Polyimide hose

Q: What are polyimide hoses, with properties and applications?

Polyimide hoses (PI) are high-performance hoses made of polyimide, a plastic that is suitable for extreme conditions. They are characterized by their high temperature resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical strength. Properties of PI tubing: - Temperature resistance: -269°C to over 400°C - Excellent electrical insulation - Chemical resistance to many solvents and aggressive gases - High mechanical strength at high temperatures - Low outgassing in vacuum environments - High flexibility and long service life Applications for PI tubing: - Medical devices (e.g. catheters) - Electrical insulation in high-voltage areas - Protection for sensitive electronic components - Use in high-temperature and chemical environments - Ideal for aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing

Q: Why is polyimide tubing good for electrical insulation?

Polyimide tubing offers outstanding electrical insulation thanks to its high dielectric strength of approx. 22 kV/mm. They are resistant to high temperatures and chemical influences, which makes them ideal for use in electronics and the electrical industry. Advantages of polyimide tubing: - Excellent insulation properties - High temperature resistance - Chemical resistance - Flexibility and durability These properties make polyimide tubing particularly suitable for reliably protecting electrical cables in demanding environments.

Q: How does a polyimide hose differ from other hoses?

Polyimide hoses are characterized by their exceptional performance in extreme conditions. They offer: Higher temperature resistance up to 400°C, compared to many other materials Better chemical resistance to solvents and aggressive media Superior electrical insulation with a dielectric strength of approx. 22 kV/mm Longer service life even in demanding, high-temperature and chemically stressed environments These features make polyimide tubing particularly suitable for specialized applications in electronics, aerospace and the chemical industry.

Q: Up to what temperature does a polyimide hose remain heat-resistant and dimensionally stable?

Polyimide hoses are known for their high heat resistance and can withstand temperatures of up to 400°C. The continuous service temperature is 260-300°C, while Kapton H remains stable in short-term applications up to 400°C. Important properties: Glass transition temperature (Tg): 360-410°C, depending on molecular structure Long-term exposure: Less than 1% mass loss after 1000 hours at 300°C Cryogenic applications: Stable down to -269°C without loss of mechanical properties These properties make polyimide tubing particularly suitable for aerospace applications and other areas that require extreme temperature resistance.

Q: How can the thermal conductivity of polyimide tubing be specifically increased?

The thermal conductivity of polyimide tubing is around 0.12 to 0.20 W/(m-K), which is often insufficient for power-intensive applications. By adding ceramic fillers such as boron nitride (BN) or aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) , the thermal conductivity is specifically increased without significantly impairing the electrical insulation or chemical resistance . Important facts: Fillers optimize the phonon transport High filler content can impair flexibility and adhesive strength Specialized hybrid films that offer high thermal stability and tensile strength at temperatures above 300°C are often used in aerospace and power electronics.

Q: What are Kapton tubes?

Kapton hoses are flexible, high-temperature resistant hoses made of polyimide film. They offer: Heat resistance up to 400°C Excellent electrical insulation Chemical resistance to solvents, oils and gases High mechanical strength and low thermal expansion These hoses are used in extreme environments such as aerospace, electronics and the automotive industry, especially for insulating wires and cables. Their stability and flexibility make them ideal for applications with high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.

Large selection of: Polyimide hoses
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Polyimide hose and tubes in our range:

A polyimide hose (PI) is designed for demanding high-tech applications. Classic areas of application are: Electrical engineering and electronics, microelectronics and miniaturization, medical technology (e.g. catheter technology), analytics, chemistry and laboratory technology, sensor technology and microsystems technology. Tubing for extreme temperatures made of polyimide is resistant to most solvents, oils and aggressive media. They are temperature-resistant up to 220°C and heat-resistant up to 400°C for short periods. The dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm is excellent, the long-term resistance to UV radiation and ionizing radiation are special performance features. Polyimide tubing is PFAS-free and is increasingly being used as an alternative solution to tubing containing fluoroplastics (PTFE, FEP, PFA). Smallest inner diameters from 0.051 mm (AWG 44) wall thicknesses of 0.0064 mm. Available immediately from stock and also as a specific custom-made product.

Polyimide insulation material is ideally suited as polyimide tubing for electronics for a variety of electronic components. Flexible high-temperature tubing offers high resistance to mechanical stress and thermal influences. Highly resistant plastic products are also an excellent choice for industrial cable insulation with polyimide, where temperature-stable insulation is required. High performance conduits offer outstanding performance and durability in demanding environments. Thermoplastics such as polyimide are widely used in industry and offer exceptional flexibility and durability. As tough hoses for the chemical industry, they are particularly well suited for use in highly aggressive environments. They are the preferred choice for the most demanding technical hoses for industry.

