AUTOMATION
Role of Pneumatic Tubing in Industrial Automation Equipment
Pneumatic tubing in industrial automation equipment is mainly used to connect the compressed air supply, solenoid valve manifolds, and actuators such as pneumatic cylinders and pneumatic grippers. It carries compressed air to different control points for pushing, gripping, positioning, transfer, and other equipment operations.
Movement, installation space, and routing paths vary across different locations within the equipment. Tubing and connection components should therefore be configured according to the actual operating conditions.
Common Pneumatic Tubing Routing in Industrial Automation Equipment
Pneumatic tubing should be evaluated based on basic conditions such as working pressure, operating temperature, installation space, and environmental conditions.
Fixed Routing
When tubing remains largely stationary after installation, or only undergoes minimal movement, it is classified as fixed routing. Typical locations include machine frames, control cabinets, and pneumatic lines between stationary components.
Repeated bending is not a primary operating condition for this type of routing. PU tubing or Nylon tubing may be evaluated based on the actual operating conditions.
Dynamic Routing
At moving sections of equipment such as robotic arms, sliding systems, and transfer modules, pneumatic tubing may move or bend as the equipment operates.
For this type of routing, the range of tubing movement, bend radius, and repeated bending conditions should be considered. PU tubing may be evaluated based on the actual operating conditions.
Multiple Pneumatic Lines and Grouped Routing
Solenoid valve manifolds in automation equipment can connect separately to multiple pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic grippers, and other actuators. As a result, multiple control air lines may be routed between the valve manifold and the individual actuators.
When multiple tubes are routed along the same or similar paths, the number of pneumatic lines, routing paths, branch points, available space for grouped routing, and line identification should be considered. Individual PU tubes can be used for routing. If the equipment design requires a specified number of tubes to be arranged side by side or other special routing configurations, please contact SHPI for OEM customization.
Pneumatic Routing and Product Selection
| Routing Scenario | Typical Location | Routing Considerations | Product Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Routing | Machine frames, control cabinets, and pneumatic lines between stationary components | Installation position remains largely fixed or involves only minimal movement; repeated bending is not a primary operating condition | PU Tubing, Nylon Tubing |
| Dynamic Routing | Moving sections of equipment such as robotic arms, sliding systems, and transfer modules | Range of tubing movement, bend radius, and repeated bending conditions | PU Tubing |
| Multiple Pneumatic Lines and Grouped Routing | Between solenoid valve manifolds and multiple pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic grippers, and other actuators | Number of pneumatic lines, routing paths, branch points, available space for grouped routing, and line identification | PU Tubing; for side-by-side grouped routing of multiple tubes, contact SHPI for OEM customization |
Once the tubing has been selected, suitable one-touch fittings and control components can be selected according to the tube O.D., equipment-side connection specifications, and airflow-control requirements.
→ How to Select Pneumatic Tubing: A Guide to Routing Methods and Operating Conditions
→ PU Tubing vs. Nylon Tubing: Selection and Application Differences
→ Pneumatic Tubing, One-Touch Fittings, and Valves: How They Work Together in Pneumatic Systems
Polyurethane Tubing Ester
．High flexibility
．Good elasticity
．Smooth surface
．Good oil resistance
・Good abrasion resistance
．Multiple colors for circuit identification
Polyurethane Tubing Ether
．High flexibility
．Good elasticity
．Smooth surface
．Hydrolysis resistant
．Low-temperature flexibility
．Resistance to micro-organisms
．Multiple colors for circuit identification
Tube Cutter TC-1
・Compact tube cutting tool
・Suitable for PU tubing, nylon tubing, and other plastic tubing
・Cutting O.D. range: Ø3–15 mm
・81 mm length with a slightly angled design
・Compact and easy to carry; supports one-hand operation
