Silicone and rubber hoses are used in a variety of industrial applications and provide a cost-effective solution. However, which of them is the best choice and which offers the most benefits to users?
Rubber is probably the most widely known material for manufacturing industrial hoses and has been used successfully for centuries, whereas silicone products in comparison are still relatively new and have tended to only be used in more specialised areas. Silicone, though, does have a number of advantages that makes it a more suitable material in this area.
The properties of silicone
The key properties of silicone when compared to rubber are what makes it the best option for industrial standard hoses and enables it to be used in a range of sectors. For instance, as it is non-toxic, it can be used within the food industry and silicone hoses can be fitted into equipment without having any impact on the quality of the product. This feature also allows it to be fitted into medical applications and used in other areas where hygiene levels are crucial – http://medicaldesign.com/materials/basics-silicone-tubing.
Heat resistance
The high UV and heat resistance levels of silicone products, such as those provided by silicone hose manufacturers like https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacturer, mean that they can be used in extreme environments, with the ability to operate in temperatures from over 200 degrees centigrade down to well below freezing. This makes silicone hoses suitable for use in water coolant and radiator systems.
Flexibility
Another advantage that silicone has over rubber is an excellent level of flexibility, which doesn’t deteriorate over time. This limits the risk of hoses exploding, splitting, becoming dry and rotten or hardening with continued use.
Resistance to weather conditions
Industrial hoses are required in many different types of environments and silicone has a high degree of resistance to changing weather conditions. It is hardly affected by issues such as UV rays, rain, heat, drought, snow, humidity and deteriorating ozone levels.
Limits vibrations and noise
Silicone is able to reduce the issue of vibrations and noise, which provides a stable and quiet profile, unlike rubber where friction levels can be a source of noise.
Durability
Many of these properties combine to give silicone its excellent durability and longevity, which creates a cost-effective product when seen over the whole of its lifespan.