What's the Difference Between Rubber Tubing & Cord?
2024-06-26
Rubber tubing and rubber cord are both flexible elastomeric materials used in various applications, but they have distinct differences in terms of shape, applications, and properties. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences between rubber tubing and rubber cord:
Shape and Structure
- Hollow: Rubber tubing is cylindrical and hollow, with a central bore or lumen running through its length.
- Variety of Diameters: Available in different inner and outer diameters to suit various applications.
- Rubber Cord:
- Solid: Rubber cord is solid throughout, with no hollow center.
- Consistent Diameter: Typically has a consistent diameter along its length, available in various sizes.
Applications
- Fluid and Gas Transport: Commonly used for transporting fluids and gases in medical, laboratory, and industrial settings.
- Insulation and Protection: Used as insulation for electrical wires and protection for delicate components.
- Peristaltic Pumps: Often used in peristaltic pumps due to its flexibility and ability to withstand repeated compressions.
- Food and Beverage: Suitable for food-grade applications, such as beverage dispensing and dairy processing.
- Rubber Cord:
- Seals and Gaskets: Used to create O-rings, seals, and gaskets in various mechanical and automotive applications.
- Bungee Cords: Utilized in making elastic bungee cords and tie-downs.
- Crafting and Jewelry: Used in crafting, jewelry making, and other decorative applications.
- Tension and Compression: Applied in applications requiring tension or compression, such as shock absorbers and vibration dampeners.
Properties
- Rubber Tubing:
- Flexibility: Highly flexible, allowing it to bend and curve without kinking.
- Elasticity: Maintains elasticity, making it suitable for dynamic applications involving movement.
- Durability: Resistant to wear, chemicals, and temperature variations, depending on the material used (e.g., silicone, neoprene).
- Rubber Cord:
- Strength: Offers good tensile strength, making it suitable for applications requiring a solid, durable material.
- Elasticity: Provides elasticity, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape.
- Versatility: Available in various rubber types (e.g., natural rubber, EPDM, silicone) to meet specific application requirements.
Manufacturing and Customization
- Rubber Tubing:
- Extrusion Process: Manufactured using an extrusion process, where rubber is forced through a die to create the hollow tube shape.
- Customization: Can be customized in terms of diameter, wall thickness, length, and material to suit specific needs.
- Rubber Cord:
- Extrusion or Molding: Produced through extrusion or molding processes, resulting in a solid, cylindrical shape.
- Customization: Available in various diameters, lengths, and materials, and can be cut to specific lengths for particular applications.
Summary
- Shape: Rubber tubing is hollow, while rubber cord is solid.
- Applications: Rubber tubing is used for fluid and gas transport, insulation, and protection, whereas rubber cord is used for seals, gaskets, bungee cords, and crafting.
- Properties: Both offer flexibility and durability, but tubing is designed for dynamic, fluid transport applications, while cord is meant for solid, tensile applications.
- Manufacturing: Tubing is extruded with a hollow center, and cord is extruded or molded as a solid piece.
Understanding these differences will help you select the appropriate material for your specific application, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
