While rubber hydraulic hoses have been the traditional choice for decades, thermoplastic hydraulic hoses continue to grow in popularity due to their inherent performance benefits over rubber, such as increased flexibility, smaller bend radius and better external abrasion resistance. This webinar provides design engineers with valuable information on the often overlooked benefits and applications of thermoplastic hydraulic hose, enabling them to make informed decisions to optimize their system designs.
Overview
Thermoplastic versions of hydraulic hoses first started appearing in the 1970s, bringing with them benefits beyond what could be achieved from the traditional rubber constructions of the time. These benefits include greatly improved abrasion resistance, smaller bend radii and the ability to perform at extreme temperatures. Also, they do not swell, flake or otherwise degrade after prolonged contact with most hydraulic fluids or oils, providing the benefit of eliminating potential instances of system contamination. This presentation explores those benefits and how they provide additional flexibility when designing hydraulic systems.
Polyurethane hydraulic hoses, such as those in Kuriyama's line of Piranhaflex Hydraulic Hose, are highly regarded for their better abrasion resistance, smaller bend radii and lighter weight, when compared to rubber hydraulic hoses. In addition, their ability to withstand weathering and ozone, and resistance to repeated stretching and compressive forces even at sub-zero temperatures makes them a great choice for highly demanding applications.
Some of the key benefits which will be explored include:
- Abrasion resistance – Polyurethane resists abrasion better than rubber due to its low coefficient of friction and higher tear strength. Piranhaflex hoses with Slither® polyurethane covers possess an even higher level of abrasion resistance due to their enhanced lubricity.
- Lighter weight – Piranhaflex hydraulic hoses range 30-50% lighter in weight than similar rubber hydraulic hoses.
- Smaller bend radius – Piranhaflex hydraulic hoses are tested at ½ inch SAE 517 bend radius requirements, making them especially well-suited for applications with tight bends. Piranhaflex hoses incorporating Piranha’s proprietary Kink Resistant Technology possess an even higher level of kink resistance.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the benefits of a tighter minimum bend radius than rubber, allowing for use in tight spaces.
- Learn how thermoplastic hydraulic hose abrasion resistant polyurethane covers outlast rubber hose in applications where the hose is rubbing against rough surfaces.
- Discover how thermoplastic hydraulic hose are smaller, lighter and easier to install than rubber hose, especially when routing long lengths of hose through tight hose bundles, such as on aerial equipment.
Speaker
Tim O’Neill joined Kuriyama in 2007 as their Tigerflex Industrial Hose Product Manager, where he was a member of the development team for the Voltbusterä Material Handling Hose, a Chemical Processing Magazine 2013 Vaaler Award Winner. He currently serves as Kuriyama’s Marketing and Product Development Manager, where he helps guide developmental and promotional strategies for several of Kuriyama’s hose and coupling product lines. Tim serves on various industry committees, including the NAHAD Hose Safety Institute.