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

Eigenschaft	Wert / Beschreibung
Werkstoff	Polyimid (PI), duroplastisch
PFAS	PFAS-frei
Varianten	Electrical Grade & Medical Grade
Dauergebrauchstemperatur	bis +220 °C
Durchschlagsfestigkeit	22 kV/mm
Wandstärken	ab 0.0064 mm
Innendurchmesser	ab 0.051 mm
Chemische Beständigkeit	sehr hoch gegen meiste Chemikalien, Lösungen und Öle
Strahlenbeständigkeit	UV & ionisierend
Fertigung	Dip-Coat / Filmgiessen
Verfügbarkeit	Sofort ab Lager und Sonderanfertigungen

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

The material polyimide is a cross-linked thermosetting high-performance plastic with the following characteristics:

Continuous service temperature: up to +220°C, short-term up to +440°CElectrical
dielectric strength approx.
22 kV/mmHigh
glass transition temperature (Tg
)Low thermal conductivity (thermal insulator
)High thermal shock resistanceResistance
to cryogenic conditionsChemical-resistant
hose with resistance to most solvents, oils and aggressive mediaLong-term resistance
to UV radiation and ionizing radiationNo
toxic decomposition products when overheatedUSP
Class VI (depending on material)

The material is amber-colored, non-porous, seamless and has very low outgassing, which is relevant for electronics and cleanroom applications. Polyimide tubing is usually used in amber, but is also available in black, green, red, orange, gold, turquoise and salmon. In medical products / devices with FDA approvals, only natural colored and black tubing is used. These chemically resistant properties make polyimide an ideal material for heat-resistant tubing and high-temperature resistant tubing, which are essential for resistant tubing for extreme applications.

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

Properties	Temperature	Unit	Test specification ASTM	Base material SP-1
Service temperature without mechanical stress, in air short-term continuous	°C			400260
Dimensional stability in heat (HDT 1.85 N/mm2	°C		D 648	280 - 360
linear expansion coefficient		K-1 x 106	D 696	50 - 63
Thermal conductivity		W / mK	C 177	0,29 - 0,35

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

Polyimide hoses offer a unique combination of:

ductility
tensile strength
stiffness
high abrasion resistance
Fatigue resistance in cyclic bending
resistance to compression and stress cycles

Structural integrity is maintained even with ultra-thin wall thicknesses.

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

Dielectric strength: approx. 22 kV/mm
Very good dielectric properties
High specific volume resistance
Excellent insulation for micro cables, coils, electrodes and conductors

This makes the polyimide tubing ideal for high-voltage micro-applications, micromotors and miniature relays.

Polyimide hose - Electrical data

Properties	Temperature	Unit	Test specification ASTM	Base material SP-1
Volume resistivity		Ω cm	D 257	1016' - 1017
Surface resistance		Ω	D 257	1015' - 1016
Dielectric constant (105 Hz)	23 °C 263 °C		D 150	3,413,01
Dielectric dissipation factor(tanṐ 105 Hz)	23 °C 263 °C			0,00520,0011
Dielectric strength (2 mm sample)		kV / mm	D 149	22
Leakage current resistance (level)		KAKBKC	DIN 53 480	31 > 300 > 380
Arc resistance		s	D 495	230
Water absorption (24 h.)Saturation		%	D 570	0,323,0

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

Polyimide hoses are primarily manufactured using the dip-coat process:

A copper wire (mandrel) with the desired inner diameter is dipped into a polyimide bath.
The wall thickness is built up over several defined dipping cycles (layer build-up / film casting).
After curing, the carrier wire is removed.

Technical consequence:

Production as piece lengths, not as endless goods on a roll
Very precise inside diameters

Seamless, pore-free structure

Extruded versions are also available for larger diameters and greater wall thicknesses. These industrial rubber hoses offer high flexibility and durability thanks to their precise manufacturing, which makes them particularly suitable for many industrial applications.

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

Polyimide hose - Electrical Grade

Standardized design for electrical engineering and electronics
Interior not specially cleaned
Subsequent internal cleaning possible
Ideal for insulation and threading applications, micro cables, coils, relays

Polyimide tubing - medical grade

Specially cleaned hose interior
Max. 200 ppm copper Typical value: < 100 ppm Cu
Suitable for catheters, endoscopy, intravascular applications, medical devices

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

Clearances (inside diameter)

0.051 mm (AWG 44) to 2.59 mm ( AWG 10)

Wall thicknesses (mm)

0.0064 / 0.013 / 0.019 / 0.025 / 0.038 / 0.051 / 0.076 / 0.10 / 0.127 / 0.152 / 0.178
Tolerances: +/- 25 % of the respective wall thickness

Other dimensions on request.

