ETFE Tubing

IDEX ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) tubing is a high-strength fluoropolymer option designed for durable fluid transfer in analytical and laboratory systems. Compared to other fluoropolymers such as FEP and PFA, ETFE offers increased mechanical strength, helping it better resist stress, abrasion, and handling damage in day-to-day use.

ETFE provides excellent chemical resistance to a broad range of acids, bases, solvents, and alcohols, making it a versatile choice for many lab environments. For best results, avoid use with chlorinated compounds, which can attack ETFE over time.

In chromatography and fluidic plumbing, ETFE is often selected for higher-pressure aqueous mobile phase applications where a fluoropolymer is desired. Because ETFE is more rigid than PTFE, FEP, and PFA, it better resists inner diameter collapse, supporting more consistent flow and reduced restriction during operation. Typical operating temperatures are up to 80 Â°C.

Chrom Tech supplies IDEX ETFE tubing in common sizes for HPLC and laboratory plumbing, with tight tolerance control to support reliable, repeatable connections. Typical tubing tolerances are ± 0.001" (25 Âµm) for 1/16" OD tubing and ± 0.003" (75 Âµm) for 1/8" OD tubing.

ETFE tubing is widely used across medical, life science, and aerospace applications where chemical compatibility and mechanical durability are critical.

PART NO ID LENGTH MAX PRESSURE COLOR
     
ETFE TUBING, 1/16" OD
1529 0.010" (0.25 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 4,000 PSI (276 bar) Natural
1529L 0.010" (0.25 mm) 50' (15 m) 4,000 PSI (276 bar) Natural
1529XL 0.010" (0.25 mm) 100' (30 m) 4,000 PSI (276 bar) Natural
1516 0.020" (0.50 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 3,000 PSI (207 bar) Natural
1516L 0.020" (0.50 mm) 50' (15 m) 3,000 PSI (207 bar) Natural
1516XL 0.020" (0.50 mm) 100' (30 m) 3,000 PSI (207 bar) Natural
1528 0.030" (0.75 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 2,000 PSI (138 bar) Natural
1528L 0.030" (0.75 mm) 50' (15 m) 2,000 PSI (138 bar) Natural
1528XL 0.030" (0.75 mm) 100' (30 m) 2,000 PSI (138 bar) Natural
1517 0.040" (1.00 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural
1517L 0.040" (1.00 mm) 50' (15 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural
1517XL 0.040" (1.00 mm) 100' (30 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural
ETFE TUBING, 1/8" OD
1530 0.062" (1.55 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 1,000 PSI (69 bar) Natural
1530L 0.062" (1.55 mm) 50' (15 m) 1,000 PSI (69 bar) Natural
1530XL 0.062" (1.55 mm) 100' (30 m) 1,000 PSI (69 bar) Natural
1648 0.093" (2.40 mm) 5' (1.5 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural
1648L 0.093" (2.40 mm) 50' (15 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural
1648XL 0.093" (2.40 mm) 100' (30 m) 500 PSI (34 bar) Natural

Key Definitions â–¶
ETFE (Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene)
A high-strength fluoropolymer known for excellent chemical resistance and increased rigidity compared to FEP and PFA, making it suitable for higher-pressure aqueous HPLC applications.
Fluoropolymer Tubing
A family of chemically inert tubing materials (including ETFE, FEP, PFA, and PTFE) used in chromatography for corrosion resistance and solvent compatibility.
OD (Outer Diameter)
The outside measurement of tubing, used to determine fitting compatibility and connection geometry.
Inner Diameter Collapse
A condition where tubing walls deform inward under pressure, restricting flow. ETFE’s rigidity helps reduce this risk compared to softer fluoropolymers.
Chemical Resistance
The ability of tubing material to withstand exposure to solvents, acids, and bases without degrading or contaminating the fluid path.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¶
What makes ETFE tubing suitable for higher-pressure HPLC applications?
ETFE offers greater mechanical strength and rigidity than FEP or PFA, helping resist inner diameter collapse and maintain stable flow paths under higher aqueous pressures.
How does ETFE compare to FEP and PFA tubing?
ETFE is more rigid and less gas permeable than FEP or PFA, making it better suited for pressure-sensitive applications, while still offering broad chemical resistance.
Is ETFE tubing chemically compatible with common HPLC solvents?
Yes. ETFE resists most acids, bases, alcohols, and organic solvents, but it is not recommended for prolonged exposure to chlorinated compounds.
What temperature range can ETFE tubing handle?
ETFE tubing typically supports operating temperatures up to approximately 80 Â°C, making it suitable for most ambient and moderately heated chromatography workflows.
What industries commonly use ETFE tubing?
ETFE tubing is widely used in analytical laboratories, medical devices, life science research, and aerospace applications due to its durability and chemical stability.