MULTI-LAYER EXTRUSION

Reinforced Silicone Tubing

Silicone tubing and hose with mesh reinforcement embedded between two silicone layers. Withstands internal pressure and vacuum without collapse or deformation. Available with polyester, aramid or stainless-steel mesh according to service temperature and pressure.

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Bore ID 4 to 100 mm

Temperature -60 °C to +200 °C (+270 °C with aramid)

Reinforcements Polyester · Aramid · Stainless steel

Certifications FDA · CE 1935/2004 · USP VI (formulation-dependent)

Maximum working pressure depends on the bore x wall thickness x reinforcement type combination. Consult for each application.

A plain silicone tube performs well for conveying fluids at atmospheric pressure, but when the application involves internal pressure (process lines, pumps, pressurised vessels) or vacuum (aspiration, degassing, pneumatic conveying), unreinforced silicone deforms: it balloons under pressure or collapses under vacuum. The result is loss of flow, leaks at connections and, in extreme cases, tube rupture.

The solution is to embed a reinforcing mesh between two silicone layers. The inner layer maintains a smooth bore and the contact properties required by the fluid (food-grade, medical, chemically inert). The mesh absorbs pressure and tensile loads. The outer layer protects the mesh from the environment. The silicone vulcanises onto the mesh, creating a monolithic structure with no risk of delamination under normal service. Three mesh types suit different demands: polyester for general use up to +180 °C, aramid for high-temperature service up to +270 °C, and stainless steel for maximum pressure and temperature resistance.

All catalogue formulations are compatible with reinforcement: Series 2 (peroxide, economical), Series 12 (platinum, food-grade, medical), Series 10 (high tear), Series 9 (high temperature +300 °C) and Series 20 (high temperature + high tear). Bore sizes from 4 to 100 mm. Dimensional tolerances to ISO 3302-1 E1/E2.

Do you really need reinforced tubing?

Not every pressurised application requires reinforcement. A plain tube with a thick wall may suffice for low pressures or intermittent pressure pulses. Reinforcement is necessary when: the working pressure exceeds 1-2 bar (diameter-dependent), the tube operates under partial or full vacuum, there is axial tension on the line, or crush resistance without collapse is required. If your application is conveying at atmospheric pressure, a plain industrial tube will be more economical and flexible.

Enquire about reinforcement requirements

Locate your combination of pressure, temperature and regulatory requirement to determine the recommended configuration.

Requisito	Formulación	Serie	Proceso
Moderate pressure, general use	VMQ Peroxide	Series 2	Extrusion + polyester mesh
Moderate pressure, food-grade FDA/CE	VMQ Platinum	Series 12	Extrusion + polyester mesh
Moderate pressure, medical USP VI	VMQ Platinum biocomp.	Series 12	Extrusion + polyester mesh
High industrial pressure	VMQ Peroxide	Series 2	Extrusion + SS mesh
Full industrial vacuum	VMQ Peroxide / Platinum	Series 2, 12	Extrusion + SS mesh
Pressure + high temperature (+270 °C)	VMQ HT + HD	Series 20	Extrusion + aramid mesh
Pressure + maximum temperature (+300 °C)	VMQ HT native	Series 9	Extrusion + SS mesh
Pressure + mechanical stress	VMQ HD Platinum	Series 10	Extrusion + polyester/SS mesh
Large bore pressurised (> 50 mm)	VMQ standard	Series 2, 12	Extrusion to drawing + SS mesh

Polyester mesh reinforcement

Braided polyester mesh embedded between two silicone layers. The most widely used option: good cost-to-performance ratio for moderate pressures and temperatures up to +180 °C. Polyester provides pressure, tensile and crush resistance without excessively compromising tube flexibility.

Aramid mesh reinforcement

Aramid fibre mesh (Kevlar or Nomex type) for applications where polyester cannot withstand the temperature, or where higher mechanical strength at lower weight is required. Aramid retains its properties up to +270 °C and offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Ideal in combination with high-temperature formulations (Series 9, Series 20).

Stainless-steel mesh reinforcement

Stainless-steel 304 or 316L mesh or spiral embedded in silicone. Maximum pressure and temperature resistance. Stainless steel does not degrade at any silicone service temperature and provides crush and pressure resistance far superior to textile reinforcements. Specified for high pressures, full vacuum or particularly aggressive environments.

Food-grade / medical reinforced

Multi-layer construction with an inner layer in Series 12 (platinum, FDA, CE 1935/2004) or medical grade (USP VI, ISO 10993) and polyester or aramid reinforcement suitable for food contact. Enables pressurised operation in food or pharmaceutical process lines without compromising contact certifications.

Maximum working pressure decreases as bore size increases for a given reinforcement type and wall thickness. The pressure figures shown are indicative — actual service pressure depends on the specific combination of bore, wall thickness, formulation, temperature and mesh type. We validate the working pressure for every specific configuration.

