Applications of Evonik VESTAMID® LX9110 black | PA12 Nylon 12 in Industrial Manufacturing

Evonik VESTAMID® LX9110 black, based on polyamide 12, serves specialized requirements at key stages of industrial production across demanding markets. Developed to meet complex engineering, safety, and regulatory needs, this PA12 resin integrates into high-value manufacturing environments where functional endurance and precise specifications are mandatory.

1. Automotive Fuel Line Systems

Automotive manufacturers select this PA12 grade for high-pressure fuel line and vapor recovery tubing, due to its high chemical resistance, hydrolysis stability, and excellent flexibility over a wide temperature range. Consistent dimensional stability and long service life meet technical mandates for both gasoline and diesel applications. The black coloration provides UV protection, reducing risk of premature degradation in engine compartments and underbody routing.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J2260 (Nonmetallic Fuel System Tubing)
• ISO 7628 (Road vehicles - Thermoplastic tubing for use in fuel circuits)
• US EPA Evaporative Emission Regulations
• TUV Component Certification (Germany)
• OEM technical approvals (e.g., VW TL 52622, Daimler DBL 5556)

Typical usage ratio

• Single-layer: 100% PA12 in extrusion
• Multi-layer: 25–75% in functional layers, combined with EVOH, adhesives, or PA6 as barrier/coating layers suitable to the required permeation level and mechanical profile

Downstream process integration

• Tubing extrusion after pellet drying (80°C, 4–8 hours)
• Co-extrusion for multilayer constructions using standard or cross-head dies
• Inline or offline diameter control, marking, and cutting equipment

Final product types

• Automotive fuel supply tubing
• Vapor return lines
• Quick connector hose assemblies
• Engine compartment air and vacuum lines

2. Powder-Based Industrial 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)

In laser sintering (SLS), this PA12 powder supports production of serial-quality functional parts, housings, fixtures, and prototypes with high mechanical integrity. Manufacturers value its precise melting point, low warpage, and stable black coloration, allowing direct use of printed components in industrial assemblies without post-painting or surface treatment. Performance under load and dimensional accuracy meet established protocols for end-use strength.

Industry compliance standards

• ASTM D638 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics)
• ISO/ASTM 52900 (Additive manufacturing - General principles)
• REACH SVHC compliance for restricted substances
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) for electrical components

Typical usage ratio

• 100% as virgin build powder or blended up to 30% with recycled SLS powder, depending on end-use mechanical property requirements

Downstream process integration

• Powder feeding and bed preparation in SLS 3D printing equipment
• Thermal fusion by laser beam under controlled atmosphere
• Post-processing for depowdering and part inspection

Final product types

• Industrial-grade functional prototypes
• Lightweight robotic components
• Customized brackets and housings
• End-use jigs and fixtures for in-house automation and assembly

3. Pneumatic and Hydraulic Control Tubing

We supply this PA12 formulation for critical pneumatic and hydraulic lines in automated machinery, robotics, and industrial equipment. Its pressure rating, resistance to oils and greases, and stable flexural modulus at elevated temperatures support safe transmission in dynamic environments. Black coloration ensures light shielding for optical sensors and prevents algae growth in moist installations.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 4414 (Pneumatic fluid power — General rules and safety requirements)
• DIN 73378 (Polyamide Pipes for Automotive Applications, adopted for general industry use)
• EN 45545-2 (Fire protection on railway vehicles, for relevant applications)

Typical usage ratio

• 100% as monolayer tubing
• Blends with up to 30% impact modifiers for extreme flexural needs

Downstream process integration

• Direct pellet-to-tube extrusion at 200–230°C
• Precision cut-to-length and connector mounting compatible with push-in or compression fittings

Final product types

• Control air supply lines for CNC machines
• Hydraulic pilot hoses
• Sensor protector tubing
• Valve and actuator supply lines

4. Electrical Cable Sheathing & Conduit

Electrical engineering and cable converter customers utilize this PA12 grade for jacketing and corrugated protective conduits. Its high dielectric strength, hydrolysis resistance, and flexibility fulfill installation and operational requirements in industrial automation, railway, and power distribution applications. Black masterbatch pigmentation maintains UV stability for outdoor and off-shore environments.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60228 (Conductors of insulated cables)
• UL 94 (Flammability testing of plastic materials)
• EN 50618 (DC cables for photovoltaic systems)
• RoHS and EU 2015/863 for restricted substances

Typical usage ratio

• 100% for high-end single-layer conduit extrusion
• 60–90% in co-extrusion layers, adjusted for flexibility and fire protection needs with flame retardant additives

Downstream process integration

• Extrusion of smooth or corrugated sheaths using vacuum calibration and in-line marking
• Finishing with laser or ink-jet identification codes
• Continuous reels or custom length packaging

Final product types

• Low and medium voltage cable jackets
• Protective conduit for industrial robots
• Track-side and on-board railway wiring protection
• Instrument cable sleeving

5. Industrial Fluid Handling Components

OEMs and component molders employ this resin for injection-molded manifolds, valves, connectors, and fittings in fluid delivery and dosing systems. Chemical resistance and low moisture uptake prevent swelling and leakage in aggressive or sensitive media. The material’s mechanical strength and form stability at process temperatures of up to 100°C ensure reliable component function in hydraulic and water management equipment.

Industry compliance standards

• NSF/ANSI 61 (Drinking Water System Components — Health Effects, where potable applications apply)
• ISO 10993-5 (Biological evaluation of medical devices, if used in lab water systems)
• DIN EN ISO 228 (Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are required)

Typical usage ratio

• 90–100% in injection molded parts
• Blends with 10–15% glass fiber for enhanced rigidity or chemical compatibility, based on media and required pressures

Downstream process integration

• Direct pellet-to-part injection molding in multi-cavity tools with hot runner systems
• Secondary operations including thread cutting and ultrasonic welding where needed

Final product types

• Water and fluid distribution manifolds
• Dosing valves
• Snap-fit pipe connectors
• Small-format filtration housings

6. Gas Pipeline Liners (Onshore Industrial Use)

Industrial gas transport system manufacturers rely on this PA12 for flexible and semi-rigid liners installed in steel pipes, where resistance to pressurized gases—especially wet or acidic gases—is critical. The material’s low permeability extends service intervals, while its black pigmentation advances UV and oxidative stability during onsite storage and installation.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 4437-1 (Polyethylene pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels — Performance standards for polyamide pipes adopted regionally)
• EN 1555-1 (Plastic piping systems for gaseous fuels — Specific requirements for PA12 materials)
• European Gas Pipeline Incident Data Group requirements (EGIG, referenced for integrity management)

Typical usage ratio

• 100% in single-layer liner pipes (monolayer extruded)
• 50–70% in co-extruded structures for hybrid metal-polymer composite pipelines, with inner or outer PA12 layer for gas barrier function

Downstream process integration

• Large-diameter pipe extrusion
• Possible fusion butt welding or electrofusion socket joining
• Onsite pull-in relining for rehabilitation of existing pipelines

Final product types

• Onshore industrial gas distribution liners
• Hybrid composite gas transmission pipes
• Pipeline rehabilitation liners
• Instrument-grade compressed air piping