Nylon Materials Commonly Used for Pneumatic Tubes

2026-04-09　

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For manufacturing pneumatic tubing (nylon air hoses), the mainstream choices are PA6, PA11, and PA1012.Among them, PA1012 is the preferred material for high-end / precision pneumatic systems, PA6 is the standard economical grade, and PA11 is often used in automotive / oil-resistant / bio-based applications.

Comparison of Three Main Grades

Properties	PA6 (Nylon 6)	PA1012 (Nylon 1012)	PA11 (Nylon 11)
Water absorption	High (2.8%–3.0%)	Very low (0.5%–0.9%)	Low (≈1.5%)
Low-temperature toughness	Fair (brittle at -20°C)	Excellent (flexible at -40°C)	Good (usable at -40°C)
Chemical / oil resistance	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Dimensional stability	Fair (changes with moisture)	Excellent	Good
Long-term temperature range	-40°C ~ +120°C	-40°C ~ +120°C	-40°C ~ +120°C
Flexibility / flex fatigue	Medium	Excellent	Excellent
Cost	Low (economy grade)	High (high-end)	High (bio-based)

Selection by Application
1. General industrial pneumatics → PA6

Applications: Standard equipment air lines, low/medium pressure, dry environments, cost-sensitive projects
Advantages: High strength, wear-resistant, pressure-resistant, easy processing, low cost
Disadvantages: Dimensional and strength changes after water absorption; brittle at low temperatures

2. Precision / high-end / long service life → PA1012 (industry top choice)

Applications: Automation, semiconductors, automotive air circuits, frequent bending, humid / low-temperature environments
Key advantages: Low moisture absorption, stable dimensions, good low-temp toughness, oil resistance, aging resistance, long service life
Typical uses: Pneumatic drag chain tubes, precision instrument air lines, automotive brake & fuel air circuits

3. Automotive / oil-resistant / bio-based → PA11

Applications: Automotive air & oil lines, oil & solvent resistance, eco-friendly requirements (bio-based)
Features: Derived from castor oil, excellent oil and chemical resistance, balanced strength and toughness
Typical uses: Automotive pneumatic tubing, hydraulic auxiliary hoses, high-end industrial air tubes

4. Special scenarios

Ultra-high pressure / high wear resistance: PA610, PA612 (low moisture absorption, high strength)
Hydrolysis resistance / hot water environments: Hydrolysis-stabilized PA612, PA1012
Food / medical applications: Food-grade PA1012, medical-grade PA11

One-sentence summary

Cost-effective, general conditions → PA6
Stable, precise, low-temperature, long life → PA1012
Automotive, oil-resistant, bio-based eco-friendly → PA11

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