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

EMS-Grivory Grilamid® L 20 LM Nylon 12, Dry grade, delivers performance and consistent quality in demanding industrial applications. As the original producer, we support downstream manufacturers in sectors requiring lightweight engineering resins with outstanding chemical resistance, flexibility, and process reliability. Below we detail core application areas with scenario-specific compliance, usage, integration, and finished product guidance.

1. Automotive Fuel Line Systems

This material is favored in automotive fuel line production for its long-term hydrocarbon resistance and flexibility, supporting complex routing with low permeation rates. It enables manufacturers to comply with fuel system regulations while maintaining processing efficiency in extrusion and co-extrusion setups. The delivered resin properties meet industry durability and service lifespan targets in both low- and high-pressure line segments.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J2260: Non-metallic Fuel System Tubing
• ISO 7628: Road Vehicles – Thermoplastics Tubing for Use in Airbrake Systems
• US EPA 40 CFR Part 86 Evaporative Emissions
• End-of-life-vehicle (ELV) Directive 2000/53/EC – Heavy Metals Content

Typical usage ratio

• 100% as main tubing layer in mono- and multi-layer extrusion
• For co-extruded structures, used at 65–90% in the interior or barrier layer, adjusted for required permeation rates and flexibility

Downstream process integration

• Direct feeding into co-extrusion lines for multi-layer pipes
• Processed on single-screw extruders with precise temperature control to maintain dimensional tolerance
• Adhesion-promoting tie-layers incorporated as needed for composite tube designs

Final product types

• Low-permeation fuel lines
• Brake lines and clutch lines
• Evaporative emission control tubing
• Quick-connect assemblies for vehicle OEMs

2. Pneumatic Control Tubing for Industrial Automation

The extrudability and consistent wall thickness of this grade provide downstream users with dimensional stability and burst pressure control in pneumatic tubing, vital for precision process automation. Its chemical inertness also supports use with compressed air containing oil mist and occasional cleaning solvents, ensuring service life in harsh plant environments.

Industry compliance standards

• DIN 74324: Polyamide Tubing Safety in Pneumatic Controls
• ISO 7628: Thermoplastics Tubing for Use in Airbrake Systems (industrial adaptation)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU: Restriction of Hazardous Substances
• REACH EC 1907/2006 – SVHC Content Reporting

Typical usage ratio

• 98–100% pure polyamide 12 resin for single-layer pneumatic tubes
• Addition of color masterbatch at 1–2% for identification per customer requirements

Downstream process integration

• Fed into high-speed extrusion lines with inline laser measurement for diameter consistency
• Surface treatment post-extrusion for printing and marking
• Supplied to downstream assembly for manifold and push-in fitting production

Final product types

• Pneumatic control lines
• Compressed air supply tubing
• Flexible automation connectors
• Machine tool lubrication hoses

3. Medical Device Catheter Tubing

The medical-grade purity and biocompatibility attributes enable this grade to be used in non-implantable medical tubing such as catheter and infusion lines. Its low extractables and smooth surface support patient safety standards, while abrasion resistance allows downstream converters to produce precise, thin-walled finished pieces required by device assemblers.

Industry compliance standards

• USP Class VI
• ISO 10993-5 and 10993-10: Biological evaluation
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (b) 9 for Polymide Resins
• ISO 13485: Medical Devices Quality Management

Typical usage ratio

• Used at 100% for primary lumen tubing
• 0.5–2% functional additives permitted for lubrication or radiopacity—addition upon customer protocol and device registration

Downstream process integration

• Melting and extrusion under cleanroom conditions
• In-line laser sizing for critical ID/OD control
• Sterilization validation performed after finished tubing cut and spooled

Final product types

• Short-term catheters
• Infusion set tubing
• Balloon catheters (outer sheath component)
• Device sub-assemblies requiring flexible, biocompatible polyamide

4. Sporting Goods and High-Performance Eyewear Frames

This grade brings lightweight strength and fatigue resistance to sporting goods and eyewear applications where impact resilience and finish aesthetics are essential. Processors use it to maintain product integrity in thin-walled injection-molded or extrusion-molded frames that endure repeated mechanical stress and exposure to sweat or sunlight.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 12312-1:2013/A1:2015 – Requirements for Sunglasses and Related Eyewear
• ISO 8124-1: Safety of Toys – Physical and Mechanical Properties (for youth equipment)
• CPSC 16 CFR Part 1303: Lead Content in Surface Coatings
• California Proposition 65: Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act

Typical usage ratio

• Injected at 95–100% base resin, depending on colorant and UV stabilizer levels
• Color masterbatch and UV additives typically account for 1–5% by weight, adjusted for climate exposure targets

Downstream process integration

• Pre-dried resin loaded into injection molding machines for frame or part production
• Molds maintained at tightly controlled temperatures to preserve surface quality
• Parts demolded and sent for post-cooling and inspection before finishing

Final product types

• Performance eyewear frames
• Sports protection gear (shin guards, mouthguard housings)
• Lightweight bicycle or ski components
• Accessory housings for consumer athletics

5. Cable Jacketing for Offshore and Industrial Applications

With strong resistance to abrasion, fuels, and saltwater, this grade supports advanced cable jacketing for harsh environments such as offshore energy, rail transit, and industrial robotics. Its flexibility at low temperatures ensures easy installation and longevity in dynamic cable use, while meeting flame retardance and construction standards required by final product specifiers.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 62: Flexible Cords and Cables—Polyamide Sheathing
• EN 50264: Railway Cables—Polyamide Sheath Types
• IEC 60332-1: Flame Retardance of Cables
• RoHS Directive: Substance Restrictions in Electrical Cables

Typical usage ratio

• Applied at 90–100% as the primary outer jacket in mono-layer constructions
• In co-extrusion with flame retardant or UV-resistant compounds, comprises 60–85% of multilayer sheath; adjustment based on environmental exposure

Downstream process integration

• Fed into cable sheath extrusion lines directly over pre-assembled conductor bundles
• Crosshead extrusion manifolds used for seamless application
• Post-extrusion water quenching used for dimensional control

Final product types

• Subsea communication cables
• Industrial control cables with chemical exposure resistance
• Railway and transit signal cables
• Flexible robotic cables