![]() ![]() ![]() Given coatings do not stick to PEX, Uponor has patented a color-coating process that involves sending the tubing through a heated oxidization method that effectively burns the outside of the pipe, the case reads, displaying a picture purporting to show the difference between other manufacturers’ PEX and that of the defendants:Īlthough the heat improves the PEX’s adhesion property for the purpose of applying coatings, it also destroys the vital antioxidants on the outside of the tubing, causing it to become brittle and develop microcracks, the complaint says. In Uponor’s manufacturing process, however, the PEX tubing is made prior to the addition of blue or red coating to its outside surface, according to the suit. The case says that most PEX manufacturers, unlike Uponor, add red or blue pigment along with antioxidant stabilizers to the tubing’s plastic formulation during the extrusion process, i.e., when the tubing is formed, and prior to cross-linking, which adds color evenly throughout the tubing wall. PEX piping is popular due to its flexibility and ease of installation, the suit begins. The complaint relays that although Uponor discontinued its manufacture, distribution and sale of blue and red PEX because of the above-described defects, the company “misrepresented that the product was being ‘suspended,’ not ‘discontinued,’” and instead concealed that the tubing was discontinued due to its tendency to fail prematurely. “Because the outside surface of Uponor PEX is depleted of antioxidants after the flame treatment, the outside surface prematurely becomes brittle and develops microcracks when the tubing is expanded during installation,” the lawsuit elaborates, claiming the tiny cracks stemming from the manufacturing defect can grow and eventually cause leaks and significant property damage. This heat treatment, however, destroys the tubing’s antioxidant stabilizers, which are crucial for the piping to achieve flexibility, maintain ductility and protect against embrittlement, the lawsuit says. According to the complaint, Uponor, in order to get the blue and red coating to stick to the outside of the PEX tubing, runs the product through a furnace/flame treatment that aids in the application of coatings and adhesives. The 20-page lawsuit out of Colorado claims the Uponor PEX piping, a popular product made for use in residential plumbing systems, can develop exterior microcracks due to the oxidizing process whereby the blue and red coloring-for cold and hot water lines, respectively-are added to the tubing. This product is made to order, please contact customer service for lead time.New to ? Read our Newswire DisclaimerĪ proposed class action alleges blue- and red-colored cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) made by Uponor is defective and prone to premature degradation, deterioration and failure. ![]() Call Uponor Customer Service at 888.594.7726 for availability and pricing. ![]() HDPE manifolds and other non-standard configurations are made-to-order. The temperature limitation is 140☏ (60☌) at 80psi. Only use in systems free of corrodible components or when there is corrosion control. HDPE manifolds and accessories are made for SDR 11 tubing and PE 3408 material and can be used together with Ecoflex® potable HDPE products.Note: ProPEX tool is required. The maximum recommended flow rates for these manifolds are: 2", 41 gpm 3", 116 gpm 4", 226 gpm. HDPE valveless manifolds come with standard 12", on-center outlet spacing. They are ideal for applications larger than 5,000 square feet or where flow requirements are greater than the capacity of other Uponor manifolds. ProPEX connection and manifold are maintenance-free and suitable for direct burial. Multiple-outlet HDPE valveless manifolds are manufactured with 3⁄ 4" or 1" 303 stainless-steel ProPEX fittings hydraulically pressed onto the outlet nipples. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |