Hose braids

Tubular braids are flexible, tubular structures consisting of interwoven threads, wires or plastics. They are used to provide protection, reinforcement or structural stability for various applications.

Tubular braids can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, aramid, steel or fiberglass. They are often used in electrical engineering, the automotive industry, aerospace, medical technology and other areas.

In electrical engineering, for example, braided sleeves are used as protective sheathing for cables and wires to protect them from damage and reduce electromagnetic interference. In the automotive industry, braided hoses are used to protect hydraulic or fuel lines. In the aerospace industry, for example, they are used to protect cabling or as reinforcement for hoses.

Braided hoses offer a number of advantages, including flexibility, resistance to high temperatures, chemical resistance and high mechanical strength.

Hose braids, also known as braided hoses or braided sleeves, were invented by Hugo Junkers. He was a German engineer and aircraft designer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Junkers developed the braided hose as a reinforcement material for rubber hoses. It is a three-dimensional braid of wires that stabilizes the hose and gives it greater strength.

The first use of braided hoses was in aircraft construction. Junkers used it for the first time in the 1910s in the construction of his Junkers J1, the world's first all-metal airplane. The tubular mesh was used to reinforce the wings and other load-bearing parts of the aircraft.

Since then, tubular braids have found applications in various sectors, such as the automotive industry, medical technology and industry in general. They are often used to reinforce hoses, cables and other flexible components.

Tubular braids are made by interweaving individual threads or ribbons. There are various techniques for producing tubular braids, such as braiding, knitting or weaving.

The materials that can be used to make tubular mesh vary depending on the intended use and desired properties. Some common materials for tubular braids are

1. nylon: nylon is a very durable and hard-wearing material that is often used for tubular mesh. It is lightweight, strong and has high abrasion resistance.

2. polyester: Polyester is another widely used material for tubular braids. It is also robust and has good abrasion resistance. Polyester is also resistant to UV radiation and chemicals.

3. aramid: Aramid is a synthetic material that is extremely heat-resistant and tensile. It is often used in applications where high temperatures occur, such as in the aerospace industry.

4. kevlar: Kevlar is a special type of aramid known for its high strength and resistance to cuts and punctures. It is often used in protective clothing, ropes and hose braids for use in hazardous environments.

5. cotton: Cotton is used for tubular braids that require high flexibility. Cotton braids are soft, lightweight and have good resistance to chemicals.

These materials are just a few examples, and there are many other materials that can be used for the production of hose braids, depending on the specific requirements and applications.

Braided hoses are used in various industries, including:

1. automotive industry: hose braids are used in the automotive industry for fuel lines, cooling systems, hydraulic lines and other applications.

2. aerospace industry: braided hoses are used in the aerospace industry for hydraulic lines, fuel lines and other applications.

3. medical industry: In the medical industry, braided hoses are used for flexible catheters, stents and other medical devices.

4. food industry: braided hoses are used in the food industry for the transportation of liquids, gases and other media required in food processing.

5. chemical industry: braided hoses are used in the chemical industry for the transportation of chemicals and other hazardous substances.

6. electronics industry: braided sleeving is used in the electronics industry to protect and organize cables and wires.

7. construction industry: braided sleeving is used in the construction industry for the installation of piping, irrigation systems and other applications.

8. defense industry: In the defense industry, braided sleeving is used for various applications such as hydraulic lines, fuel lines and other systems.

These are just a few examples of how braided hoses are used in various industries. The versatility and flexibility of braided hoses make them a popular choice for various applications where the transportation of liquids, gases or other media is required.

Braided hoses are used as an alternative to conventional hoses for various reasons and offer a number of advantages:

1. flexibility and maneuverability: hose braids are generally more flexible than traditional hoses. They can be used in tight spaces or around tight bends without the hose deforming or kinking. This makes them ideal for applications where high flexibility is required.

