Sofia Martinez
Measuring plastic tubing accurately is essential for critical applications, such as peristaltic-pump tubing, which can be susceptible to performance flaws if not manufactured to specification. Various methods and tools are used to measure plastic tubing dimensions, including pin gauges, comparators, calipers, and ultrasound/laser systems. The inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, concentricity, and overall length are critical measurements that ensure the tubing meets intended standards and performs as expected. This paragraph introduces the topic of measuring plastic tubing size, highlighting the importance of precise measurements and the different techniques and parameters involved in the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spatial Measurements | Inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, concentricity, and overall length |
| Instruments | Pin gauges, comparators, ultrasound/laser systems |
| Pin Gauges | Metal pins of strictly calibrated diameter |
| Laser Systems | Continuously measure and record ID, OD, wall thickness, and concentricity |
| Ultrasound Systems | Determine wall thickness and concentricity of extruded tubing |
| Calibration | Calipers and micrometers require careful calibration to avoid compressing soft tubing |
| Wall Thickness Gage | Custom-made with an indicator using a pin for the anvil to apply light and consistent pressure |
| Calibration Length | Parts under 1" are measured using a caliper, while parts over 1" use a rule or tape |
| Deformation | Tubing tends to flatten when bent, with smaller deformations at pressure points and when pressed against surfaces |
| Shrinkage | Extruded tubing undergoes longitudinal shrinkage after the extrusion process, mostly within the first 12 hours |
| Roundness | Elevated temperatures during transportation and storage can affect the roundness of flexible tubing |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring inside diameter (ID)
Measuring the inside diameter (ID) of a pipe or tube is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. One common method is to use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the width of the pipe from inside edge to inside edge. This will give you the inside diameter. You can also use a caliper to measure the inside diameter of the pipe.
Another way to measure the inside diameter of a pipe is to use a pin gauge. Pin gauges are metal pins of a strictly calibrated diameter. To measure the inside diameter of a pipe with a pin gauge, you will need to find a pin with a diameter that is just smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe. The pin should fit effortlessly through the inside of the pipe.
If you are working with plastic tubing, you may also be able to use a laser measurement device or an ultrasound system to measure the inside diameter. These methods are often used in manufacturing to ensure that tubing is produced within strict dimensional tolerance limits.
Finally, if you are working with a pipe that has female threads (threads on the inside), you can measure the inside diameter by measuring the circumference of the pipe with flexible measuring tape and then dividing that number by pi (approximately 3.14159). This will give you the inside diameter of the pipe.
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Measuring outside diameter (OD)
Measuring the outside diameter (OD) of plastic tubing is a straightforward process, but it requires precision and the right tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, identify the type of pipe you are working with. Different types of pipes have different sizing standards. Common standards include copper tube sizing (CTS) and iron pipe standard (IPS). Knowing the specific type of pipe will help you select the appropriate measuring technique and conversion chart.
Next, gather the necessary tools. You can measure the outside diameter with a flexible measuring tape, a caliper, or a simple ruler. For accurate results, ensure your measuring tool is properly calibrated.
Now, you can begin taking measurements. Wrap the flexible measuring tape around the circumference of the pipe, ensuring that you are measuring from outside edge to outside edge. If you are using a caliper, position it across the pipe's width to get the outside diameter reading. Alternatively, you can use a ruler to measure the circumference and then calculate the diameter.
After obtaining the circumference measurement, you will need to convert it to the outside diameter. Divide the circumference by pi (approximately 3.14159). For example, if the circumference is 12.57 inches (319 mm), dividing by pi yields an outside diameter of about 4 inches (100 mm).
Finally, refer to a pipe sizing chart to determine the nominal pipe size. The nominal pipe size is the standard size used in hardware stores. Compare your calculated outside diameter to the values on the chart to identify the exact size of your pipe.
Measuring the outside diameter of plastic tubing is a valuable skill, especially for plumbing and building projects. It enables you to purchase the correct size of tubing and fittings for your specific application.
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Wall thickness
The correct wall thickness of plastic tubing is important for safety-critical products and tubing used in medical environments. There are various methods and tools for measuring the wall thickness of plastic tubing, each with its advantages and use cases.