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

Polyimide hoses are highly customizable:

Reinforcements

Stainless steel braiding
Non-ferrous metals
Kevlar
polyester
Flat steel spiral (patent pending)

Functional special versions

X-ray impermeable version (integrated steel wire)
Multilumen hoses
Profiled cross-sections
Internal equipment with: Thermocouple wires Signal cables Steel inserts

Multi-layer and hybrid constructions

PI combined with: PUR PA Polyester Formvar PTFE FEP

Friction-optimized variants

Polyimide-coated PTFE and FEP hoses
Very low friction (low friction)
High flexibility combined with good mechanical stability

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

Electrical engineering and microelectronics

Insulation of micro cables
Insertion channels for micro fiber optics
Micromotors
Magnetic heads
Miniature relays
Sensor technology
High-voltage miniature applications
Tightest packing for miniature assemblies

Suitable for sealed assemblies. Thanks to the high dielectric strength, the insulation remains reliable even in very tight installation spaces.

Medical technology

Catheter technology
Endoscopy
Intravascular drug delivery
Minimally invasive instruments
X-ray visible components

Chemistry and analytics

Laboratory probes
Microanalyses
Titration devices
Fluid and gas flow transport
Analytical instruments Applications with high chemical resistance

Polyimide tubing - standard lengths / design of micro-miniature polyimide tubing

The name Kapton® is a registered trademark of the DuPont company for polyimide films. In the electrical industry, "Kapton" is often used as a generic term for polyimide.

Important: Kapton® primarily refers to a film - a polyimide tube is a separate, technically different product.

Polyimide tubing - Polyimide tubing: standard sizes and tolerances

Polyimide hose - In detail

Are you wondering why polyimide tubing is so special?
Polyimide tubing not only offers excellent insulation properties, but is also extremely flexible and durable. These properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from electronics to medical devices.

Our heat-resistant polyimide tubing for electronics is specially developed to meet the requirements of modern technologies. They are easy to install and provide reliable protection, even under extreme conditions. If you are looking for polyimide conduit for electrical insulation, you will be delighted with the quality of our products.

For applications where specialty hoses are required, we also offer polyamide hoses and polyamide hose options that also offer high flexibility and durability. If you want to buy polymide hydraulic hoses, we have the right solution here too.

As your polyimide hose dealer, we always strive to offer you the best service. We will be happy to advise you on choosing the right polyimide hose for your specific requirements. Our aim is to offer you products that exceed your expectations.

Order your polyimide hose from us today and benefit from our many years of experience and our extensive range of hose technology.

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Polyimide hose

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Heat-resistant polyimide tubing for electronics

Our polyimide tubing is available in various sizes, colors and materials that meet all industry specifications and are suitable for precise applications. Thanks to the polyimide for chemical resistance and its heat-resistant properties, our polyimide tubing is perfect for use at extreme temperatures as thermal insulation tubing. This high temperature sleeving is excellent for electronic insulation and as a high performance plastic sleeving. Each product in our range has been carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and performance.

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Polyimide hose

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Frequently asked questions about polyimid tubes

What are polyimide hoses, with properties and applications?

Polyimide hoses (PI) are high-performance hoses made of polyimide, a plastic that is suitable for extreme conditions. They are characterized by their high temperature resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical strength. Properties of PI tubing: - Temperature resistance: -269°C to over 400°C...

Why is polyimide tubing good for electrical insulation?

Polyimide tubing offers outstanding electrical insulation thanks to its high dielectric strength of approx. 22 kV/mm. They are resistant to high temperatures and chemical influences, which makes them ideal for use in electronics and the electrical industry. Advantages of polyimide tubing: - Exc...

How does a polyimide hose differ from other hoses?

Polyimide hoses are characterized by their exceptional performance in extreme conditions. They offer: Higher temperature resistance up to 400°C, compared to many other materials Better chemical resistance to solvents and aggressive media Superior electrical insulation with a dielectric strength of...

Up to what temperature does a polyimide hose remain heat-resistant and dimensionally stable?

Polyimide hoses are known for their high heat resistance and can withstand temperatures of up to 400°C. The continuous service temperature is 260-300°C, while Kapton H remains stable in short-term applications up to 400°C. Important properties: Glass transition temperature (Tg): 360-410°C, depe...

How can the thermal conductivity of polyimide tubing be specifically increased?

The thermal conductivity of polyimide tubing is around 0.12 to 0.20 W/(m-K), which is often insufficient for power-intensive applications. By adding ceramic fillers such as boron nitride (BN) or aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) , the thermal conductivity is specifically increased without significantly impair...

What are Kapton tubes?

Kapton hoses are flexible, high-temperature resistant hoses made of polyimide film. They offer: Heat resistance up to 400°C Excellent electrical insulation Chemical resistance to solvents, oils and gases High mechanical strength and low thermal expansion These hoses are used in extreme environme...

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