Applications of EMS-Grivory Grilamid® L 20 GM Nylon 12, Dry in Industrial Manufacturing

Developed and produced by EMS-Grivory for high-performance industrial applications, Grilamid® L 20 GM Nylon 12 (dry) delivers consistent processing properties and product durability demanded by advanced manufacturers in automotive systems, pneumatic circuits, sports equipment, medical device housings, and fiber optics. Below, we detail principal downstream sectors where our material is widely integrated, highlighting industry-specific compliance, formulation ratios, production phase entry, and finished product varieties.

1. Automotive Brake and Fuel Line Tubing

Grilamid® L 20 GM Nylon 12 is a critical compound for brake and fuel line tubing in modern vehicle platforms, valued for hydrolysis stability and chemical resistance under thermal cycling and harsh engine environments. Major OEMs specify Nylon 12 for both mono- and multi-layer tubing assemblies where long-term dimensional reliability and permeation control are non-negotiable.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J2260 (Nonmetallic Fuel System Tubing)
• DIN 73378 / DIN 74324 (Polyamide tubing for automotive)
• ISO 7628 (Thermoplastic tubes for air braking systems)
• OEM-specific material and emissions specifications (Volkswagen TL 528, BMW GS 93016, etc.)

Typical usage ratio

• 100% in mono-layer extrusion for brake/fuel tubes
• In multi-layer tubing: 60–90% as the main structural wall, balanced with EVOH or adhesive tie-layers depending on permeability targets
• Formulation adjusted for impact performance per cold weather testing cycles

Downstream process integration

• Direct loading into single-screw or twin-screw extruders during tubing manufacture
• Co-extrusion for multi-layer assemblies where interfacial bonding with barrier layers is critical
• In-line calibration, laser or mechanical cutting, and post-extrusion leak testing

Final product types

• Brake line tubing (mono- or co-extruded)
• Low permeability fuel supply and return tubes
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) urea lines
• High-pressure air brake tubing for commercial vehicles

2. Pneumatic Hose Systems for Industrial Automation

Nylon 12 produced in granular dry form finds widespread adoption in automated pneumatic systems used in factories, robotics, and process lines, where pressure fluctuation, abrasion, and oil mist exposure set high functional thresholds. Its plasticizing behavior and low water absorption allow flexible manufacturing runs with consistent hose wall thickness and maintained burst ratings.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 14743 (Thermoplastic tubes and hoses for pneumatics)
• CE certification for automation system components (where required)
• REACH and RoHS substance regulations for finished hoses within the EU
• UL 94 V-2 for flame resistance (if used in locations with specific safety requirements)

Typical usage ratio

• Typically 100% of base polymer for single-layer hoses
• 90–98% with 2–10% additives (UV stabilizers, processing aids) for outdoor or harsh environment systems
• Flex-modulus tuning achieved by small percentage mixing with PA11 or functional polyolefins as required by design spec

Downstream process integration

• Introduced at feed throat during continuous extrusion on hose lines
• Post-extrusion annealing for dimensional stabilization
• Precision cut-to-length, pressure testing, and end-forming (fittings integration)

Final product types

• Pneumatic pressure hoses
• Coiled retraction air lines for automation tools
• Quick-connect fluid conduits
• Air supply lines for pick-and-place robots

3. High-End Sports Footwear and Protective Gear Components

The advanced property balance of Grilamid® L 20 GM Nylon 12 is leveraged in the manufacture of injected and extruded structural parts for sports and outdoor gear, where lightweight, flexibility, and impact resistance are at a premium. Sports brands validate the material in components requiring repeated mechanical stress and engineered shapes, including cycling shoe soles and ski boot shells.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20345/20347 (Personal protective equipment – Safety footwear)
• REACH compliance for consumer goods in the EU market
• California Proposition 65 (for U.S. retail, chemical compliance)
• Leading brand proprietary chemical ingredient lists and physical testing protocols

Typical usage ratio

• Standardly 100% for molded structural components (e.g., cycling sole inserts)
• 80–90% blended with color masterbatch or glass fiber up to 20% for increased rigidity or aesthetic requirements
• Ratio and additives tailored to target flexural modulus and weight constraints by application sector

Downstream process integration

• Gravimetric dosing and drying followed by precision injection molding for complex geometric parts
• Extrusion for continuous profiles used in protective gear assemblies
• Secondary over-molding with TPU or EVA for comfort enhancement

Final product types

• Cycling shoe stiffeners and plates
• Ski boot chassis and shells
• Protective shin, knee, and wrist guards
• Performance inserts in snowboarding and climbing boots

4. Medical Device Housings and Catheter Components

EMS-Grivory's medical-grade Nylon 12 supports the fabrication of non-implantable device covers, flexible connectors, and select extruded/insert-molded catheter parts, prized for process cleanliness, regulatory transparency, and autoclavability. Cleanroom-integrated device makers select this grade where biocompatibility and sterilization resilience are vital for regulatory clearances.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 10993 (Biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices)
• USP Class VI (Plastic material testing for pharmaceutical/medical applications)
• ISO 13485 (Medical device quality management system)
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (Indirect food and medical contact safety for polyamides)

Typical usage ratio

• 95–100% as base polymer for device housings and extruded tube segments
• Blend ratio shifted up to 10% with lubricity or radiopaque additives for catheter products
• Ratio adjusted by end-use sterility validation: higher purity for steam/autoclave-processed goods

Downstream process integration

• Dry-feed hopper loading into injection molding machines for device casings
• Single-screw extrusion for catheter and medical tubing with downstream annealing
• In-line monitoring for dimensional consistency and absence of particulate contamination (cleanroom Class 7/8)

Final product types

• Diagnostic device cases and sensor housings
• Catheter subcomponents (tube shafts, introducer sleeves)
• Flexible infusion and suction tubing
• Hospital-grade instrument connectors

5. Fiber Optic Cable Sheathing and Buffer Tubing

Communications cable manufacturers utilize dry granular Nylon 12 for extrusion of fiber protection tubes and sheaths, given its resistance to stress cracking, negligible water uptake, and suitability for long-run, high-speed production. Consistency in melt viscosity and dimensional stability supports the tight tolerances essential for signal clarity and reliable field installation.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60794 (Optical fiber cable mechanical and environmental tests)
• Telcordia GR-20-CORE (Generic requirements for optical cable)
• RoHS and REACH compliance for international cable installations
• UL 1581 (Vertical flame, physical, and electrical tests for cable insulation)

Typical usage ratio

• 100% as extrusion feedstock for inner buffer tubes; sometimes 95% with minor performance modifiers
• 98–100% for thin-walled tight-buffer fiber cables, minimally altered for color coding or laser printability
• Adjustments depend on target crush/bend radius ratings required by cable design

Downstream process integration

• Continuous dry feed to high throughput extrusion lines
• Co-extrusion alongside polyolefin or fluoropolymer layers for hybrid cable systems
• Off-line laser diameter and thickness control, tensioned take-up for spooling

Final product types

• Loose tube and tight-buffer fiber optic cables
• Central strength members and core encapsulation tubes
• Protective sheaths for indoor and outdoor installations
• Telecommunications and data transmission cable assemblies