Material and Construction
The Festo PUN-H-3/8-TBL-150-CB tubing is manufactured from TPE-U (polyurethane) with a Shore hardness of D 52 ±3. Its translucent blue color allows for easy visual inspection of the media flow. The tubing is explicitly free of copper and zinc, which is a critical requirement in certain industrial processes where even trace amounts of these metals can cause contamination or adverse reactions. The material is RoHS-compliant and meets the fire test classification UL94 HB. Additionally, it conforms to VDMA24364-B2-L for LABS (PWIS) compliance, ensuring it does not release substances that could affect painted surfaces or adhesives in downstream applications.
Performance and Operating Conditions
This tubing is designed to operate within an ambient temperature range of -35°C to 63°C. The operating pressure is temperature-dependent, with a range from -0.993 bar to 9.997 bar. For water applications, the maximum pressure is 0.3 MPa at temperatures between 0 and 60°C. The tubing is suitable for use with compressed air as per ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:-:-] and also for water (liquid, ice-free). Its minimum bending radius is 24.994 mm, while the bending radius relevant for flow rate is 52.121 mm. The tubing is also rated as suitable for energy chains, making it a robust choice for dynamic applications where continuous flexing occurs.
Compatibility and Applications
The PUN-H-3/8-TBL-150-CB is specifically designed for use in battery production, particularly for Li-ion batteries. In such environments, metals with more than 1% by mass of copper, zinc, or nickel are excluded, with exceptions only for nickel in steel, chemically nickel-plated surfaces, circuit boards, cables, electrical plug connectors, and coils. This tubing meets that stringent requirement. It is also ideal for general fluid handling and works seamlessly with push-in connectors such as the NPQE-F1A, ensuring a leak-free and secure connection. The tubing's compatibility with these connectors simplifies installation and maintenance, reducing downtime in production lines.
Selection Considerations
When selecting this tubing, engineers should note that its external diameter is 3/8 inch, which is a standard size for many pneumatic systems. The product weight is 0.48 kg/m, which may influence design calculations for weight-sensitive applications. The tubing is statically installed in cleanroom environments, but no meaningful evaluation is possible according to ISO 14644-1, so it may not be suitable for applications requiring specific cleanroom classifications. For food industry use, additional supplementary material information should be consulted to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Integration Value
Integrating the Festo PUN-H-3/8-TBL-150-CB into your pneumatic or fluid handling system offers several practical benefits. Its copper-free and zinc-free construction eliminates the risk of metal contamination, which is crucial in battery manufacturing and other sensitive processes. The tubing's durability and resistance to wear, combined with its suitability for energy chains, contribute to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs. The compatibility with push-in connectors like NPQE-F1A streamlines assembly, saving time and labor. Overall, this tubing provides a reliable and safe solution for demanding industrial applications where material purity and performance are non-negotiable.