Ultrasonic Gauging
Ultrasonic gauging is a fast, reliable, and nondestructive method to measure the wall thickness of plastic tubing. It does not require access to the inside diameter (ID) or cutting the tube. Ultrasonic thickness gauges such as the 45MG, 39DL PLUS™, and 72DL PLUS™ are commonly used instruments for this purpose. The 39DL PLUS™ gauge is a handheld device that delivers precise measurements with fast scanning speeds and wireless connectivity. The 72DL PLUS™ is another portable and easy-to-use device that can measure the thickness of ultra-thin materials. For very small-diameter tubing (less than 0.125 inches or 3 mm), the 72DL PLUS™ high-frequency thickness gauge is recommended.
Immersion Tank and Probe Fixture
The RBS-1 bubbler is a desktop immersion tank and probe fixture that uses a column of water to help position the test piece in the centre of the sound beam. A V-notch bubbler can be used with the tank to quickly measure the thickness around the entire circumference of the tubing. This setup is particularly useful for small-diameter tubing.
Micrometers
Micrometers are precise measurement instruments that provide accurate readings of the wall thickness of plastic tubing. Mitutoyo's Tube Micrometer #115-313 is a recommended tool for this purpose. When using a micrometer, the pipe is positioned between its spindle and anvil, and the micrometer is gently tightened until the pipe is secure. The measurement displayed on the scale or digital display corresponds to the wall thickness. It is important to take measurements at multiple points around the circumference to account for any variations in thickness.
Other Methods and Tools
Other methods and tools for measuring wall thickness include using a contact type micrometer, calipers, and the Magna-Mike™ 8600 Hall-effect thickness gauge, which uses a magnetic probe to measure the thickness of nonferrous and thin materials such as plastic bottles.
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Concentricity
In geometry, concentricity is the quality of embedded circles having the same centre. In the context of tubing, the centre of the tube is the point of concern. The centre of the tube formed by the outside diameter (OD) may be at a different point from the centre formed by the inside diameter (ID), meaning the two dimensions are not concentric. This is referred to as eccentricity.
The formula for calculating the concentricity of a tube is: C = Wmin/Wmax x 100. Wmin is the minimum width, Wmax is the maximum width, and C is the percentage of constancy. If the result is 100%, the tubing is fully concentric. If the result is lower, it is deemed sufficiently concentric if it meets a predetermined tolerance level. For example, if the tolerance is 70%, and the calculation yields a result of 83%, the tube is considered to have sufficient concentricity.
Laser systems can be used to measure the concentricity of tubing with high accuracy.
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Overall length
When measuring the overall length of plastic tubing, it is essential to maintain strict dimensional tolerance limits. The overall length of the tubing is one of the spatial measurements, including inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, and concentricity, that ensures the tube performs up to the intended standards.
The overall length of plastic tubing can be measured using various methods and instruments. One common method is to use a measuring tape or a ruler. By placing the tubing on a flat surface and aligning it with the starting point of the measuring tape or ruler, you can obtain the length by reading the measurement at the end of the tubing.
Another approach is to utilise modern technology, such as laser measurement systems. Continuous laser measurement devices offer superior accuracy compared to traditional methods like pin gauges or comparators. These laser systems can provide real-time measurements of the tubing's length as it is produced, ensuring that all critical dimensions remain within specification.
Additionally, statistical methods are employed to determine the probability that a particular length of tubing falls within the specified range. This involves calculating the speed of the extruded tubing using lasers, which then enables the determination of the overall length.
It is worth noting that plastic tubing can be customised to various lengths, ranging from 5 to 5,000 feet or even longer, depending on the specific requirements and applications.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard units for measuring plastic tubing are inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, concentricity, and overall length.
There are several tools that can be used to measure plastic tubing, including pin gauges, comparators, and ultrasound/laser systems.
Pin gauges are metal pins of a calibrated diameter. The pin with the lower limit diameter should fit through the inside diameter of the tubing, while the upper limit should not.
Laser measurement devices are superior to pin gauges as they can provide continuous "real-time" measurement of extruded tubing as it is produced.
