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

We manufacture EMS-Grivory Grilamid® L 20 W 20 Nylon 12, Dry specifically for demanding processing environments. The following application scenarios represent real downstream industries with defined regulatory requirements, unique formulations, and distinct end-use products.

1. High-Pressure Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tubing

Nylon 12 grades, including Grilamid® L 20 W 20, serve in the production of pressure-resistant hydraulic and pneumatic tubing for automotive, industrial, and off-highway sectors. Processors select this material due to its low water absorption, superior dimensional stability, and hydrolysis resistance. The tubing must perform reliably with aggressive hydraulic fluids and under high pressures, often in continuous operation. Tubing production relies on melt extrusion, where process parameters are finely tuned to wall thickness and pressure requirements. Secondary operations may include laser marking, printing, or application-specific treatments.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J844 (air brake tubing, automotive)
• DIN 73378 / 74324 (fuel and air lines, automotive and off-road)
• ISO 7628 (thermoplastic tubes for air braking systems)
• REACH and RoHS compliance (material traceability)

Typical usage ratio

• Extrusion: 100% Nylon 12 resin without dilution, as tubing properties require unblended performance
• Specialty blends: Up to 10% impact modifiers for flexible applications, based on end-use pressure and flexibility specs

Downstream process integration

• Material fed as dry granules directly into single or twin-screw extrusion lines
• Dosing may include colorants or UV stabilizers, automatically adjusted by gravimetric feeders
• Inline measurement for critical dimensions (OD, ID, wall thickness)
• Coiling, cutting, and post-extrusion quality checks before packaging

Final product types

• Brake and fuel lines for passenger cars and commercial vehicles
• Pneumatic control tubing for industrial automation
• Hydraulic return and supply lines
• Compressed air hoses for machinery and mobile equipment

2. Connector and Fitting Molding for Fluid Handling

Industrial and automotive connectors and fittings demand chemical resistance and fatigue strength. Our material is ideal for injection molding high-precision connectors used in systems transporting fuels, coolants, or technical fluids. Downstream processors configure injection molds to achieve tight dimensional tolerances for secure leak-free assembly. Because many connectors function in harsh chemical environments, molders may add internal inserts or use multi-component processes to reinforce threaded sections.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 16949 (automotive quality management)
• SAE J2044 (quick connect couplings)
• UL 94 HB (flammability for non-electrical applications)
• ASTM D4066 PA12 resin classification

Typical usage ratio

• Injection molding: 95-100% Nylon 12 base, up to 5% functional additives (e.g., processing aids, slip agents)
• Multi-component molding: 90% Nylon 12 (structural), 10% elastomer or local overmold (for sealing areas)

Downstream process integration

• Material is dried and metered to high-precision injection machines
• Cycle parameters set for complex geometries with thin walls or fine threads
• Post-molding inspection for leaks and dimensional conformity
• Assembly of connectors into final modules, with optional ultrasonic welding

Final product types

• Fuel line quick connectors
• Coolant system couplings
• Pneumatic push-in fittings
• Solvent-resistant threaded adaptors

3. Medical Device Tubing and Catheter Components

Nylon 12 grades are widely processed in medical component manufacturing, where biocompatibility, cleanliness, and precision control take priority. This material enables the extrusion of small-diameter tubing for drug delivery, interventional devices, and catheters. Facility qualification follows thorough risk management and validated cleaning protocols, while stringent lot traceability and control of extractables/leachables ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Medical processors enforce cleanroom standards in all downstream operations, from extrusion through packaging.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 10993-5/-10 (cytotoxicity and sensitization testing for biocompatibility)
• USP Class VI (plastic material classification)
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (polyamide resins for food and medical equipment)
• ISO 13485 (medical device quality system)

Typical usage ratio

• Extrusion for catheters/tubes: 100% medical-grade Nylon 12; processing aids excluded to minimize extractables
• Co-extrusion: Up to 30% blend for inner/outer layers to achieve multi-lumen structure, based on catheter design specs

Downstream process integration

• Granules supplied in tamper-proof medical-grade containers
• Extrusion occurs in Class 7 or higher cleanrooms
• Online laser measurement for ID/OD critical tolerances
• Automated cut-to-length units and medical pouch packaging