Small-bore reinforced tubes where the wall thickness-to-bore ratio allows the highest relative pressures. Polyester or aramid mesh provides dimensional stability under pressure without excessively stiffening the tube. Compatible with quick-release couplings and Luer fittings for laboratory use.

When to use: Pressurised laboratory lines, pressurised instrumentation circuits, small-flow pump connections, sustained-pressure pneumatic lines.

Inside diameter: 4 to 12 mm
Total wall thickness: 2 to 4 mm (including mesh)
Typical supply form: Coils of 10 or 25 m

Reinforcements: Polyester (general purpose), aramid (high temperature).

Standard range for industrial reinforced hoses. Balance between flexibility, pressure resistance and handling. The most popular bore range for machinery connections, pressurised process lines and pressurised cooling circuits.

When to use: Pressurised machinery connections, pressurised process lines, cooling circuits, pump-transfer hoses, vessel connections.

Inside diameter: 12 to 25 mm
Total wall thickness: 3 to 6 mm (including mesh)
Typical supply form: Coils of 10 m or cut lengths

Reinforcements: Polyester (up to +180 °C), aramid (up to +270 °C), stainless steel (maximum pressure).

Reinforced hoses for high-flow, pressurised duty. At these bore sizes, reinforcement is practically essential for any application involving positive pressure or vacuum. Generous wall thicknesses combine thermal insulation with structural strength.

When to use: Pressurised fluid transfer, industrial vacuum lines, process-equipment connections, pressurised discharge hoses, forced-ventilation lines.

Inside diameter: 25 to 50 mm
Total wall thickness: 4 to 8 mm (including mesh)
Typical supply form: Cut to length

Reinforcements: Polyester, aramid or stainless steel depending on pressure and temperature.

Large-bore reinforced sleeves for flexible connections on large-format equipment, pressurised or vacuum ventilation ducts and high-flow lines. Manufactured to drawing with dedicated tooling. Stainless-steel reinforcement is standard at these bore sizes due to its superior crush resistance.

When to use: Large-format equipment connections, pressurised ducts, industrial vacuum sleeves, flexible autoclave connections.

Inside diameter: 50 to 100 mm
Total wall thickness: 5 to 12 mm (including mesh)
Typical supply form: Cut to length

Reinforcements: Stainless steel (standard), aramid (reduced weight).

The maximum working pressures shown are indicative and depend on the specific combination of bore, wall thickness, mesh type, silicone formulation and service temperature. We validate the service pressure for every specific configuration. Dimensional tolerances: ISO 3302-1 E1/E2.

Materials

Which formulation does the inner layer of your reinforced tube need?

The reference formulation for industrial reinforced tubing without specific regulatory requirements. Full hardness range from 10 to 90 Shore A. Good general mechanical properties.

Ideal for

Industrial pressure lines, vacuum circuits, machinery connections, compressed air, process water.

Property	EQ240	EQ250	EQ260	EQ270
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	40	50	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	6.5	7.5	7.5	9.5
Elongation (% min)	500	400	400	300
Tear strength (kN/m min)	17	20	20	23
Density (g/cm3)	1.12	1.14	1.15	1.19

Temperature: -60 to +200 °C. Raw material certifications: FDA. Recommended mesh: polyester (up to +180 °C) or stainless steel. Requires post-cure.

Series 2 datasheet

Inner layer with platinum catalysis certified to FDA, CE 1935/2004 and USP VI. No cure by-products — purity is maintained even under pressure. The reference formulation for reinforced tubing with food-contact or medical requirements.

Ideal for

Pressurised food-grade lines, CIP hoses, pressurised pharmaceutical process circuits, bioreactors, pressurised transfer lines in beverage/dairy plants.

Property	EQ1240	EQ1250	EQ1260	EQ1270
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	40	50	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	7	8	9	8.5
Elongation (% min)	700	750	650	550
Tear strength (kN/m min)	20	30	30	30
Density (g/cm3)	1.12	1.14	1.17	1.18

Temperature: -60 to +200 °C. Certifications: FDA, CE 1935/2004, BfR, USP VI, ISO 10993. No post-cure. The polyester mesh must be food-contact approved when full-tube compliance is required.

Series 12 datasheet

High-temperature formulations combined with aramid or stainless-steel mesh for hot pressurised lines. Series 9 offers +300 °C with standard properties; Series 20 combines +270 °C with high tear strength (up to 36 kN/m). Polyester mesh is not compatible at these temperatures.

Ideal for

Pressurised oven lines, pressurised steam circuits, high-temperature autoclaves, hot-process machinery under pressure.

