PERISTALTIC EXTRUSION

Silicone Tubing for Peristaltic Pumps

Purpose-formulated compound (Series 30) with platinum catalysis, engineered to withstand the repeated cyclic deformation inherent to peristaltic pumps. High fatigue resistance, low compression set and FDA, USP Class VI and ISO 10993 certifications.

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Formulation Series 30 · Platinum

Hardness 50–65 Shore A

Certifications FDA · USP VI · ISO 10993

Temperature –60 °C to +180 °C

Thermal range extendable to +215 °C with HT additive (requires pigmentation). Series 12 available as an alternative for intermittent duty.

A peristaltic pump works by cyclically compressing and releasing a flexible tube. The tube is the only component in contact with the fluid — and also the component subjected to the greatest mechanical stress. Each occlusion cycle compresses the tube until it is fully collapsed against the housing, and each release demands that it recovers its circular cross-section to generate the suction effect. A standard silicone tube subjected to this regime progressively loses elasticity: compression set increases, flow rate drops and the tube eventually collapses.

Series 30 is a platinum-cured VMQ silicone formulation developed specifically to withstand repeated cyclic deformation. Its composition is optimised to maintain elastic recovery after thousands of full-compression cycles, minimising the permanent deformation that shortens tube service life. Available in 50, 60 and 65 Shore A hardnesses to suit different pump types and sizes. Translucent base colour for visual fluid inspection.

The service life of a peristaltic tube is not measured in operating hours but in compression cycles. The determining factors interact with one another: the degree of occlusion (reducing it from 100 % to 90 % can multiply life by 2–3x), pump speed (doubling the rpm reduces life to less than half), tube bore, fluid temperature and chemical compatibility. Correct selection of hardness, dimensions and operating conditions is as important as the material formulation itself.

Is a purpose-made peristaltic tube necessary, or will any silicone tube do?

A general-purpose silicone (Series 12) can work in a peristaltic pump for occasional or laboratory use. But if the pump runs continuously or under frequent cycling, the difference in service life is significant. Series 30 is formulated to maintain elastic recovery after thousands of full compressions. In continuous peristaltic service, a Series 30 tube substantially outlasts a Series 12 tube under the same bore, speed and occlusion conditions.

Discuss your application

Locate your primary requirement and the recommended formulation.

Requisito	Formulación	Serie	Proceso
Continuous peristaltic service	VMQ Cyclic fatigue	Series 30	Extrusion
Laboratory peristaltic / intermittent use	VMQ Platinum general	Series 12	Extrusion
FDA food-grade peristaltic	VMQ Cyclic fatigue	Series 30	Extrusion
Medical / pharmaceutical peristaltic	VMQ Cyclic fatigue	Series 30	Extrusion + Cleanroom
CE-marked medical device peristaltic	VMQ Platinum	Series 12	Extrusion + Cleanroom
Shoe pump / high pressure	VMQ Fatigue 65 ShA	Series 30	Extrusion
Analytical micro-dosing	VMQ Cyclic fatigue	Series 30	Extrusion
OEM replacement kits	VMQ Cyclic fatigue	Series 30	Extrusion + pre-cut

Tubing for laboratory roller pumps

Small-bore tubing (ID 0.5 to 6 mm) for benchtop peristaltic pumps such as Masterflex, Watson-Marlow or equivalent. These require low occlusion force and prioritise flow-rate precision over discharge pressure. Recommended hardness: 50 Shore A to minimise motor wear and extend tube life in low-torque pumps.

Tubing for industrial roller pumps

Medium-bore tubing (ID 6 to 25 mm) for industrial peristaltic pumps in continuous process duty. Balances flexibility for occlusion with mechanical strength to maintain stable flow. Recommended hardness: 60 Shore A as the optimum compromise between service life and pumping capacity.

