Hoses are flexible tubes made from various rubber and synthetic rubber, typically reinforced with layers of fabric or wire to provide strength and durability. They are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, industry, construction, and home use.

Hoses can be used for a variety of purposes, such as conveying liquids or gases, supplying water to appliances or machinery, and transporting air for pneumatic tools. They are often preferred over other materials, such as plastic or metal, because they are more flexible, resistant to corrosion and chemical damage, and have good temperature resistance.

Vehicular hoses must be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of automotive environments, including exposure to heat, cold, vibration, and chemicals. They must also meet various safety and performance standards to ensure reliable and safe operation of vehicles.

Some common types of hoses include:

  • Air hoses: Used to transport compressed air to power tools and other pneumatic equipment.
  • Air intake hoses: Air intake hoses are used to transport air from the air filter to the engine.
  • Radiator hoses: Used to transport coolant between the engine and the radiator to regulate engine temperature.
  • Vacuum hoses: Used to create a vacuum in the intake manifold to control various engine functions, such as power brakes and emissions control systems.
  • Air conditioning hoses: Used to transport refrigerant between the compressor, condenser, and evaporator in automotive air conditioning systems.
  • Water hoses: Used to supply water for gardening, cleaning, or other household applications.
  • Hydraulic hoses: Used to transmit hydraulic fluid to power machinery such as excavators and cranes.
  • Fuel hoses: Used to transport gasoline, diesel, and other fuels in automotive, marine, and aviation applications.

For high temperature applications, silicone hoses are used. Silicone hoses are high-performance hoses made from silicone elastomer. These hoses are known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to high temperatures, making them ideal for use in automotive, industrial, and medical applications. Here are some of the most common types of silicone hoses:

  • Straight Hose: As the name suggests, straight hoses are long, straight hoses without any bends. They are typically used to connect two components that are in a straight line, such as a turbocharger and an intercooler.
  • Elbow Hose: Elbow hoses have a bend in them, making them ideal for connecting two components at an angle. Elbow hoses come in various angles, such as 45 degrees and 90 degrees, to fit different applications.
  • Reducer Hose: Reducer hoses are used to connect components with different diameters. These hoses have a larger diameter on one end and a smaller diameter on the other end.
  • Hump Hose: Hump hoses have a bulge in the middle that allows them to flex and bend, making them ideal for use in applications where movement and vibration are present.
  • Vacuum Hose: Vacuum hoses are typically thinner and more flexible than other types of silicone hoses. They are used to connect vacuum lines, such as those found in brake boosters and emission control systems.
  • Heater Hose: Heater hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures and are used in heating and cooling systems. They are typically thicker and more durable than other types of silicone hoses.
  • Charge Air Cooler Hose: Charge air cooler hoses, also known as CAC hoses, are used in turbocharged and supercharged engines to connect the charge air cooler to the engine. These hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures and high pressures.
  • Coolant Hose: Coolant hoses are used in cooling systems to circulate coolant between the engine and the radiator. These hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
  • Custom Hose: Custom hoses are designed to meet specific needs and requirements. These hoses are made to order and can be designed to fit a specific application or system.

These are some of the most common types of silicone hoses, each designed for specific applications. Different types of silicone hoses are available in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials to meet the needs of various industries and applications.

The materials used for hoses depend on the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature range, pressure rating, chemical resistance, and flexibility. Here are some of the commonly used materials for vehicular hoses:

  • Nitrile rubber (NBR): Nitrile rubber is a synthetic elastomer with excellent oil and fuel resistance. It is commonly used for fuel hoses, power steering hoses, and transmission cooler hoses.
  • Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM): EPDM is a synthetic elastomer with excellent weather and ozone resistance. It is commonly used for coolant hoses, radiator hoses, and heater hoses.
  • Silicone rubber: Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer with excellent temperature resistance and flexibility. It is commonly used for turbocharger hoses, intake hoses, and vacuum hoses.
  • Fluoroelastomers (FKM): Fluoroelastomers are synthetic elastomers with excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature performance. They are commonly used for fuel injection hoses and other high-performance applications.
  • Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): Thermoplastic elastomers are a family of synthetic materials that combine the properties of plastics and rubbers. They are lightweight, flexible, and easy to process, making them suitable for a variety of vehicular hoses.

In addition to these materials, vehicular hoses may also incorporate various reinforcement layers, such as braids or spirals of synthetic fibers, to provide strength and durability. The choice of materials and reinforcement depends on the specific requirements of the application and the operating conditions of the vehicle.

The manufacturing process of hoses typically involves several steps, including material selection, mixing, extrusion, reinforcement, curing, and finishing. Here is a general overview of the process:

  • Material selection: The first step in the manufacturing process is to select the appropriate elastomer material for the specific application. The most commonly used materials include synthetic rubber compounds, such as nitrile rubber, EPDM rubber, and silicone rubber.
  • Mixing: The selected elastomer material is then mixed with various additives, such as curing agents, accelerators, and fillers, to enhance its properties and performance.
  • Extrusion: The mixed elastomer material is then extruded through a die to create the basic shape of the hose. The extruded material may be coiled or cut to the desired length.
  • Reinforcement: The extruded elastomer hose is then reinforced with one or more layers of fabric or wire to provide strength and durability. The reinforcement material is typically embedded in the elastomer material during the extrusion process.
  • Curing: The reinforced elastomer hose is then cured in an oven or autoclave at a specific temperature and pressure to set the elastomer and bond the reinforcement material. The curing process may take several hours.
  • Finishing: The cured elastomer hose is then inspected, tested, and finished according to the specific requirements of the application. This may include trimming, marking, and packaging.

The manufacturing process of elastomer hoses may vary depending on the specific application and requirements. However, these basic steps are common to most manufacturing processes.

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Fairchild Industries, Inc.
475 Capital Drive
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Phone: 847.550.9580

 

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