Tubing Compounds

Chemical Compounds in Tubing

Need a tubing product for your specific application? All of KEP’s tubing products are manufactured in the U.S. – and we’re the ONLY domestic manufacturer of natural rubber latex tubing. This enables us to offer our customers quality tubing, shorter lead times and accessible customer service.

KEP manufactures with a wide range of compounds to satisfy both industry and application demands for tubing products. Learn more about different tubing material classes to determine which type of compound is the best fit for your intended use.

Natural Rubber Latex

Natural rubber latex offers excellent flexibility and resistance that makes it ideal for a wide range of industries. Natural rubber latex typically provides the best kink resistance, tear strength, and abrasion resistance for tubing. KEP’s popular natural rubber latex compounds include K-100, which meets FDA food grade requirements, K-600, which features x-ray absorbing properties (used for Penrose drains), and K-912, which uses an existing KEP compound (K-734B) for the neoprene layer. From sporting equipment to medical and orthodontic tubing applications, natural rubber latex is a versatile compound.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

While thermoplastic elastomers offer many of the same properties of natural rubber latex, these compounds are a latex allergen-free and cost-effective alternative with the processing efficiency of plastics. TPEs also provide great kink resistance and abrasion resistance that is comparable to natural rubber latex. TPE tubing is most often recommended for fatty food use and hot liquid use in the food and beverage industry. It is also a top choice for medical tubing applications and tubing used in manufacturing processes. Choose from FDA and USP Class VI material compounds which are DEHP free, phthalate free and BPA free. Learn about KEP’s most popular TPE compounds.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Used for the widest range of applications, tubing manufactured with polyvinyl chloride has excellent resistance to tears, corrosion, weather, chemicals, impact and electricity. Flexible PVC tubing is latex allergen-free with rubber-like flexibility. These compounds also offer great stability and clarity which is ideal for a wide range of industries. Common uses include blood pressure cuff tubing for the medical and surgical industry. KEP’s popular PVC compounds include a variety of FDA and USP Class VI material compounds which are also DEHP free, phthalate free and BPA free.

Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)

Thermoplastic polyurethane offers a soft, rubbery feel with similar properties and strength compared to natural rubber latex. KEP’s K-3000 compound offers great elasticity and flexibility. With a consistent performance, even under extreme hot/cold conditions, this compound is ideal for outdoor applications like sporting equipment and more. Also designed to meet FDA food grade requirements, this compound is a good choice for the food and beverage industry. TPU bridges the gap between soft, rubbery materials and harder plastics while offering excellent chemical and heat durability, but it tends to be significantly more expensive than the alternatives.

Tubing for Your Application

Tell KEP about your industry and application and we can work with you to choose the right tubing compound then manufacture your prototype or help reengineer your existing product to your exacting specifications. State of the art in-line laser gauges at KEP monitor precise and strict dimensional tolerances, ensuring consistent and quality tubing products for our customers. KEP’s FDA-registered facility is maintained and adheres to ISO 13485:2016 and GMP guidelines.

From compounds that offer dynamic sterilization properties ideal for medical and lab settings, to custom solutions like crimped tubing and Kanban shipping that are catered to the needs of your business, we provide the compounds and tubing solutions you need for your specific industry, when you need them.