Tubing for shoe pumps / high pressure

Heavy-wall tubing for shoe pumps (hose pumps) such as Bredel or Verderflex, where compression is more aggressive and discharge pressure higher. Recommended hardness: 65 Shore A — the exceptional tear strength of 39 kN/m at this hardness compensates for the greater mechanical loading from the shoe.

Peristaltic tubing for medical / pharmaceutical environments

Series 30 tubing manufactured in an ISO 8 cleanroom for integration into peristaltic pumps within medical devices (analysers, dialysis equipment) or pharmaceutical processes (active ingredient dosing, bioreactor pumping). USP Class VI and ISO 10993 certified.

Peristaltic tube dimensions are dictated by the pump manufacturer. The ranges shown correspond to the most widely used standards in commercial peristaltic pumps. We also manufacture to drawing for OEM designs with bespoke dimensions. Tooling in stock for the most common sizes.

Minimum-bore tubing for peristaltic micro-pumps used in precision dosing, chromatography and analytical instrument feed. Wall thickness 0.5 to 1.6 mm. Concentricity and wall uniformity are critical for flow-rate repeatability at these diameters.

When to use: Reagent micro-dosing, chromatography, automated analysers, precision dispensers.

Inner diameter: 0.5 to 2 mm
Wall thickness: 0.5 to 1.6 mm
Recommended hardness: 50 Shore A

Formulations: Series 30 (continuous duty), Series 12 (intermittent).

Standard range for the majority of benchtop peristaltic pumps (Masterflex, Watson-Marlow, Gilson). Includes the most popular sizes such as ID 4.8 x OD 8 mm and ID 6.4 x OD 9.6 mm. Wall thickness 1 to 2 mm.

When to use: Laboratory pumps, flavouring and food-colouring dosing, in-line sampling, low-pressure transfer.

Inner diameter: 3 to 8 mm
Wall thickness: 1 to 2 mm
Recommended hardness: 50–60 Shore A

Formulations: Series 30 (continuous duty), Series 12 (intermittent).

Bore sizes for industrial peristaltic pumps in continuous process duty, high-flow dosing and transfer. Wall thicknesses 2 to 3.2 mm. Includes standard dimensions for Bredel, Verderflex and Watson-Marlow industrial pumps.

When to use: Industrial dosing, food-plant transfer, brewery and winery pumping, water treatment.

Inner diameter: 8 to 19 mm
Wall thickness: 2 to 3.2 mm
Recommended hardness: 60 Shore A

Formulations: Series 30 (recommended for continuous duty).

Large-bore tubing for shoe pumps and high-flow industrial peristaltic pumps. Wall thicknesses 3.2 to 5 mm. The larger cross-section requires higher hardness to withstand discharge pressure and the mechanical aggressiveness of the shoe.

When to use: Industrial shoe pumps, high-flow viscous fluid transfer, pumping of product with suspended solids.

Inner diameter: 19 to 50 mm
Wall thickness: 3.2 to 5 mm
Recommended hardness: 65 Shore A

Formulations: Series 30 at 65 Shore A.

Exact dimensions must match the pump manufacturer's specification. Consult the pump catalogue for the correct reference. For unlisted dimensions or OEM designs: manufacture to drawing with new tooling (lead time 2–4 weeks). Tolerances: ISO 3302-1 E1.

Materials

Which formulation does your peristaltic tube need?

Formulation developed specifically to withstand the repeated cyclic deformation of peristaltic pumps. Platinum-cured. High resistance to rupture under repeated deformation. Low compression set after thousands of full-compression cycles.

Ideal for

Peristaltic pumps in continuous or frequent service: food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, industrial, water treatment.

Property	EQ3050	EQ3060	EQ3065
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	50	60	65
Tensile strength (MPa min)	8	8.5	8.8
Elongation (% min)	500	400	400
Tear strength type C (kN/m min)	27	17	39
Density (±0.02 g/cm³)	1.14	1.14	1.17

Temperature: –60 to +180 °C (extendable to +215 °C with additive, requires pigmentation). Extrusion only (EQ). Certifications: FDA, USP Class VI, ISO 10993. Translucent base colour. The 39 kN/m tear strength at 65 Shore A is exceptional — ideal for high-demand shoe pumps.

