Not all industrial hoses are the same. The materials they’re made from determine how they perform, how long they last, and whether they’re safe for the job. Using the wrong hose material can lead to faster wear, leaks, or even safety hazards. Choosing correctly is one of the simplest ways to improve reliability, reduce downtime and cut long-term costs.
At JML Henderson, we supply a wide range of hose materials designed to suit different industries and applications. From heavy-duty rubber for quarrying to lightweight PVC for general use, every material has its strengths and limitations.
Why Hose Material Matters
Every hose has to cope with stress. Pressure, temperature, movement, abrasion and chemical exposure all play a role in how long a hose will last. If the material isn’t matched to the duty, problems can appear quickly. Common issues include:
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Premature wear - abrasives like dust and powders can grind through weaker hose linings
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Chemical attack - certain liquids or vapours can corrode or weaken hose walls
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Heat damage - hoses not designed for high temperatures can harden, split or lose flexibility
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Safety risks - leaks or ruptures expose operators to potentially hazardous products
Selecting the right hose material avoids these risks and ensures assemblies are both safe and cost-effective.
Common Hose Materials
JML Henderson supply hoses in a variety of materials, each suited to different industries. Here are some of the most widely used:
Rubber Hoses
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Strengths: Durable and flexible, rubber hoses are highly resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress.
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Applications: Ideal for construction, quarrying, and other tough environments where hoses face constant wear.
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Notes: Available in different grades depending on the medium - from water to heavy-duty slurries.
PVC Hoses
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Strengths: Lightweight, flexible and cost-effective. Easy to handle and install.
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Applications: Commonly used for water, air, light chemicals and general-purpose duties.
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Notes: Not as durable under high pressure or extreme temperatures as rubber or composite hoses.
Composite Hoses
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Strengths: Multi-layered construction provides excellent resistance to fuels, oils and aggressive chemicals, while still being lightweight.
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Applications: Widely used in chemical plants, oil depots, tanker loading and transfer stations.
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Notes: Can be supplied with anti-static wires and fire-resistant covers for specialist duties.
Stainless Steel Hoses
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Strengths: Excellent resistance to heat, pressure and mechanical stress. Long service life in extreme environments.
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Applications: Suitable for food, beverage, pharmaceutical processes and high-temperature industrial duties.
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Notes: More rigid than other hose types but unmatched in durability.
PU (Polyurethane) Hoses
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Strengths: Very high abrasion resistance while remaining lightweight and flexible.
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Applications: Perfect for dust extraction, abrasive powders and light bulk materials.
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Notes: Commonly used in ducting systems where hoses are routed through confined spaces.
Matching Material to Application
The right hose material depends on several factors:
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What’s being transferred - water, fuels, oils, chemicals, powders or food products all require different materials
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Temperature range - high temperatures demand stainless steel or heat-resistant materials, while standard duties may be fine with PVC
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Pressure requirements - heavy-duty rubber or composite hoses perform better under pressure than lightweight PVC
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Environmental conditions - outdoor use, vibration or exposure to abrasion will shorten hose life unless the right material is chosen
By considering these factors, you can choose a hose material that delivers reliability and reduces replacement costs.
Compliance and Safety
Hose material choice isn’t only about performance - it’s also about compliance. In industries such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals, hoses must be made from hygienic, easy-to-clean materials that meet strict safety standards. In ATEX environments, conductive or anti-static properties are essential to prevent sparks.
At JML Henderson, we supply hoses designed to meet these standards, with certification available for traceability and compliance checks.
How JML Henderson Support You
Choosing the right hose doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team works with customers to:
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Recommend the best material for the product, pressure and environment
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Supply hoses cut-to-length and fitted with the correct couplings
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Assemble and pressure-test in-house to BFPA best practice
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Provide certification and hose tagging for easy compliance audits
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Offer servicing, re-ending and inspections to extend hose life and reduce costs
By matching the hose material to the job, we help you avoid unnecessary downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Every hose material has its role. Rubber provides strength, PVC delivers flexibility, composites resist aggressive chemicals, stainless steel stands up to extreme heat, and PU offers unmatched abrasion resistance. Choosing the right one is essential to protecting people, equipment and productivity.
At JML Henderson, we make that choice simple. With a full range of hose materials, couplings and assemblies tested and certified in-house, we supply solutions built to perform safely and reliably in every environment.