Property	EQ960 (S9)	EQ970 (S9)	EQ2060 (S20)	EQ2070 (S20)
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	60	68	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	8	8	8	7
Elongation (% min)	300	300	400	400
Tear strength (kN/m min)	17	17	34	36
Density (g/cm3)	1.18	1.20	1.16	1.20

Series 9: -60 to +300 °C, FDA. Series 20: -60 to +270 °C, FDA, high tear + abrasion. Required mesh: aramid (up to +270 °C) or stainless steel (no thermal limit). The 36 kN/m tear strength of Series 20 at 70 ShA is especially valuable in reinforced tubing subject to mechanical stress.

Series 9 datasheet Series 20 datasheet

The reference formulation for industrial reinforced tubing without specific regulatory requirements. Full hardness range from 10 to 90 Shore A. Good general mechanical properties.

Ideal for

Industrial pressure lines, vacuum circuits, machinery connections, compressed air, process water.

Property	EQ240	EQ250	EQ260	EQ270
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	40	50	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	6.5	7.5	7.5	9.5
Elongation (% min)	500	400	400	300
Tear strength (kN/m min)	17	20	20	23
Density (g/cm3)	1.12	1.14	1.15	1.19

Temperature: -60 to +200 °C. Raw material certifications: FDA. Recommended mesh: polyester (up to +180 °C) or stainless steel. Requires post-cure.

Series 2 datasheet

Ideal for

Pressurised food-grade lines, CIP hoses, pressurised pharmaceutical process circuits, bioreactors, pressurised transfer lines in beverage/dairy plants.

Property	EQ1240	EQ1250	EQ1260	EQ1270
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	40	50	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	7	8	9	8.5
Elongation (% min)	700	750	650	550
Tear strength (kN/m min)	20	30	30	30
Density (g/cm3)	1.12	1.14	1.17	1.18

Temperature: -60 to +200 °C. Certifications: FDA, CE 1935/2004, BfR, USP VI, ISO 10993. No post-cure. The polyester mesh must be food-contact approved when full-tube compliance is required.

Series 12 datasheet

Ideal for

Pressurised oven lines, pressurised steam circuits, high-temperature autoclaves, hot-process machinery under pressure.

Property	EQ960 (S9)	EQ970 (S9)	EQ2060 (S20)	EQ2070 (S20)
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	60	68	60	70
Tensile strength (MPa min)	8	8	8	7
Elongation (% min)	300	300	400	400
Tear strength (kN/m min)	17	17	34	36
Density (g/cm3)	1.18	1.20	1.16	1.20

Series 9 datasheet Series 20 datasheet

How we work

Multi-layer reinforced tube manufacture

Manufacturing a reinforced tube requires a two-stage extrusion (or simultaneous co-extrusion) with the reinforcement applied between both layers. Silicone-to-mesh adhesion is critical: without proper vulcanisation onto the mesh, the tube can delaminate under pressure.

Formulation, reinforcement and tooling selection

Silicone series determined by fluid, temperature and certifications. Mesh type selected (polyester, aramid, stainless steel) according to working pressure and temperature. Inner wall, mesh and outer layer thicknesses dimensioned. Tooling designed if the combination is not held in stock.

Inner-layer extrusion and mesh application

Inner silicone layer extruded over a mandrel with controlled air pressure. Braided or spiral mesh applied over the inner layer in a partially vulcanised state. Synchronisation between extrusion speed and braiding/winding speed determines the reinforcement angle and, therefore, the pressure performance.

Outer-layer extrusion and vulcanisation

Outer silicone layer applied to fully encapsulate the mesh. Vulcanisation in a continuous oven at controlled temperature. The silicone penetrates the mesh weave, creating an intimate mechanical bond that prevents delamination. Post-cure in a static oven if the formulation is peroxide-cured.

Dimensional inspection, testing and documentation

Measurement of inside and outside diameters, total wall thickness, concentricity and mesh uniformity. Proof-pressure test (when required) to verify reinforcement integrity. Cut to length, batch-identified with formulation, mesh type, dimensions and certifications. Certificate of conformity with full traceability.

ISO 3302-1 tolerances

E1, E2 L2

Management system

ISO 9001:2015

Certifications

FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 CE 1935/2004 BfR IX and XV USP Class VI ISO 10993

Standards

REACH RoHS

Applications

Application sectors

Industrial

Reinforced hoses for pressure lines, vacuum lines and industrial machinery.

Food & Beverage

Reinforced tubing with FDA/CE-certified inner layer for pressurised lines in food and beverage plants.

Pharmaceutical

Biocompatible reinforced hoses for pressurised pharmaceutical process lines.

Medical

Biocompatible reinforced tubing for pressurised lines in medical devices and operating theatres.

Need reinforced silicone tubing?

Tell us the bore size, working pressure (or vacuum level), service temperature, conveyed fluid and any required certifications. Our technical team will determine the optimum reinforcement type, the appropriate silicone formulation and the maximum service pressure for your configuration.

Request quotation

Reinforced Silicone Tubing

Do you really need reinforced tubing?

Which reinforced tube do you need?