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

As a global manufacturer, we supply EMS-Grivory Grilamid® L 20A Z Nylon 12, Dry, a specialty polyamide designed for industries with demanding mechanical and chemical requirements. This grade supports precision, stability, and compliance in application-specific downstream manufacturing across high-value sectors. Explore key industrial application scenarios where this material enables advanced performance.

1. Automotive Fuel System Components

Major automotive OEMs and tier suppliers rely on Nylon 12 for critical fuel system applications due to its outstanding barrier properties against hydrocarbons and resistance to aggressive fuels and biodiesel blends. Manufacturers extrude, inject, or blow mold the material into multilayer tubing, connectors, and valve housings, ensuring parts meet stringent functional and safety standards pertinent to modern vehicle architectures and emission compliance.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J2260 for non-metallic fuel system tubing
• ISO 7628:2010 Road vehicles—Polyamide tubing for air braking systems
• REACH Annex XVII restrictions (hydrocarbon permeability)
• US EPA 40 CFR 1060 evaporative emission control requirements

Typical usage ratio

• 100% in co-extruded or monolayer tubing; multilayer structures often use 20-50% Nylon 12 with tie-layer adhesives and barrier resins
• Adapted based on vapor barrier target and mechanical flexibility requirements

Downstream process integration

• Enters as pellets in extrusion and blow molding lines for tube and tank fabrication
• Direct injection molding for precise, thin-walled fuel components with tight tolerances

Final product types

• Fuel lines
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) urea lines
• Vapor management tubes
• Quick connectors and union joints

2. Industrial Pneumatic and Hydraulic Tubing

The chemical resistance and durable flexibility of Nylon 12 make it a preferred material for pneumatic, hydraulic, and lubrication lines used in automation, heavy machinery, and robotics where high pressure, dynamic motion, and contact with oil-based media are routine. Tube manufacturers combine this grade with color masterbatches and stabilizers for tailored installation marking and long-life performance under continuous vibration and thermal cycling.

Industry compliance standards

• DIN 73378 for polyamide tubing, dimensions, and tolerances
• ISO 6803 for hydraulic hose impulse test procedures
• RoHS Directive (EU) 2011/65 for restricted substances
• BS 5409-2:1988 Pneumatic fluid power—Polyamide tubing for air applications

Typical usage ratio

• 85-100% neat resin in pneumatic tube extrusion
• Ratios adjusted with 1-3% processing aids or stabilizers to enhance UV resistance or reduce friction

Downstream process integration

• Supplied in dried granules for direct use in single-screw or twin-screw extruders
• Co-extrusion possible with secondary layers for colored or marked identification

Final product types

• Pneumatic air brake lines
• Hydraulic oil feed tubes
• Pneumatic actuator supply lines
• Central lubrication system conduits

3. Medical Device Tubing and Catheter Components

Medical device manufacturers select Nylon 12 for specific flexible catheter parts and medical tubing due to its biocompatibility profile, dimensional stability, and resistance to sterilization by gamma or ethylene oxide. Used in applications requiring kink resistance and low moisture uptake, this material enables precise extrusion and tip forming vital for IV sets, catheter guidewires, and therapeutic pump systems.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 10993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices
• USP Class VI plastic biocompatibility
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 for indirect food/medical contact polymers
• ISO 80369 small-bore connector standard for liquid and gas medical applications

Typical usage ratio

• 95-100% resin content for patient-contact applications
• Colorants and radiopaque additives up to 2% for device differentiation and imaging

Downstream process integration

• Dried pellets introduced to high-precision micro-extrusion lines with close QC on surface finish and lumen uniformity
• Can be re-melted for catheter tip forming or secondary overmolding in device assembly

Final product types

• Peripheral IV catheters (outer sheath)
• Guidewire sleeves
• Enteral feeding tubes
• Infusion or irrigation tubing

4. Cable Sheathing and Fiber Optic Protection

Telecommunication and power cable manufacturers incorporate Nylon 12 as a robust jacketing layer for both metallic conductors and fiber optic bundles. Its low moisture absorption—coupled with strong abrasion and environmental resistance—protects core signals and mechanical integrity during underground, aerial, or direct burial installations. Extrusion processes create smooth, continuous sheathing with precise wall thickness control required by the telecom and energy sectors.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 1581 Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords
• ICEA S-104-696 standard for cable jackets
• EN 50290-2-22 for PE/PA sheathing in telecommunication cables
• IEC 60794-1-2 Method E1 Mechanical test for optical fibre cables

Typical usage ratio

• Typically 90-100% compounded with <1% UV stabilizers for outdoor applications
• Up to 10% can be blended with flame retardant synergists for special installations

Downstream process integration

• Added to continuous cable extrusion as outer layer protection
• Coextruded over water-blocking tape or armor for enhanced cable performance

Final product types

• Fiber optic cable outer jackets
• Low voltage data transmission cables
• Control and instrumentation cable sheaths
• Outdoor power cable coverings

5. Sports Equipment Structural Components

Manufacturers of premium sports gear choose Nylon 12 for small-format components requiring impact absorption, flexibility, and fatigue resistance under repeated mechanical stress. Its low-temperature toughness supports end-use in winter sports and field equipment, where injection molded elements or extruded profiles must retain form and properties despite wide-ranging environmental exposure.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 15194 for electrically power assisted bicycle components
• ISO 4210-5 for safety requirements of bicycles—frame and fork assembly
• REACH Article 67 for substances of very high concern (SVHC) restrictions
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for skin-contact material safety (finished goods)

Typical usage ratio

• 90-100% in functional load-bearing inserts or exoskeleton parts
• May be blended with up to 10% glass fiber for applications targeting enhanced rigidity

Downstream process integration

• Pulled directly from hopper dryers into injection presses for complex segment molding
• Allows for multi-shot processes with soft/hard interfaces in assemblies or handles

Final product types

• Ski binding housings
• Bicycle derailleur cages
• Protective guard strips for rackets or sticks
• Snowshoe frame inserts