Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, ovens across North America are filled with golden roasted turkeys — a symbol of gratitude and family. But behind every Thanksgiving dinner is another kind of production — a line powered by air, automation, and precision, making sure each turkey gets from farm to table safely and efficiently.

The U.S. is one of the world's top turkey producers, processing more than 200 million birds a year. Inside these modern food processing plants, every move — from cutting and sealing to labeling and weighing — depends on pneumatic systems working in sync. Cylinders, solenoid valves, and sensors handle the motion, but the lifeline that connects them all is the air tubing.

These tubes carry compressed air throughout the line — keeping pressure stable, clean, and consistent. To meet food-grade automation standards, they need to handle pressure, resist moisture and oil, and withstand frequent cleaning and sanitizing cycles. Most systems use tubing in sizes like 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″ (6.4–9.5 mm) with working pressures around 100–150 psi (7–10 bar).Different areas in the plant call for different materials:

• Room temperature areas: use PU Ether tubing, flexible and moisture-resistant.
• High-pressure or actuator lines: go with PA12 (nylon 12), tough enough for long, high-load operation.
• Cold or wash down zones: rely on LDPE (low-density polyethylene) for corrosion and moisture resistance.

All of these materials are food-safe and non-toxic, with smooth inner walls that prevent buildup and make cleaning simple.

Where Each Tube Works Best

• PU Ether Tubing — Common in packaging and labeling machines that run continuously at room temperature. Its flexibility and quick air response make it perfect for fast-moving valves and actuators.
• PA12 Tubing — Used in push plates, cutting modules, and sorting devices where pressure and motion are higher. It resists wear and keeps pressure stable under heavy use.
• LDPE Tubing — Found in CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems and refrigerated areas. It handles humidity and cleaning chemicals well, ideal for washdown or low-temp zones.

Tiny as they are, these air tubes keep the entire process running — pushing, sealing, and labeling with precision.

From farm to table, SHPI brings 40+ years of experience providing PU tubing, Nylon tubing (PA tubing), and LDPE tubing trusted by food and automation industries worldwide.

SHPI — The Hose & Tubing Expert.

In the world of B2B manufacturing, every line depends on air that's steady, clean, and safe.

We make hoses and tubing that keep your business flowing — reliably, efficiently, and with confidence.