Plastic Shock Tube (VOD ≥1600 m/s) Supplier South Africa

What Is Plastic Shock Tube?

Plastic shock tube is the standard-grade signal line used in non-electric blast initiation systems. It is a thin-walled hollow plastic tube with a reactive inner coating that propagates an initiation signal at ≥1,600 m/s when activated at one end. The standard plastic grade is suitable for routine blast applications where mechanical demands on the tube are moderate — typical downline applications in surface blast holes, short surface connector runs, and standard underground blast patterns. The lower signal velocity (1,600 vs. 2,000 m/s for high-strength) is adequate for all standard blast timing calculations on normal pattern dimensions, and the lower material cost makes plastic shock tube the standard choice for routine blast operations where high-strength is not required.

Downline Application in Surface and Underground Blasting

Plastic shock tube is most commonly used as the downline element in blast hole detonator assemblies — the pre-connected tube running from the shock tube detonator (at the bottom of the blast hole) up through the explosive column and stemming to the hole collar, where it is connected to the surface trunkline system. Standard downline lengths for surface blasting are typically 3–6 m (depending on bench height), and standard pre-connected detonator + shock tube assemblies in these lengths are the most common packaging format. For short surface connector runs and small-pattern blasts, plastic shock tube is also used as trunkline. In underground blast patterns with short hole depths and simple timing requirements, plastic shock tube covers most routine applications.

System Compatibility and Supply

Plastic shock tube is mechanically and functionally compatible with all standard non-electric detonator assemblies, J-hook and T-piece surface connectors, and standard blast initiation accessories. It is available pre-attached to shock tube detonators (as standard downline assemblies) or as separate coils for field connection. As a blasting accessory, plastic shock tube requires appropriate licensing for supply. Terracore Chemicals supplies plastic shock tube in standard coil lengths and custom cut lengths to licensed mining and blasting operations across Southern Africa.