From automotive hosing to industrial applications, there are several designs that require quality heat resistant hosing. The problem is that it’s not always easy to tell which type of hose is best suited for your performance requirements.
There are a wide variety of rubber materials used to manufacture parts, but not all of them are a good fit for high temperature rubber hoses. Any part is only as good as the material it’s made of, so it’s essential to identify which compound is the right fit for your application. Let’s break down what you need to consider when weighing materials and what options are available to you.
Desirable Qualities for Heat Resistance Hoses
While operating temperature is a critical factor for selecting the right hosing material, it’s not the only element you should consider. There are several criteria that engineers and other individuals should weigh when identifying the right material for a high temperature rubber hose.
- Temperature resistance
- Resistant to abrasion
- Resistant to ozone/weather
- Long-term durability
- Cost-effectiveness
Material Options for High Temp Rubber Hoses
Once you have your specific performance requirements in mind, you can start to narrow down which materials make the most sense for your high temp rubber hoses. There are a variety of rubber compounds that offer a range of benefits that extend beyond heat resistance. These materials include:
Silicone
Temperature range – Up to 480° F (250°C)
Characteristics – Silicone is one of the premier compounds for any parts that need to deal with extreme temperatures. Silicone offers some of the highest temperature ranges in addition to features like superior tensile strength, elongation, and compression set. These qualities make silicone a natural fit for hosing and tubing in the HVAC, automotive, and electrical industries.
Neoprene
Temperature range – Up to 250⁰ F (121⁰ C)
Characteristics – Neoprene is a versatile synthetic rubber that’s best suited for exposed parts that can encounter oil or petroleum. Neoprene’s combination of solid heat resistance along with excellent oil and ozone resistance make it a good fit for automotive or ducting applications.
Nitrile
Temperature range – Up to 250°F (121°C)
Characteristics – Nitrile is a similar compound to neoprene, except that it’s designed to resist constant exposure to oil. Thanks to this level of environmental and heat aging resistance, Nitrile is a good fit for automotive tubing and high temperature hoses designed for use in areas with regular oil exposure.
EPDM
Temperature range – Up to 350° F (177⁰ C)
Characteristics – EPDM is an extremely versatile synthetic rubber. While it’s temperature range isn’t as high as silicone, it does offer excellent stability in high temperatures. EPDM is also naturally resistant to UV, ozone, aging, weathering, and various chemicals. This all-around durability makes EPDM an extremely cost-effective part option for a variety of environments.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Temperature range – Up to 250⁰ F (121⁰ C)
Characteristics – While not a true rubber in the technical sense, TPEs are a plastic hosing option for both flexible and rigid parts. TPE offers excellent resistance to chemicals, aging and ozone in addition to plenty of flexibility in the manufacturing process. These capabilities make TPE attractive for everything from condensate drain tubes to medical applications.
Viton
Temperature range – Up to 600° F (315° C)
Characteristics – If you need rigid hosing that’s built to survive very hot and extremely corrosive environments, it’s time to consider Viton. This polymer is a specialty compound innovated by the aerospace industry to perform in applications with challenging performance requirements. While Viton will cost more than other materials, it can be well worth the investment for fuel hoses, siphon hoses, and other parts in demanding environments.
Invest in the Right Rubber Hose for Your Applications
Every application poses different design challenges that impact which material is best for your parts. While there are several options, it’s not always easy to determine the best, most cost-effective solution for manufacturing high temp rubber hoses.
Fortunately, Timco can help. Our experts work directly with businesses to identify all their performance requirements and deliver a customized part solution designed around their performance needs and budget.
Are you in need of quality rubber and plastic parts? Give us a call at 800-969-6242 or contact us online to talk to one of our experts or get a quote for your project.
