How Are Acrylic Tubes Used?
Acrylic tubes have a variety of applications. Besides signs, POP displays, and as glass tube replacements, clear plastic ubes can be found in many toys and home furnishings. In addition, many scientists and medical professionals use acrylic tubes for surgical devices, biomedical equipment, and laboratory equipment. Clear cut acrylic tubes may also be found in architecture, the arts and project designs.
How Do You Cut Acrylic Tubes and Pipes?
Assuming you want a straight cut, the best way to cut an acrylic tube would be with a handsaw, power saw, hacksaw or tubing cutters. For a demonstration, please refer to the video below.
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How To Clean a Clear Plastic Tube?
Cleaning a clear plastic tube is a relatively simple process. You can follow these steps:
1. Remove any contents from inside the tube: If there are any liquids or solids in the tube, make sure to remove them first.
2. Rinse the tube: rinse the inside and outside of the tube with warm water to remove residue or debris.
3. Soak the tube in Novus acrylic cleaning product.
4. Use a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub any areas where residue sticks.
5. Rinse the tube again with warm water.
6. Hang the tube to dry.
Please note: if the tube is being used for medical purposes, please be sure to follow specific medical cleaning procedures wherever applicable.
Clear Acrylic Tube Use Cases
Clear acrylic tubes are versatile and are used in a variety of ways and industries. You can find some of the most common use cases below:
Displays: Clear plastic tubes are used in retail and other environments to display products such as jewelry, crafts, or candy. The clear and protective nature of acrylic tubes protect the products while also giving customers a 360-view.
Packaging: Clear acrylic tubes are also used for packaging products, such as toys, cosmetics, or food.
Medical: Clear plastic tubes are also used in the medical industry for tools aiding in fluid delivery, diagnostic testing, and catheters. Clear acrylic tubes are flexible, sterile, and transparent, helping to monitor and visualize the procedures.
Industrial: You will often see clear plastic tubes used in applications such as gas or fluid transportation and electrical insulation.
Arts and Crafts: A more fun use case of clear acrylic tubes is within crafts. They are often used in projects such as making kaleidoscopes, adding decorative elements to events, and packaging small items.
FAQs About Acrylic Tubes
What is an acrylic tube?
An acrylic tube is a type of plastic tubing made from acrylic resins. Acrylic tubing is 11 times stronger than glass, which makes it a reliable material for a wide range of products and projects.
What is clear plastic tubing used for?
Clear plastic tubing is popular because it can be used in various ways. Not only is it flexible, but it’s an affordable option for both businesses and homeowners. Acrylic tubing is used in everything from signs and retail displays to toys and home furnishings. It is also a popular material in the medical field and is found in surgical devices and lab equipment. It is also frequently used in architecture and art designs.
What are the types of plastic tubing?
Acrylic Tubing is clear and UV-resistant. While it is half the weight of glass, it is 11 times stronger.
PVC Tubing is flexible yet durable, as well as resistant to damage from chemicals, corrosion, and abrasion.
CPVC Tubing can be placed in high temperatures without corrosion.
Fiberglass Tubing comes in hundreds of shapes and is corrosion and UV-ray-resistant.
Nylon Tubing is lightweight but can be flexed multiple times without breaking. It is especially strong in below-freezing temperatures.
Polycarbonate Tubing can withstand harsh environments and is impact resistant.
Polyethylene Tubing is resistant to erosion from water and chemicals.
Polystyrene Tubing is lightweight, flexible, and durable, so it is often used to transport fluids and gases.
Silicone Tubing is often used in medical applications because of its clean and non-toxic.
Vinyl Tubing is resistant to chemicals and has a high melting point.
Polypropylene Tubing also has a higher melting point while being puncture and chemical-resistant.
HDPE Tubing has a low risk of shattering and corrosion.
PTFE Tubing is flexible and able to withstand harsh temperatures.
EVA Tubing can stand up to low temps while also being flexible and impact resistant.
Polyurethane Tubing is resistant to abrasion but is flexible. In fact, it easily returns to its original shape.
What is the strongest plastic tubing?
When it comes to super strength, you can’t beat polycarbonate tubes. The material is almost 250 times stronger than glass tubes and around 30 times stronger than acrylic.