tubemolded

Tubemolded refers to a manufacturing process used to create hollow, tubular, or pipe-like objects. The technique involves shaping plastic or rubber materials into a desired form by extruding them through a die and then cooling or curing the material. This method is particularly effective for producing continuous lengths of material with a consistent cross-section.

The core of the tubemolding process is extrusion. Molten plastic or rubber is forced through a circular die, which dictates the outer diameter of the tube. A mandrel, or a pin within the die, controls the inner diameter, thus forming the hollow core. As the material exits the die, it is typically cooled rapidly, often using a water bath, to solidify its shape. For some materials, a curing process may follow the extrusion to achieve the final desired properties.

Tubemolded products are found in a wide variety of applications due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Common examples include hoses for industrial and domestic use, medical tubing for various patient care devices, straws for beverages, and conduits for electrical wiring. The ability to control wall thickness, diameter, and material composition allows for the customization of tubemolded products to meet specific performance requirements, such as flexibility, chemical resistance, or pressure tolerance.