especially in HDPE form).

OEM Design:
PE is preferred in many OEM projects for fluid transfer lines, conduits, and packaging, thanks to its affordability and ease of processing.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Properties:

PVC is another extremely popular thermoplastic with both rigid and flexible grades available.

Strong and durable

Flame-retardant

Chemically resistant

Electrically insulating

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
Flexible PVC is commonly used for cable insulation and protective tubing in electrical systems. Its flame-retardant nature makes it ideal for reducing fire hazards.

For New Energy Accessories:
PVC tubing is used to insulate cables in wind turbines and battery systems. It holds up well against environmental exposure.

OEM Design:
PVC is used to create clear or colored custom tubes, especially when appearance and cost control are important factors in product development.

3. Polypropylene (PP)

Properties:

Polypropylene offers a good balance between rigidity and flexibility.

Chemically inert

Heat-resistant

Lightweight

Easy to sterilize

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
While less common in insulation, PP tubes are used for protective sheaths in electronic assembly equipment and PCB systems.

For New Energy Accessories:
Because PP resists acids and bases, it is ideal for fluid handling and battery casing tubes in energy storage systems.

OEM Design:
PP is used in both automotive and consumer goods as it withstands thermal stress and repeated flexing, making it suitable for moving parts or fluid routing.

4. Polycarbonate (PC)

Properties:

Polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic known for clarity and impact resistance.

High mechanical strength

Good temperature resistance

Transparent

Excellent electrical insulation

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
Polycarbonate tubes protect sensors, LED components, and fragile internal electronics from impact and dust while allowing visibility.

For New Energy Accessories:
PC tubing is suitable for enclosing control systems in solar and wind units, especially where strength and visibility are both required.

OEM Design:
OEM clients favor polycarbonate when designing display elements or transparent housings for monitoring internal processes or lighting systems.

5. Polyamide (Nylon)

Properties:

Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, offers a unique mix of flexibility and toughness.

High wear resistance

Excellent chemical resistance

Thermal stability

Semi-rigid and resilient

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
Nylon tubes are used to protect electronic wiring and cable harnesses, particularly in environments where abrasion is a concern.

For New Energy Accessories:
Nylon performs well under mechanical stress, making it ideal for moving parts and connections in electric vehicles and energy conversion systems.

OEM Design:
Custom extruded nylon tubes serve well in air or fluid transport in specialized machinery due to their long-term durability and chemical resistance.

6. Fluoropolymers (e.g., PTFE, FEP)

Properties:

Fluoropolymers like PTFE (Teflon) and FEP are among the most chemically resistant materials available.

High-temperature resistance

Non-stick and low-friction

Excellent electrical insulation

Resistant to virtually all chemicals

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
These tubes are perfect for high-frequency or high-voltage applications. PTFE tubing is used in aerospace electronics and sensitive signal transmission.

For New Energy Accessories:
In hydrogen fuel cell systems and chemical battery packs, fluoropolymer tubes are used to handle corrosive fluids and gases.

OEM Design:
Fluoropolymer extrusion is common in high-end OEM devices requiring premium performance—such as laboratory instruments or critical diagnostic equipment.

7. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)

Properties:

TPEs combine the elastic properties of rubber with the processability of plastics.

Flexible and soft-touch

UV and ozone resistant

Recyclable

Shock absorbing

Applications:

For Electronic Components:
TPE tubes offer insulation with flexibility, ideal for bundling and protecting wires that move or bend frequently.

For New Energy Accessories:
They are used in electric vehicle wire protection or in solar panel installations where flexibility is essential during movement or installation.

OEM Design:
TPE is widely used in ergonomic and soft-touch design elements, providing a premium look and feel for OEM hardware components.

Key Considerations When Selecting Materials

Selecting the right material for extrusion plastic tubes isn't only about physical properties. Several external factors must also be considered:

• Environmental Exposure: Will the tube be exposed to sunlight, moisture, or chemicals?

• Mechanical Stress: Does it need to bend or withstand pressure?

• Thermal Requirements: What is the expected temperature range?

• Electrical Requirements: Does it need insulation or anti-static features?

• Compliance: Must it meet specific regulations, such as RoHS or FDA?

For electronic and new energy applications, performance and compliance are critical. For OEMs, aesthetic appeal, branding options, and customization are often top priorities.

Conclusion: Trusted Expertise in Plastic Tube Extrusion

The right material selection is at the heart of successful extrusion plastic tube manufacturing. Whether you're producing components for electronic devices, wiring protection for renewable energy systems, or custom-designed OEM parts, understanding the unique characteristics of each plastic type ensures optimal performance.

If you're looking for a reliable partner in extrusion plastic tube manufacturing, Xiamen Lixin Plastic Packing Co., Ltd. offers proven expertise, precision production capabilities, and a wide range of materials suited to diverse industrial needs. Their focus on innovation and customer-specific solutions makes them a preferred supplier for businesses across electronics, energy, and OEM sectors.

Let material science work in your favor—choose the right plastic for your tube, and the rest will flow smoothly.