Choosing Between LRT, Acrylic, Copper, Glass, and PETG Tubing

01 July 21

LRT, Acrylic, Copper, Glass, and PETG Tubing

When building the loop, it is critical to choose the right type of tubing. Various kinds of tubing materials are available to choose from. On one hand, it seems tempting to have an array of tubing options. But on the other side, it might confuse you about what type of tubing you should choose for your project. We have copper, glass, acrylic, LRG, and PETG tubing. All come with different characteristics, so you cannot use one tubing everywhere. Therefore, understanding which tubing type is right for your project becomes essential.

Today, we will talk about the different types of tubing materials for building loops. This should help you recognize the most suitable material for your particular application.

PETG Tubing Vs. Other Types

Every tubing material requires a different skill level and experience. Each tubing material is unique and has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you must conduct thorough research about the characteristics, pros, and cons of each available tubing type or material. You don’t need to go anyplace else because this article contains the information you should know about the available materials. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at the different available tubing materials.

1. PETG Tubing

PETG is an ideal tubing solution for people who need a stylish look without putting a lot of effort to bend the tubing. This plastic material is easy to bend with appropriate tools, like cutters, benders, and finishing belts. PETG tubing is suitable for hard loops. However, there are also some downsides to this tubing material. PETG is less clear when we compare it with other types, such as acrylic and glass. Moreover, the temperature threshold is also lower and it can stain easily. You can also use this material in a straight run with angled fittings to obtain a hardline loop.

• Recommended user: Intermediate
• Bending tools required: Yes
• Easy to trim and cut: Yes
• Heating tools requirement: Yes
• Bending difficulty: Beginner
• Ability to deal with extreme temperatures: High

You must replace the tubing immediately if there are any aging signs. PETG is an easy material to bend, cut, and trim. Therefore, even the intermediates can use this tubing material.

2. LRT Tubing

LRT tubing is ideal for those who have no or little experience with custom loops. It offers a straightforward solution to customized water-cooling without hard bends. It also doesn’t require a lot of time to replace loops. The phenomenal look and straightforward use of LRT tubing make it an excellent performer in the industry. You can use LRT tubing to easily achieve the perfect customized loop you need.

• Recommended user: Beginner
• Bending tools required: No
• Easy to trim and cut: Yes
• Ability to deal with extreme temperatures: High
• Heating tools requirement: No
• Bend difficulty: Beginner

By looking at the above facts, you can understand how easy it is to use LRT tubing. The only difference between LRT and PETG tubing is that LRT doesn’t require bending and heating tools, unlike PETG.

3. Acrylic Tubing

Unlike PETG, it is comparatively difficult to work with acrylic tubing. Acrylic is more susceptible to cracking. Moreover, it needs more skill and higher temperatures when bending. Although acrylic is difficult to work with, it offers better aesthetics and performance.  Acrylic tubing has a high heat threshold and is clearer than PETG tubing. You can use straight runs using rotary angle fittings for less hassle and easier use when replacing your old tubing.

• Recommended user: Intermediate
• Bending tools required: Yes
• Easy to trim and cut: Yes
• Ability to deal with extreme temperatures: High
• Heating tools requirement: Yes
• Bend difficulty: Intermediate

Acrylic tubing is difficult to bend as compared with PETG and LRT tubing. However, it is known for better aesthetics.

4. Copper Tubing

If you want to create robust and highly unique loops, you should choose copper tubing over other types, such as PETG tubing. Copper is a great material when it comes to dissipating heat and works well in extreme heat. It is a perfect metal for all loops. If you know how to work with metals, it will be a unique and fun experience. You require proper tools to cut and bend metals. If they are not cut and bent appropriately, it will become extremely difficult to bend, cut, and measure.

• Recommended user: Intermediate
• Bending tools required: Yes
• Easy to trim and cut: Yes
• Bending difficulty: Beginner
• Ability to deal with extreme temperatures: Very High
• Heating tools requirement: No

Copper is an unforgiving tubing material when you try to cut millimeters of its ends. If bent, it will not make fittings seal. You cannot see fluid flowing thru this tubing. However, you can paint or powder coat copper tubing for visual effects.

5. Glass Tubing

Apart from LRT, copper, acrylic, and PETG tubing, glass is another popular tubing material to work with. However, it is known as a highly difficult material for loops. Glass is a highly difficult tubing material when it comes to cut and bend. It is also prone to cracking, so only experts should work with this material. Apart from its difficulty, glass tubing is known for its high performance and beauty. Here is what you should know about glass tubing.

• Recommended user: Advanced
• Bending tools required: Yes
• Easy to trim and cut: No
• Bending difficulty: Expert
• Ability to deal with extreme temperatures: Very High
• Heating tools requirement: Yes

Glass is difficult to stain and absorbs high heat. If you are looking for the clearest tubing on the market, glass tubing is what you need. You should use glass tubing only if you are proficient in water-cooling. Otherwise, you can choose another suitable option from the rest.

Conclusion

Choosing between acrylic, glass, copper, LRT, and PETG tubing depends on your personal preferences, skills, and requirements. If you are not an expert, you should consider the option that requires beginner bending skills. Otherwise, you can also opt for options that look aesthetically beautiful and offer flexibility in customization. Whichever tubing material you choose, you must not compromise on the robustness and quality of the material.

If you are not sure which tubing material to choose, you can feel free to call us anytime. We can help you choose the most suitable tubing material according to your use.