In hydraulic transmission, hoses are crucial connecting components, and their selection directly impacts the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the entire system. When it comes to hydraulic hoses, thermoplastic and rubber are the two most common materials used for inner tubes and outer covers. The characteristics and differences of thermoplastic and rubber hoses can cause some customers to hesitate before purchasing them. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of features, applications, and prices to help you choose the rubber or thermoplastic hydraulic hose best suited for your application.
What is a thermoplastic hose?
Thermoplastic hoses are made of a class of thermoplastic materials that soften when heated and harden when cooled. Common thermoplastic materials include polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), and nylon (PA). These materials offer high abrasion and tensile strength, making them suitable for use in a variety of high-intensity environments.
Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose
Thermoplastic hoses have a three-layer structure. Both the inner and outer tubes are made of advanced thermoplastic materials, and the middle layer is reinforced with high-strength synthetic fibers or steel wire braids. The most common thermoplastic hydraulic hoses are SAE100R7 and SAE 100R8. The material properties of thermoplastic hoses make them flexible and chemically resistant, making them the hose of choice in many industrial and construction fields.
What is a rubber hose?
Rubber hoses are made from natural or synthetic rubber. Rubber is a highly elastic polymer material with properties such as high flexibility, abrasion resistance, and insulation. Rubber hoses also offer strong pressure resistance, making them particularly suitable for environments requiring frequent bending or high pressures. They are widely used in both industrial and residential applications.
Rubber hydraulic hoses, such as SAE100R1 and SAE100R2, are the most commonly used types of hydraulic hose. The inner tube is made of synthetic rubber, formed through a precise vulcanization process to create a dense molecular network structure. This structure provides excellent sealing and media stability, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
The reinforcement layer is braided or wound with high-strength steel wire. This metal-rubber composite material leverages the advantages of both: the steel wire provides mechanical strength, while the rubber matrix effectively distributes stress. The latest winding techniques can achieve pressure resistance exceeding 100 MPa.
The outer tube is typically made of highly weather-resistant CR (chloroprene rubber) or CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene) rubber. These materials offer excellent resistance to ozone, UV rays, and aging, effectively protecting the reinforcement layer from environmental damage.
Strongflex EN 853 2SN hydraulic rubber hose with fittings
Key Differences Between Thermoplastic and Rubber Hoses
| Feature | Thermoplastic Hose | Rubber Hose |
| Weight | Lightweight, easy to handle | Heavier, more robust |
| Flexibility | Very flexible, good for tight spaces | Flexible but stiffer than thermoplastic |
| Pressure Rating | Suitable for low to medium pressure (R7/R8) | Covers low to ultra-high pressure |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +100°C | -40°C to +120°C or more |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to solvents and chemicals | Resistant to oils, but not all chemicals |
| Durability & Abrasion | Moderate durability | High durability and abrasion resistance |
| Permeability | Very low, minimal fluid seepage | Higher permeability compared to thermoplastic |
| Best Applications | Light-duty, chemical-rich environments | Heavy-duty, high-pressure environments |
| Media Compatibility | Can transfer standard hydraulic fluids but has limited tolerance to polar solvents. | Suitable for a variety of extreme media. |
| Service Life | Under high vibration and pulse conditions, life is not as good as rubber hoses. | Fatigue life is generally longer. |
| Ozone Resistance | Excellent ozone resistance allows for extended storage. | Sensitive to ozone degradation and difficult to store for extended periods. |
| Cost | Slightly higher but reduces installation cost | Generally cost-effective for heavy-duty use |
Their respective application areas
Due to their excellent chemical resistance and lightweight properties, thermoplastic hoses are widely used in fuel systems, brake systems, and cooling systems in the automotive industry; hydraulic systems in construction machinery and construction equipment; agricultural irrigation and spraying equipment; and gas or liquid transport in the chemical and petroleum industries.
Hydraulic rubber hoses, due to their excellent temperature and pressure resistance, are widely used in fuel transport, hydraulic systems, and exhaust systems in the automotive industry; construction and mining equipment; and the food processing industry.
How to choose the right rubber hose or thermoplastic hose?
When choosing between thermoplastic hoses and rubber hoses, your decision should primarily be based on your specific needs.
thermoplastic hose application
Thermoplastic hoses are popular due to their low production costs and excellent chemical stability. They are particularly suitable for
- weight-sensitive equipment (such as mobile machinery and robots).
- space-constrained installation environments
- budgetary but demanding applications.
Rubber hoses are more suitable for
- extreme operating conditions (high temperature, high pressure, strong vibration).
- harsh environments (outdoors, dusty, chemical exposure),
- special media transfer (such as high-temperature greases and special chemicals),
- hydraulic systems with extremely high safety requirements.
Summary
In short, hydraulic hose selection is a systematic process that requires a comprehensive consideration of technical parameters, application scenarios, and economics. If you are looking for high-performance hoses that meet your industry’s needs, you can communicate in depth with our hydraulic hose supplier and provide detailed application information to obtain the most suitable solution.
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