What Is PU Tubing, and Why Is It Widely Used in Pneumatic Systems?

Polyurethane tubing (PU tubing) is a commonly used piping material used in industrial automation equipment and pneumatic systems. It is primarily applied for compressed air transmission and internal air supply connections within equipment.
Compared with other plastic tubing materials, PU tubing achieves a balanced material behavior between flexibility, bending stability, and consistency under dynamic operating conditions.
As a result, it is frequently used in piping locations where space is limited, bending is required, or relative movement occurs during equipment operation. These characteristics make PU tubing a standard pneumatic tubing option in automation systems.

Typical Application Scenarios of PU Tubing

In industrial and automation equipment, PU tubing is commonly used in the following pneumatic system configurations

• Pneumatic modules, solenoid valves, and control system piping in automation equipment
• Internal air supply connections between pneumatic components within industrial compressed air systems
• Dynamic pneumatic piping layouts that involve bending or movement during equipment operation

PU Tubing Material Structure: What Is the Difference Between ESTER and ETHER Types?

PU tubing exhibits different material behaviors depending on its polymer structure.
Differences between ESTER-type and ETHER-type PU tubing are mainly reflected in water resistance, long-term service stability, and applicable operating environments. 

Comparison of ESTER-Type vs. ETHER-Type PU Tubing

PU tubing selection can be initially assessed based on operating environment conditions and piping layout requirements.
The differences between ESTER-type and ETHER-type PU tubing are summarized in the table above.

Further Reading: Common Engineering Questions About PU Tubing (FAQ)

During actual selection and use, engineers often focus on the material behavior of PU tubing under different environmental conditions. Typical concerns include moisture absorption, hydrolysis, service life, and long-term stability.

→ Further Reading | PU Tube FAQ — 15 Common Technical Questions by Automation Engineers

→ Further Reading | How to Prevent Production Line Downtime | SHPI Pneumatic Tubing & Fittings Guide

→ Further Reading | Practical Applications of PU Ether Pneumatic Tubing in Food-Grade Packaging Equipment