PC Water Cooling Hard Tubing is a more advanced technique for connecting various components or water blocks in a custom liquid cooling system. Hard tubing typically uses materials such as acrylic, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), or copper, which offer superior durability and thermal performance compared to soft tubing.
Technical Specifications of Hard Tubing
When it comes to technical specifications, hard tubing comes in various sizes, such as:
- 10/12mm: 10mm inner diameter, 12mm outer diameter
- 12/16mm: 12mm inner diameter, 16mm outer diameter
- 14/16mm: 14mm inner diameter, 16mm outer diameter
The length of the tubing can vary, with options ranging from 500mm to 1000mm or more, depending on the specific product. This allows for greater flexibility in designing your custom liquid cooling system.
Tools and Accessories for DIY Hard Tubing
For those interested in a DIY approach to PC Water Cooling Hard Tubing, there are several tools and accessories available:
- Tube Reamers: These tools are used to remove any burrs or rough edges from the inside of the tubing, ensuring a smooth flow of the coolant.
- Tube Cutting Tools: Precise cutting of the hard tubing is essential, and specialized tools like tube cutters or pipe cutters can help achieve clean, straight cuts.
- Bending Cords: These flexible cords are used to guide the tubing during the bending process, helping to maintain the desired shape and radius.
- Heat Guns: Heat guns are used to soften the hard tubing, allowing for precise bending and shaping to fit your system’s layout.
These tools and accessories can help ensure a professional-looking finish for your custom liquid cooling system.
Bending Radius and Bend Considerations
When working with hard tubing, it’s essential to consider the bending radius and the number of bends in a single piece of tubing. Tighter bends and more bends in a single piece can increase the difficulty of the build and may require additional practice and patience.
The recommended bending radius for hard tubing can vary depending on the material and size, but as a general guideline:
- Acrylic tubing: Minimum bending radius of 3-4 times the outer diameter
- PETG tubing: Minimum bending radius of 4-5 times the outer diameter
- Copper tubing: Minimum bending radius of 6-8 times the outer diameter
Exceeding the recommended bending radius can lead to kinks or deformations in the tubing, which can negatively impact the flow of the coolant and the overall performance of the system.
Cost Considerations
In terms of cost, hard tubing can be more expensive than soft tubing due to the materials used and the need for additional tools and accessories. However, many enthusiasts prefer the aesthetics and performance of hard tubing, making it a popular choice for high-end custom liquid cooling systems.
The cost of hard tubing can vary depending on the material, size, and length, but you can expect to pay:
- Acrylic tubing: $1-$3 per 500mm length
- PETG tubing: $2-$4 per 500mm length
- Copper tubing: $5-$10 per 500mm length
Additionally, the cost of the necessary tools and accessories can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the quality and brand.
Conclusion
In summary, PC Water Cooling Hard Tubing is a more advanced and challenging technique that offers superior durability and thermal performance. With the right tools and accessories, a DIY approach is possible, but it requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. By understanding the technical specifications, tools, and cost considerations, you can create a stunning and high-performing custom liquid cooling system for your PC.
References:
– Titan Rig – Rigid Tubing for PC Water Cooling | PETG and Acrylic Tube: https://www.titanrig.com/custom-pc-cooling/tubing/rigid-tubing.html
– EK Webshop – Hard Tubing – Accessories: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/accessories/solid-tubing
– Reddit – r/watercooling – Hard tubing, how hard is it?: https://www.reddit.com/r/watercooling/comments/dvpy9s/hard_tubing_how_hard_is_it/