What is the primary characteristic that differentiates pressure tubing from other types?

The primary characteristic that differentiates pressure tubing from other types is its ability to withstand high pressure. Pressure tubing is specifically designed and constructed to handle the stresses and forces that arise when fluids are transported at high pressures. This capability is rooted in various factors, including the choice of materials, wall thickness, and manufacturing processes, which together ensure that the tubing can maintain structural integrity and safety under demanding conditions.

While material type and wall thickness are important factors that contribute to a tube's pressure rating, it is ultimately the tubing's ability to resist deformation, bursting, or failure under pressure that defines it as pressure tubing. Flexibility, on the other hand, is less relevant in this context, as most pressure tubing is designed to be rigid to maintain its shape and integrity during operation. Thus, the defining characteristic of pressure tubing is its engineered capacity to handle high pressure safely and effectively.