Air Hoses

An air hose — also known as an air line hose, pneumatic hose, or air compressor hose—is a flexible conduit engineered to deliver compressed air from a source (such as a rotary screw compressor) to a range of pneumatic actuators, tools, or air-driven machinery. These hoses form an integral part of compressed air systems, maintaining optimal airflow, system pressure, and equipment reliability across manufacturing lines, assembly plants, and workshops.

Types of Air Hoses

Air hoses are manufactured from various polymers and materials, each offering specific mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties.

PVC Air Hose

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) air hoses exhibit moderate flexibility, with resistance to oils, grease, ozone, and UV radiation. PVC hoses are ideal for short-range tool connections in environments where temperature variation is minimal. However, due to their relatively high memory and stiffness at low temperatures, they may not be suitable for applications requiring frequent coiling or tight bend radii.

Nylon Air Hose

Nylon air hoses are engineered for high-pressure applications, with outstanding dimensional stability, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. Typically available in extruded tubing form (e.g., PA12 or PA6), they are widely used in pneumatic control systems, logic circuits, and instrumentation setups. Nylon hoses maintain structural integrity under pulsing pressures.

Polyurethane Air Hose

Polyurethane (PU) air hoses offer a superior balance between flexibility, abrasion resistance, and temperature stability. Their high flex life and resistance to kinking make them ideal for dynamic applications such as air line installations on moving machinery, retractable hose reels, or tool balancers. PU hoses maintain pliability in low temperatures (as low as -40°C), making them well-suited for cold storage facilities or mobile servicing equipment exposed to outdoor environments.

Key Features and Benefits of Air Hoses

Industrial-grade air hoses are built to comply with stringent safety and performance standards. Key specifications to consider include:

• Working and burst pressure ratings: Hoses must meet the maximum operating pressure of your air compressor hose system (typically 150–300 psi) with a safety margin of at least 3:1 for burst pressure.
• Thermal operating range: Quality pneumatic hoses operate reliably across -40°C to +70°C, ensuring consistent performance in harsh or fluctuating environments.
• Abrasion and chemical resistance: Reinforced hoses with outer covers (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) withstand exposure to industrial oils, welding spatter, and surface abrasion in manufacturing floors.
• Flexibility and bend radius: Critical for reducing operator fatigue and preventing flow restriction, especially when used in retractable air hose systems or articulated arms.
• Low permeability and leakage resistance: Minimises pressure losses in long air line installations, maintaining efficiency in tool operation or actuator response times.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pneumatic Air Hoses

When specifying an air hose solution, consider the following technical criteria:

• Material composition: Match hose material (PVC, PU, nylon, rubber) to the operating environment and fluid compatibility requirements.
• Flexibility and bend radius: A tighter bend radius increases hose manoeuvrability in confined spaces without compromising structural integrity.
• Pressure rating: Verify hose specifications exceed your system’s maximum working pressure, including transient peaks from compressor cycling.
• Temperature range: Select materials that maintain elasticity and tensile strength within your site's ambient or process temperature conditions.
• Inner diameter (ID) and length: Affects volumetric air flow rate (SCFM). Undersized hoses cause pressure drops and reduce tool efficiency.
• Weight and ergonomics: Lightweight hoses are critical in overhead applications or for handheld pneumatic tool users.
• End connections: Confirm compatibility with quick-disconnect couplings, threaded fittings (BSP/NPT), or barbed fittings based on existing setup.
• Durability: Hoses should withstand repeated flexing, UV exposure, and potential mechanical wear from dragging or reel use.

Applications of Pneumatic Air Hose

Compressed air hoses are used across a wide range of sectors and industrial processes. Typical applications include:

• Pneumatic tools and hand-held equipment – drills, grinders, riveters, staplers, impact wrenches, and air hammers.
• Industrial automation – feeding air to pneumatic actuators, valves, cylinders, and air preparation units in robotics and assembly lines.
• Vehicle and automotive maintenance – tyre inflation systems, paint spray booths, pneumatic lifts, and brake testing rigs.
• HVAC and building services – driving dampers and air handling controls, or supplying clean air in duct cleaning tools.
• Painting and spraying systems – ensuring stable atomisation and consistent paint delivery in industrial spray guns.
• Cleaning operations – air blowguns used for debris removal, equipment cleaning, or dusting in precision electronics or woodworking.

Get the Right Air Line Hose for Every Application

RS offers an extensive range of compressed air hoses, air compressor hoses, and retractable air hoses to meet the demands of high-performance industrial environments. Whether you need durable static installations or lightweight hoses for mobile operators, our inventory supports diverse requirements with technical datasheets and expert support available.

The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Air Hoses in New Zealand

RS New Zealand is your dependable source for industrial-grade air hoses and pneumatic hose solutions. We offer a wide selection from globally recognised brands such as FESTO, SMC, and RS PRO. Our range includes compressed air hoses, retractable air hoses, and air compressor hoses in various diameters, lengths, and material compositions to suit demanding industrial applications.

Beyond air line hoses, we also supply essential thermal management parts such as air conditioning units and axial fans. Browse and purchase online with full product specifications, local stock availability, and reliable nationwide delivery. For ordering procedures and delivery options across New Zealand, please refer to our delivery information page.