Fluoropolymer Tubing Supplies Return to Normal Levels Following Raw Material Shortages

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. - Sept. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- NewAge Industries is pleased to note that its fluoropolymer tubing in PTFE, FEP and PFA has been returned to normal stock levels after a multi-year shortage of the critical raw materials needed to produce it. Straight tubing as well as specialized versions are all once again readily available. The various styles are used for applications ranging from chemical feeds, food and beverage lines, wire insulation and solvent transfer to more complicated uses involving cryogenics, robotics, medical equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing and deionized and ultra-pure water transfer.

Several years ago, fluorspar, a mineral used in the production of fluoropolymers and mined primarily in China, Mexico, Mongolia and South Africa, saw decreased demand in conjunction with the reduced use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Mines were closed and fluorspar processing companies shifted their focus to other products. A few years later, fluorspar demand increased, especially in China, where exports of the mineral were subsequently tightened. Shortages and dramatic price increases followed. China has since loosened it export restrictions, and shuttered mines have been explored and reopened. Fluorspar prices have stabilized, and tubing inventories have returned to pre-shortage levels.

Fluoropolymers are some of the most versatile engineering materials known and have been used in nearly every field of modern industry, technology and science. They are recognized for their excellent resistance to heat – up to 500°F (260°C) continuously – but can also withstand temperatures below ‑100°F (‑73°C). Fluoropolymer tubing can handle most any corrosive chemical in use today.

NewAge Industries offers fluoropolymer tubing in PTFE, FEP and PFA formulations. All three are manufactured from FDA-compliant materials and provide non-stick properties for the transport of viscous or sticky materials without line clogging. They offer excellent chemical and electrical properties, and both inch and metric sizes are available.

Other styles of fluoropolymer tubing are available to increase the product’s flexibility. Corrtef(TM) corrugated FEP tubing allows for a nearly zero bend radius. Contef(TM) convoluted PTFE tubing is easily flexed and offers flush cleaning. It is available with a stainless steel wire encircled the outer diameter for increasedpressure capability and to aid in electrical grounding. Pureloc(R) injection-molded PFA compression fittings are also stocked.

For more information on NewAge Industries’ fluoropolymer tubing, contact the Fluid Transfer Specialists(R) at NewAge Industries, Inc., 145 James Way, Southampton, PA 18966; phone 800-506-3924 or 215-526-2300; fax 800-837-1856 or 215-526-2190; e-mail: info@newageindustries.com; or visit http://www.newageindustries.com/fluoropolymer-tubing-hose.asp.

About NewAge Industries (http://www.newageindustries.com/)

In business since 1954, NewAge Industries manufactures plastic and rubber tubing in both reinforced and unreinforced styles. The company offers an overall product quality rating of 99.8%, provides custom extrusion and fabrication capabilities, and services customers worldwide. NewAge Industries maintains a large inventory and prides itself on same-day shipment of 99% of orders for its core product lines. In 2006, NewAge initiated an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) for the benefit of both its employees and customers.

The AdvantaPure(R) (http://www.advantapure.com/) division of NewAge Industries is ISO 9001:2008 certified and specializes in high purity tubing, hose, single use process manifolds and systems, and other molded components for the pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, beverage, and chemical industries. All products are manufactured, stored, and shipped using the cleanest methods possible to ensure unsurpassed product purity. Automated product identification systems, including gamma stable RFID tags and labels, are offered by NewAge’s Verigenics(TM) (http://www.verigenics.com/) division.

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Contef(TM), Corrtef(TM), Pureloc(R), NewAge(R), NewAge Industries AdvantaPure(R), Verigenics(TM), and “Fluid Transfer Specialists(R)” are trademarks of NewAge(R) Industries, Inc.