Applications of EMS-Grivory Grilamid® L 20 LM PA12 in Industrial Manufacturing

Our polyamide 12 (PA12) grade, Grilamid® L 20 LM, is engineered primarily for high-performance applications where high dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and precise extrusion or injection molding are critical. Below, we detail actual industrial application channels served directly by our manufacturing expertise, outlining regulatory requirements, formulation considerations, downstream integration, and specific end uses in each sector.

1. Automotive Pneumatic Tubing and Fuel Systems

We supply PA12 for production of pneumatic air brake tubing and specialty fuel lines used in passenger and commercial vehicles. Our polymer’s low water absorption and high chemical resistance satisfy the demands of continuous under-hood operation. Consistency in quality ensures compliance with strict automotive standards, while compound modifications can tailor impact strength and flexibility according to the exact tubing profile. Manufacturers rely on our optimized granulate to reduce rejects during high-speed extrusion and to maintain pressure retention in finished assemblies under repeated thermal cycling.

Industry compliance standards

• DIN 73378 (Thermoplastic tubes for motor vehicles)
• ISO 7628 (Thermoplastics tubing for air braking systems)
• SAE J844 (Nonmetallic Air Brake Tubing)
• ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality Management System)

Typical usage ratio

• Single polymer system, 100% PA12 for mono-layer extrusion
• For co-extruded or multi-layer tubing, 60–90% PA12 in the pressure-carrying layer, blended with adhesion tie-layers or outer protective polymers as needed according to OEM requirements

Downstream process integration

• Direct feeding to high-speed tube extrusion lines with precise temperature and pressure controls, or injection-molding into specialized connectors and manifold fittings
• In-line diameter calibration and laser printing for traceability
• Mandatory 100% leak testing before coiling and packaging

Final product types

• Pneumatic brake tubing for commercial vehicles
• Fuel lines (petrol, diesel, biodiesel, E10/E85 compatible)
• Quick connector systems for SCR (AdBlue/DEF) fluid handling
• Brake booster vacuum lines

2. Industrial Fluid Handling and Hydraulic Lines

Our PA12 is designed for the rigorous chemical compatibility and mechanical demands found in hydraulic and lubrication system pipelines. These include static and dynamic fluid power applications in industrial automation, agricultural equipment, and mobile hydraulics. Our strict control over molecular weight and melt viscosity enables reliable extrusion and form stability over thousands of production cycles, even where aggressive synthetic oils or hydraulic fluids are used. We support customization with anti-static or UV-stabilized grades upon customer request.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 3949 (Plastics hoses and hose assemblies—Thermoplastics hoses for hydraulic applications)
• SOCMA Responsible Care (Chemical Management for Industrial Markets)
• REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006—Substance registration for downstream safety
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) where electrical or connected equipment is involved

Typical usage ratio

• 90–100% PA12 as the primary tubing core for all-medium contact applications
• Where increased pressure or abrasion resistance is required, PA12 is co-extruded with 10–30% reinforcement layer (e.g. aramid fiber) or braided steel, with PA12 as both core and outer sheath

Downstream process integration

• Continuous extrusion into flexible lines followed by high-temperature annealing for stress relief
• Ultrasonic cutting and pre-assembly onto hydraulic couplings
• Batch pressure burst and chemical compatiblity testing before shipment to OEMs

Final product types

• Multi-purpose hydraulic tubing for automation
• Agricultural sprayer and central lubrication lines
• Pneumatic control lines for machinery
• Oil and fuel system delivery tubes in non-automotive mobile equipment

3. Additive Manufacturing / Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Powder Feedstock

PA12 powder derived from our granules performs as a preferred feedstock for SLS 3D printing in precision, functional parts manufacturing. OEMs demand consistent powder flow, controlled particle size, and a narrow melt range for repeatable sintering. We work directly with powder conversion partners to calibrate particle size distribution and flow modifiers. By maintaining the required viscosity and melting point, we guarantee smooth integration with industrial-scale SLS printers, minimizing recoating errors and warpage.

Industry compliance standards

• ASTM F3091 / F3091M (Additive Manufacturing with Laser Sintering for Plastics)
• ISO/ASTM 52900:2015 (General principles for additive manufacturing)
• OEM-specific SLS printer material standards (e.g. EOS, 3D Systems, HP)
• REACH, RoHS (for printed part customer acceptance)

Typical usage ratio

• Processed to 100% PA12 powder with tailored median grain size of 55–65 μm
• Powder can be reused in SLS chamber, typically with 30–60% “refresh” of virgin powder by volume per build cycle depending on part geometry and quality assurance protocol

Downstream process integration

• Granulate micronized on-site or at powder partners
• Powder conditioned and blended for consistent lot performance
• Direct loading into SLS printer hoppers
• Post-printing annealing and finishing handled by customers according to application

Final product types

• Functional prototypes for engineering validation
• Low-volume production parts for medical devices (non-implantable), housings, jigs, and fixtures
• Customized aerospace brackets and ductwork
• Industrial connectors and sensor housings

4. Medical Device Tubing (Non-Implantable Applications)

Our PA12 meets medical OEM requirements for high-purity, chemical-resistant, and low-extractables tubing used in drug delivery systems, catheters, and various fluid transfer devices. We tightly control production for traceability compliant with the latest medical device manufacturing expectations. With biocompatibility certificates available, we enable direct use in contact with bodily fluids or parenteral solutions when processed according to recommended cleaning and sterilization procedures.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 10993-1 (Biological evaluation of medical devices)
• USP Class VI (Biological Reactivity Tests)
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (Polyamide resins for food and drug contact)
• EN ISO 13485 (Quality management for medical device manufacturing)

Typical usage ratio

• 95–100% PA12 for single-layer extrusion of tubing, with potential color masterbatch addition at 0.1–2% if specified by device manufacturer
• For multi-layer co-extrusions, PA12 comprises 70–85% of wall thickness as working layer, with external functional layers (e.g., for kink resistance or surface properties)

Downstream process integration

• Direct extrusion onto cooled mandrels to control tight internal diameter tolerances
• Gamma or ethylene oxide sterilization validated by device OEMs
• Laser or inkjet marking for traceability under cleanroom conditions

Final product types

• Infusion and peristaltic pump tubing
• Catheter inner tubes (non-implantable)
• Respiratory device fluid channels
• Disposable sampling lines for diagnostic systems

5. Cable Sheathing and Fiber Optic Jacketing

We formulate PA12 grades for demanding cable jacketing, where low dielectric loss, hydrolysis resistance, and environmental stability are essential. Applications include high-frequency data transmission cables, subsea power cables, and fiber optic outer jackets. Our focus on melt flow consistency and UV-stabilizer integration supports continuous production runs while ensuring long-term field reliability and color stability. OEMs benefit from tight wall thickness control and the absence of corrosive off-gassing under prolonged loading.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60794 (Optical fibre cable families—Design and test methods)
• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords)
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
• EN 50290-2-22 (Insulation and sheath materials for cables)

Typical usage ratio

• Sheathing typically uses 100% PA12 for single-layer designs
• For hybrid cables, PA12 comprises 70–90% of sheath composition, with other polymers blended as intermediate layers or flame retardants added up to 5% depending on local requirements

Downstream process integration

• Continuous extrusion over core bundles or cable armoring
• Hot stamping or laser marking for batch traceability and color-coding
• Post-extrusion immersion and environmental cycle testing according to telecom or power utility standards

Final product types

• Fiber optic cable jackets for telecom and data centers
• High-voltage subsea/power transmission sheathing
• Sensor and control cable insulation in harsh environments
• Specialty cables for robotics and industrial automation