Final product types

• Balloon catheters
• Infusion therapy tubing
• Microcatheters for cardiovascular or urology
• Drug delivery extension lines

4. Filament Manufacturing for 3D Printing in Industrial Prototyping

Nylon 12 filaments made from Grilamid® L 20 W 20 are used by additive manufacturers for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printing. Material properties such as high layer adhesion, ductility, and chemical resistance support functional prototyping and direct digital manufacturing of jigs and fixtures. 3D printing specialists monitor moisture levels and filament uniformity rigorously during compounding and extrusion. Printed parts are post-processed according to downstream customer specifications for end-use testing and validation.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 178 (flexural testing for 3D-printed plastics)
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
• REACH, Annex XVII substances control
• ASTM F3091 (additive manufactured plastic materials)

Typical usage ratio

• Monofilament extrusion: 100% Nylon 12 resin, strict drying protocol is followed to ensure print quality
• Compound blends: Up to 15% reinforcing fibers (glass or carbon) can be incorporated based on requested mechanical performance

Downstream process integration

• Material melt-compounded and pelletized prior to monofilament extrusion
• Multiple-stage drying to <0.2% moisture content
• Diameter and ovality inspection using laser-based gauges
• Final spool winding and vacuum packaging

Final product types

• 3D printer filaments for industrial prototyping
• Functional tool or jig prints
• End-use fixtures for machine shops
• Low-volume production brackets and enclosures

5. Electrical and Electronic Housing Components

Nylon 12 compounds enter the downstream production of insulating housings, wire sheathing, and terminal blocks for electronics and electrical assemblies. OEMs in these sectors require materials that resist creep, fatigue, and environmental factors such as oils or fluctuating temperatures. Injection molding lines equipped with hot-runner systems and complex multi-cavity tools process this material to produce intricate component shapes with surface finish specifications suitable for snap-fits or high-precision clip interfaces.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60695-11-10 (flammability of plastics housings)
• UL 94 V-2/V-0 (listed grade specific)
• RoHS for hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
• IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 (handling, packing, shipping of moisture-sensitive devices)

Typical usage ratio

• Injection molding: 90-100% Nylon 12 base resin, with up to 10% flame retardants where fire protection is mandated
• Color concentrates below 2% for compliance with electronics standards

Downstream process integration

• Automated feeder directly metering material into closed-loop molding cells
• Temperature and injection speed precisely regulated for small part mass
• Online vision systems inspect parts for flash, surface defects, and gate vestige
• Parts are automatically sorted and packed in ESD-protective packaging

Final product types

• Electronic device housings
• Connector shells for wire harnesses
• Terminal blocks for electrical cabinets
• Sensor enclosures and overmolded electronic modules

6. Fuel and Chemical Storage System Components

Downstream manufacturers use this grade in the blow molding and injection molding of containers and tanks for automotive fluids, specialty chemicals, and industrial lubricants. The low permeability of Nylon 12 is critical for odor and emission control in underhood fluid reservoirs. Processors utilize precise temperature profiles during extrusion blow molding or injection blow molding to minimize stress cracking and ensure weld line integrity, especially in multi-layer tank structures.

Industry compliance standards

• ECE R34 (fuel tank fire safety for vehicles)
• ISO 9001 (general quality management for industrial tanks)
• ASTM D471 (resistance to liquids)
• FMVSS 301 (fuel system integrity)

Typical usage ratio

• Blow molding: 100% Nylon 12 for monolayer PA12 tanks; multilayer tanks may include <10% adhesive tie-layers
• Injection molding: up to 5% black masterbatch for UV/block-out requirements in chemical tanks

Downstream process integration

• Dry blend and pellet feed into extrusion or injection blow-molding units
• Parison temperature and blowing sequence tailored for wall uniformity
• Pressure testing, permeation, and burst tests on finished tanks
• Final QC includes gravimetric and volumetric validation

Final product types

• Automotive fuel reservoirs
• AdBlue/DEF tanks
• Specialty chemical handling bottles
• Lubricant and hydraulic fluid containers