Coaxial Tubing Installation Guide.

Quick Installer Checklist

• 2" minimum static bend radius
• 4–6" recommended dynamic bend radius
• 50' maximum recommended length
• Cable track radius meets dynamic requirement
• Avoid sharp edges, heat, and pinch points
• Do not tightly bundle
• Support vertical and horizontal runs (every 18–24")

• Verify full axis travel before finalizing routing

   

Bend Radius

Static Bend Radius — 2" minimum (inside radius)
For tubing that does not move.

Where it shows up:

• Behind panels
• Along machine frames
• Inside enclosures

Why it matters:

• Bends tighter than 2" can deform the inner tube
• Restricts fluid path → oil starvation and poor lubrication

Dynamic Bend Radius — 4–6" recommended (inside radius)
For tubing that moves during operation.

Where it shows up:

• Cable carriers/energy chains
• Robot wrists and arms
• Z-axis drops
• Tool changers and moving doors

Why it matters:

• Repeated flexing at tight radii causes material fatigue
• Leads to jacket cracking, internal collapse, and flow inconsistency
• Larger radius = longer life and stable MQL output

Installer rule:
Always size cable tracks and motion loops using the dynamic bend radius, not the static minimum.

Recommended Maximum Length — 50'

50' is the recommended maximum length to maintain stable air pressure and consistent oil delivery.

Installer notes:

• Longer than 50':
  • Increased pressure drop
  • Slower system response (delay at startup or pulsing systems)
  • Inconsistent atomization at the nozzle
• Shorter runs:
  • Avoid pulling the tubing tight

  • Ensure enough slack for full machine travel

     

Routing Basics

• Avoid sharp edges → use grommets or edge protection
  Common issue: sheet metal cutouts wearing through tubing over time
• Avoid pinch points and crush zones
  (door hinges, way covers, guarding interfaces)
• Do not tightly bundle
  • Heat + compression can deform the tubing
  • Can lead to ovalization and restricted flow
• Maintain smooth, gradual routing
  • No hard direction changes
• Support vertical and horizontal runs every 18–24"
  • Prevents sagging and stress at fittings
• Leave service loops where movement occurs
  • Doors
  • Sliding guards

  • Axis transitions

     

Moving Applications 

Cable Carriers / Energy Chains:

• Keep tubing near the center (neutral axis) of the track
• Avoid outer radius positions where stretch/compression is highest
• Do not overfill the track; allow free movement
• Verify track bend radius meets 4-6" requirement

Common failure:
Undersized track radius → tubing flattens over time → poor spray performance

Robots / Articulated Arms:

• Do not tie tubing rigidly at every joint
• Allow controlled floating loops between joints
• Avoid twisting during installation

Common failure:
Over-constrained routing → torsion + bending → premature failure

Linear Axes (X/Y/Z Motion):

• Use gentle S-curves, not tight loops
• Check full travel before final clamping
• Ensure tubing does not go taut at end of stroke

Common failure:
Tube pulled tight at full extension → fitting stress or pullout

Environment

• Keep away from high heat areas
  (spindles, motors, exhaust, hydraulics)
• Avoid fluid accumulation and washdown zones
• Protect from abrasion (chips, moving covers, debris)

Why it matters:
Environmental exposure accelerates tubing degradation and failure.