Series 30 datasheet

Platinum-cured formulation with good all-round properties. Not optimised for cyclic fatigue, but suitable for peristaltic pumps in occasional or laboratory use. Wider hardness range (20–90 Shore A) and higher maximum temperature (+200 °C) than Series 30.

Ideal for

Laboratory peristaltic pumps with intermittent use, evaluation and prototyping, applications where tube service life is not the limiting factor.

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 (extendable to +300 °C / +315 °C with additive). Certifications: FDA, CE 1935/2004, BfR, USP VI, ISO 10993. Tubing in EQ1260T formulation is validated for integration into CE-marked medical devices.

Series 12 datasheet

Ideal for

Peristaltic pumps in continuous or frequent service: food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, industrial, water treatment.

Property	EQ3050	EQ3060	EQ3065
Hardness (±5 Shore A)	50	60	65
Tensile strength (MPa min)	8	8.5	8.8
Elongation (% min)	500	400	400
Tear strength type C (kN/m min)	27	17	39
Density (±0.02 g/cm³)	1.14	1.14	1.17

Series 30 datasheet

Ideal for

Laboratory peristaltic pumps with intermittent use, evaluation and prototyping, applications where tube service life is not the limiting factor.

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

Series 12 datasheet

How we work

From compound to validated peristaltic tube

Peristaltic tubing extrusion demands tighter dimensional control than standard conveying tube, as bore and wall-thickness tolerance directly affect pump performance.

Formulation and tooling selection

Determination of the optimum hardness for the pump type and application (50 Shore A for laboratory, 60 for industrial, 65 for shoe pumps). Selection of the mandrel and die set for the required dimensions. If tooling is not in stock, it is machined in steel with a lead time of 2–4 weeks.

Continuous extrusion with air-pressure control

The Series 30 compound is extruded continuously. Controlled air pressure maintains the bore diameter during curing in the vulcanisation oven. Air-pressure control is critical for concentricity and uniform wall thickness — both of which affect peristaltic performance and flow-rate consistency.

Enhanced dimensional inspection

Measurement of bore, outside diameter, wall thickness, ovality and concentricity. In peristaltic tubing, excessive ovality causes flow pulsation and premature wear. Platinum catalysis does not require post-cure, which reduces lead time.

Cutting, coiling and documentation

Cut to coil length or pre-cut to length for OEM replacement kits. Packaged in PE bags with batch identification. Certificate of conformity issued with full traceability. For pump manufacturers: pre-cut tubing with custom labelling available on request.

ISO 3302-1 tolerances

E1 L2

Management system

ISO 9001:2015 ISO 13485:2016 ISO 8 Cleanroom

Certifications

FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 USP Class VI ISO 10993

Standards

REACH RoHS

Applications

Application sectors

Food & Beverage

FDA-certified peristaltic tubing for dosing and pumping in the food and beverage industry.

Medical

Biocompatible peristaltic tubing certified to USP VI and ISO 10993 for medical devices and diagnostics.

Pharmaceutical

Tubing for peristaltic pumps in formulation, biotech and pharmaceutical processes with full traceability.

Industrial

Peristaltic tubing for dosing and transfer in industrial processes and water treatment.

Need tubing for your peristaltic pump?

Tell us the pump model (or the required tube dimensions), the fluid being pumped, the operating regime (continuous/intermittent, rpm) and the certifications needed. Our technical team will recommend the optimum hardness and formulation to maximise tube service life in your application.

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Silicone Tubing for Peristaltic Pumps

Is a purpose-made peristaltic tube necessary, or will any silicone tube do?

Which peristaltic tube do you need?