PE Tubing (short for Polyethylene Tubing) is a flexible, lightweight plastic tubing made from polyethylene. Known for its durability, chemical resistance, and value, it is essential for a wide variety of applications and found in countless industries like shade and awning fabrication, marine and watercrafts, upholstery, window treatments, and more.
Read on to learn about PE tubing features, how they can impact your end-product, and which specifications are important to consider when purchasing supplies for an awning project or marine application.
PE Tubing in Awning Applications
In the awning industry, PE tubing can be used for any number of supportive, structural, or decorative purposes. Our PE Tubing (polyethylene tubing), or awning spline, is commonly used to fill the hem pocket of your fabric awning cover. The PE Tubing creates the space needed to allow your fabric to slide into the awning rail. It can also be used in most retractable awning covers. It will not rot, absorb water, shrink, or unravel.
Depending on the gauge size, color, type, and flexibility, this tubing is great to have on hand for when the need arises:
- Hem Reinforcement: Insert inside decorative awning hems to give fabric edges a cleaner, slightly stiffer appearance.
- Stiffen Decorative Edging: Run inside a fabric sleeve for a flexible hanging edge in lightweight shade curtains or canopy panels. Low-density 3/16” hollow PE tubing is a great option for slide-on-wire shade installations.
- Light-Duty Gasket: Apply as a buffer between fabric and metal frames to prevent chafing or wear.
- Water Channeling: Large diameter PE tubing can be used as a lightweight water diversion line in basic, non-pressurized shade structures.
- Visual Spacer: Clear tubing can be used as a spacer or visual guide inside see-through panels or mesh shade sails.
- Safety Sleeve or Sheathe: Protect or conceal wires, cables, or draw cords inside shade systems.
In this context, “awning spline” is another way fabricators may refer to PE tubing that is used to secure fabric into an awning track, rail, or channel. It fits snugly into a hemmed pocket on the edge of the awning fabric. The spline, along with the fabric, is then pushed or rolled into the awning rail to hold everything tightly in place.
PE Tubing in Marine Applications
PE tubing has some smart, practical uses in marine applications depending on the grade, performance features, and formulation of your chosen tubing. While it’s not always the first material people think of, it plays supporting roles in interesting ways:
- Piping Core (Substitute for Foam or Vinyl Welt Cord): Clear or opaque PE tubing like low-density 4/32” hollow PE tubing can be used as a lightweight, flexible core for piping or welt in vinyl upholstery or cushion edges.
- Edge Fillers in Cushioned Panels: Acts as a spacer or contour aid beneath vinyl coverings to help smooth corners and create rounded edges.
- Support Sleeves for Snap or Zipper Tapes: Reinforces the edge of fabric panels where snaps or zippers are attached to help distribute pull and tension.
- Hem Stiffening for Canvas Covers: Inserted into hems of boat covers, biminis, dodgers, and enclosures to provide structure and add weight at edges.
- Edge Reinforcement in Shade Sails or Tarps: Adds form and stability to perimeter hems in large fabric structures.
- Soffit or Track Edge Guides: Acts as a flexible filler or edge guide where fabric must slide into a narrow groove or track.
Specs to Consider When Choosing PE Tubing for Marine Use
Basic PE tubing used for awnings may not meet the demands of harsh marine conditions, so take care to consider how exposed your application location will be. To ensure your chosen PE tubing is suitable for marine applications, focus on the following performance features:
- UV Resistance: Standard PE tubing offers moderate UV resistance, but prolonged sun exposure on water demands marine-grade UV inhibitors.
- Chemical Resistance: Exposure to saltwater, fuel, and marine cleaners means the tubing must resist corrosion and chemical degradation.
- Wall Thickness: Hollow tubing with thicker walls helps to protect against abrasion from movement and impact in marine settings.
- Temperature Tolerance: Boats experience a wider range of temperatures, so PE tubing made from blended polymers is a good choice when an intense climate is expected.
- Color Stabilization: White or light colors resist heat and sun better, but pigments must be marine-grade to prevent fading.
Trivantage is a trusted supplier of professional-grade fabrication supplies engineered for demanding applications. If you’re looking for high-performance products for marine or shade applications, find the perfect supplies to meet your specifications at Trivantage. Backed by industry-leading warranties and expert support, Trivantage helps you deliver superior results every time.
