Air hoses also called air lines or pneumatic tubing are flexible tubes designed to transfer air and other gases under pressure from one location to another. They must be strong, flexible, and able to withstand high pressures to prevent any damage or leakage to the hose.
Air hoses come in a wide range of sizes and strengths, each with different operating temperatures and pressures. Understanding the maximum values within an intended application of an air hose is critical in ensuring safety for the user and longevity in the hose. Air hoses, unlike typical hoses, have high operating pressure, however, always refer to manufacturers' guidelines before use.
RS offer an extensive range of high-quality air hoses and fittings from industry-leading brands including SMC, Festo, Legris, IMI Norgren, and of course RS PRO.
The flexibility of an air hose allows the user to work freely in or around most circumstances or the hose can be placed around a workstation without the need for angle or corner connectors. Air hoses can be found on retractable reels mounted to the wall or ceiling for easy access while working and ease of storage when not in use. Air hoses are available in a range of colours and lengths and are easy to cut to suit any application.
There are many different types of hose materials available, the choice would depend on the application and the media the hose will be used with. Popular materials include rubbers and plastics like NBR, PVC, PUR, and EPDM.
Air hoses can be found in a wide variety of industrial applications and equipment including aerospace, chemical testing, food industry, and mechanical engineering all with their own requirements for both reliability and efficiency. Used in workshops and garages for powering air tools such as sanders, wrenches, nail guns, and more, air hoses can be used in conjunction with a compressor for reliable efficient tools. Air hoses can also be used in conjunction with compressed gas cylinders for inflation, welding, fires as well as administering oxygen.