While many buyers focus on technical specs like thickness and density, color selection in NBR sponge tubing plays an equally important role—especially in industry-specific applications where visual management, safety, and compliance are critical.
In this guide, we explore the meaning behind different sponge tubing colors, how they align with industry standards, and why working with an experienced OEM NBR sponge tubing manufacturer in China like Forbest helps ensure performance and compliance—without compromising on visual functionality.
Looking to color-code your insulation system? Explore Forbest’s NBR Sponge Tubing page here.
Color isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional.
Color-coded tubing helps:
Identify pipe contents or temperature zones
Support safety compliance
Streamline maintenance and inspection
Match brand identity in OEM applications
“On-site installers prefer clearly marked color zones. It reduces labeling time and improves code compliance.”
— Facility Engineer, Netherlands
With customized extrusion and pigmentation, Forbest offers high-performance colored NBR sponge tubing suitable for HVAC, refrigeration, food processing, and more.
Color | Industry Use & Purpose |
---|---|
Black | Default for general industrial, HVAC, automotive |
Red | High-temperature or warning zones (boilers, heating systems) |
Blue | Cold water lines, chillers, food-grade zones |
Gray | Modern interiors, clean rooms, data centers |
White | Laboratories, medical equipment, low-visibility environments |
Dual Color (Red/Blue) | Split hot/cold zones for HVAC pipes |
Red tubing → hot water or heating pipes
Blue tubing → chilled water or cooling lines
Dual-color → dual-zone or underfloor systems
Blue or white preferred for hygienic visibility
Smooth-skin coating optional to prevent dust accumulation
Must comply with FDA & REACH safety standards (Forbest supported)
White or light gray for visual cleanliness
Closed-cell NBR ensures chemical resistance
Often paired with antibacterial surface treatment
Gray for unobtrusive cable routing
Low-VOC formulation required
Halogen-free flame-retardant NBR grades available
Many brands now incorporate custom color insulation to match their corporate identity or improve visual cohesion.
For example:
A German HVAC brand uses light green NBR tubing across all projects
A Middle Eastern OEM requires orange tubing for solar collector lines
A Japanese medical device company prefers white tubes with light blue printing
At Forbest, we offer color matching using Pantone® codes or RAL numbers for OEM branding consistency.
There’s a misconception that colored NBR foam is weaker than black tubing. However, when formulated properly, color additives do not impact:
Flame retardancy
Thermal conductivity
UV resistance (especially for gray/white with stabilizers)
Mechanical durability
High-purity pigment use
Non-migrating color agents
RoHS- and REACH-compliant formulations
500-hour UV aging test options for outdoor tubing
As a leading China-based custom NBR sponge tubing manufacturer, Forbest offers:
Customizable Feature | Available Options |
---|---|
Color | Black, red, blue, gray, white, green, orange, dual-color |
Printing | OEM logo, part number, temperature range indicators |
Surface Finish | Smooth skin, embossed, matte |
Flame Rating | UL94 V0, halogen-free |
Packaging | Color-coded labels, barcode systems |
❌ Mistake #1: Choosing color without heat resistance confirmation
— Not all pigments withstand the same temperatures. Forbest uses high-heat-resistant red and blue pigments tested up to 110°C.
❌ Mistake #2: Not confirming pigment migration
— Low-cost pigments may bleed onto surfaces in humid conditions.
❌ Mistake #3: Inconsistent shade across batches
— OEMs should always request a color master sample before bulk order. Forbest retains master samples for every client.
Challenge: A European brand needed dual-color insulation (red/blue) for a dual-zone heat pump unit, with printed temperature ranges and company logo.
Solution:
Forbest extruded dual-color NBR tubes with 13mm wall thickness
Pantone® matched to brand colors
Laser-printed markings every 30cm
Packed with bilingual labels and QR-coded batch tracking
✅ Result: Installation time dropped by 30%, and the branded tubing became a selling point in the customer’s marketing.
Whether you’re complying with safety standards, simplifying maintenance, or strengthening your brand identity, color-coded NBR sponge tubing is a strategic choice—not just a design one.
With Forbest’s advanced extrusion capabilities and OEM customization service, you get more than just colored tubing—you get function, compliance, and consistency.
📌 Interested in adding color-coded insulation to your project? Visit our NBR Sponge Tubing page now.