On this page (quick links):
Flexible Metal Tube Materials
Sheathing Materials and Information
Other Services
Flexible Metal Tube Materials
We can provide samples of many of our flexible conduits based on the specifications of your application. Please contact us for estimated delivery and minimum order quantities.
| Material | Type | Application | Features | Applicable Tube Type |
| Stainless Steel | SUS304 (standard), 303, 316, 430 | -General industrial-Medical | -Rigid-Doesn’t rust | -Most tube types |
| Aluminum | -General industrial-Medical | -Doesn’t rust-Anti-static-Lightweight but less sturdy-Excellent thermal conduction | -Square-Lock Type A-Interlock Type B-Screw Tube | |
| Titanium | -General industrial-Medical-Space engineering | -Rigid-Anti-static-Lighter than Stainless Steel | -Square-Lock Type A | |
| Bronze phosphate | C5341 | -Noise countermeasure | -Less rigid -Excellent thermal conduction |
-Most tube types |
| Copper | -Noise countermeasure | -Less rigid -Excellent thermal conduction |
-Most tube types | |
| Brass | -Noise countermeasure | -More rigid than copper, less that SUS -Excellent thermal conduction |
-Most tube types | |
| Steel | -Galvanized steel strip -SK material (hardened steel) |
-General industrial | -Affordable price -Heavy -Rusty -Generally need to be sheathed |
-Most tube types |
Sheathing Materials and Information
Processing the flexible tube with a resin/rubber coating provides the following additional benefits:
- Waterproof/resistant
- Oil-proof/resistant
- Attractive appearance
- Additional strength
- Superior insulation
The following chart displays only some of the materials available. Please consult us regarding specifications, minimum lot, delivery date and materials available (including any heat or chemical resistance requirements).
Ordering Instructions:
- Add material code after alphabetical model
- Example: KSSi-__N (enter inner diameter of tube before N)
- Square-Lock Type A Casing with Silicone (Si) sheathing
| Material type (code) | Characteristic | Color | Resin feature | Surface appearance |
| PVC/Polyvinyl chloride (P) |
Soft | Black (standard), Gray, White, Ivory, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Clear |
-Pliable -Chemical resistant -Heat resistant up to 60°C -High oil resistance |
Glossy or Matte or Clear |
| Soft hard type | Black | -Slightly hard -Smooth surface -Chemical resistant -Heat resistant up to 60°C -Oil Resistant |
Glossy | |
| Flame resistant | Black, Gray, White, Pink, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange |
-Pliable -Chemical resistant -Heat resistant up to 60°C -High oil resistance |
Glossy | |
| Flame resistant, UL Standard |
Black | -Pliable -Chemical resistant -Heat resistant up to 105°C -High oil resistance |
Matte | |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Low density (LDPE) | Black | -Harder than soft hard type -Smooth surface -Chemical resistant -Heat resistant up to 70°C -High oil resistance |
Glossy |
| Polyester Elastomer (TEEE) |
Black | -Pliable -Weatherproof -Heat resistance up to 120°C |
Glossy | |
| Silicone Rubber (Si) | Black, Gray | -Pliable -Heat resistance up to 180°C |
Matte | |
| Fluorocarbon Resin (FEP) (ETFE) |
Black | -Less Pliable -Excellent chemical and oil resistance -Slippery non-stick surface -Heat resistant up to 220°C |
Glossy | |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Ester grade | Black | -Pliable -Abrasion resistant -Heat resistant up to 70°C |
Glossy |
| Ether grade | Black, Ivory | -Pliable -Abrasion resistant -Water soluble -Heat resistant up to 70°C |
Glossy | |
| Olefin Elastomer (O) | Black | -Pliable -Weatherproof -Heat resistant up to 60°C |
Matt |
PVC Sheathing Varieties:
There are four types of PVC sheathing available for Square-Lock Type A (Casing) Tubes:
| Tight-fitting | KSP-__N | Standard item. PVC fills the spiral valley to make the finished surface even and smooth. | fig. 1 |
| Vacuum Sheathing | KSP-__N-B | During processing, sheathing is applied in a vacuum. The finished surface maintains the spiral pattern of the coil. | fig. 2 |
| Bagging Sheathing | KSP-__N-F | Sheathing is applied only on the surface of the tube and the spiral valley contains no PVC, however the surface will be completely smooth. | fig. 3 |
| Heat Shrink Sheathing | KSP-__N | Please contact us for details |
Other Services
Double washing:
Double washing treatment (using detergent) can be applied to tubes for high precision applications.
Chemical polishing:
- We offer tubes with chemical polishing, providing extra shine for optical applications.
- Special polishing for semiconductor-quality applications also available.
Assembly:
We can de-burr the casings/tubing and affix the necessary connectors or fittings to the assembly for your project. Please see our Assembled Products Page.
Optical Fiber Insertion:
Using special techniques, cables or optical fibers can be inserted into up to 1000 meters of flexible tube and placed on a reel.
Spooling:
We can deliver flexible tubes on plastic reels for easy handling and maintenance.
