Tubing Pressure Rating Chart by Material & Wall
A tube's working pressure depends on three things: the material, the OD and wall thickness, and the temperature. There is no single "pressure rating" for a material — a thick-wall small-OD tube holds far more than a thin-wall large-OD one. Use this guide to compare materials, then confirm the exact rating for your size on the datasheet.
The two rules that govern tubing pressure
1. Thinner wall and larger OD = lower pressure. For the same material, working pressure rises with wall thickness and falls as OD grows. 2. Heat derates everything. Plastic tubing loses a large share of its rated pressure as temperature climbs — always apply the manufacturer's temperature derating factor.
Material comparison
General, room-temperature guidance for common small-OD tubing. Approximate — confirm exact ratings by size and wall.
| Material | Relative working pressure | Approx. temp limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | Low–moderate | ~150°F | Flexible pneumatic lines, robotics, low abrasion |
| Nylon (11/12) | Moderate–high | ~200°F | Pneumatics, air brake (J844), higher-pressure air |
| Polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) | Low–moderate | ~140°F | Water, chemical feed, instrumentation |
| PVC | Low–moderate | ~140°F | Low-pressure fluid transfer, drainage |
| Copper / Aluminum | High | High | Refrigeration, fuel, high-temp/high-pressure |
How to read a tubing datasheet
Find your exact OD and wall, read the working pressure at room temperature, then multiply by the temperature derating factor for your service temperature. Keep a safety margin between working pressure and burst pressure (burst is typically 3–4× working).
Related
For regulated air brake lines, see the air brake tubing DOT compliance guide. Browse tubing or contact us with your pressure, temperature, and size for help selecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does temperature affect tubing pressure rating?
All plastic tubing loses pressure capacity as temperature rises. The effect is significant — a nylon tube rated at 200 psi at room temperature may be derated to 100 psi or less at 150°F depending on the manufacturer's derating curve. Always locate the temperature derating table on the product datasheet for your specific size and wall, multiply the room-temperature working pressure by the derating factor at your service temperature, and never assume the published pressure rating applies at elevated heat.
What is the difference between working pressure and burst pressure?
Working pressure (also called maximum operating pressure) is the continuous-service pressure the tubing is rated for in normal use. Burst pressure is the pressure at which the tubing fails structurally — it is typically 3 to 4 times the working pressure rating. You should always operate at or below the working pressure; the safety factor between working and burst is a margin for pressure spikes, aging, and installation stress, not extra capacity to use in normal service.
What tubing material has the highest pressure rating?
Among the common plastic tubing materials, nylon (Nylon 11 or Nylon 12) offers the highest pressure ratings, making it suitable for pneumatic systems and DOT air brake lines. For even higher pressure, metal tubing — copper or aluminum — far exceeds any plastic option. The table on this page shows relative pressure capacity across materials; always confirm the exact rating for your specific OD and wall thickness on the product datasheet.
Does wall thickness matter as much as tubing material?
Yes — wall thickness and outside diameter together determine the actual pressure rating as much as material does. Two tubes of the same material but different wall thicknesses can have very different pressure ratings. Thick-wall tubing in a small OD holds the highest pressure; thin-wall tubing in a large OD holds the least. This is why there is no single pressure number for a material — you must look up the rating for your exact size and wall combination.
Can I use polyurethane tubing for compressed air lines?
Polyurethane tubing is widely used for short pneumatic runs in automation and robotics at low to moderate pressures, and it is valued for its flexibility and kink resistance. However, its temperature limit is roughly 150°F and its pressure ratings are lower than nylon. It is not suitable for air brake systems (which require SAE J844-rated nylon) or for high-pressure industrial air service. Check the working pressure rating for your specific size against your system pressure and add a safety margin before specifying polyurethane for any compressed-air application.
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Technical data disclaimer: Specifications, dimensions, pressure/temperature ratings, and compatibility information on this page are compiled from manufacturer publications and are provided for reference only. Always verify suitability for your application against the manufacturer’s current documentation before purchase or installation. Apex Flow Solutions assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or misapplication of this information.