2. high pressure resistance: braided hoses are generally more robust and resistant to high pressures than conventional hoses. They can withstand higher pressures without bursting or tearing. This makes them ideal for applications where high pressures occur, such as in hydraulics or pneumatics.

3. resistance to chemicals and temperatures: braided hoses can be resistant to chemicals and remain stable even at high temperatures. This makes them ideal for use in environments where chemicals or high temperatures occur, such as in the chemical industry or in high-temperature applications.

4. durability and low maintenance: braided hoses are generally more durable and less prone to wear and tear than conventional hoses. They are generally more resistant to mechanical stress, UV radiation and the effects of the weather. This reduces maintenance costs and extends replacement intervals.

5. visual inspection and leak detection: Another advantage of braided hoses is that they allow visual inspection. As they can be transparent or translucent, it is possible to visually check the condition of the hose. This makes it easier to detect wear, damage or leaks.

Overall, braided hoses offer improved performance and reliability compared to conventional hoses and are therefore used in many applications where high flexibility, pressure resistance, chemical resistance and durability are required.

Hose braids are available in various designs, depending on the material and application. The most common braided sleeves include copper braided sleeves and aluminum braided sleeves.

Copper braided sleeving is particularly flexible and conductive. There are also bare copper braided sleeving variants. It is often used when pure conductivity is required. Tinned copper braided sleeving offers additional protection against corrosion and is often used in damp environments. Then there is nickel-plated copper braided sleeving, which is particularly robust and resistant, especially to chemical influences.

In addition to copper, there is also aluminum braided sleeving, which is lighter and less expensive. It is often used when mechanical protection is more important than conductivity. Aluminum braids are ideal for applications where weight is very important.

Braided copper or aluminum conduits protect cables, ensure a longer service life and can even absorb electromagnetic interference. There is a suitable braid for every application, depending on the requirements for conductivity, protection and resistance.

Braided sleeving is used in many areas, but when do you choose copper braided sleeving and when aluminum braided sleeving? The choice depends on the application.

Copper braided sleeving is ideal when you need high conductivity and flexibility. It is often used in electrical applications. Variants such as bare copper braided sleeving offer a pure copper surface that conducts well. Tinned braided copper, on the other hand, provides better protection against corrosion and is particularly suitable for damp environments. For added durability, there is nickel-plated copper braided sleeving, which is particularly resistant to chemical influences.

If weight is important, aluminum braided sleeving is the better choice. It is lighter than copper but still robust. Aluminum is particularly suitable for mechanical protection, for example in the automotive industry or aviation, where low weight is crucial.

The decision between copper braided sleeving and aluminum braided sleeving therefore depends on your requirements. Copper offers better conductivity and protection against corrosion, while aluminum is lightweight and less expensive.

The difference between the various types of braided copper hose lies in the surface treatment and the resulting properties. Here is a brief explanation of the respective versions:

1. Tubular braid copper:
   • Consists of pure copper and is extremely conductive.
   • It is often used in areas where electrical conductivity and flexibility are required.
   • Without an additional coating, it is susceptible to corrosion.
2. Bare copper braided sleeving:
   • This is the untreated copper braid, also known as "bare" copper.
   • It offers the highest electrical conductivity, but is sensitive to external influences such as oxidation and corrosion.
   • Suitable for indoor applications or protected environments.
3. Tinned copper braided sleeving:
   • Here the copper is coated with a layer of tin to better protect it from corrosion.
   • Ideal for humid environments as the tin layer protects the copper from oxidation.
   • It retains its flexibility and continues to offer good conductivity.
4. Nickel-plated copper braided hose:
   • The copper braid is given a nickel coating, which offers particularly high resistance to chemicals and high temperatures.
   • Ideal for industrial applications where the braid is exposed to extreme conditions.
   • Offers slightly lower conductivity than bare copper, but better durability.

To summarize: Braided copper bare is the untreated, pure copper, while braided copper tinned and nickel-plated offer additional protection against corrosion and external influences.