Technical Foundation
What Is a Nylon Tubing?
Nylon tubing is a semi-rigid thermoplastic tube extruded from nylon 11 or nylon 12 resin, offering higher pressure ratings and better chemical and abrasion resistance than polyurethane or polyethylene tubing at a similar OD, which is why it's the standard for pneumatic control lines and DOT-rated air brake systems. Nylon 12 is the more common general-purpose grade; nylon 11 offers somewhat better low-temperature flexibility and chemical resistance and is specified where the tubing sees a wider service temperature range or more aggressive fluid exposure.
Sizing follows OD and wall thickness rather than nominal pipe size, matched to the push-to-connect or compression fitting it will mate with — metric sizes (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm OD) dominate in pneumatic control applications, while imperial sizes (1/8 in. to 1/2 in. OD) remain common in North American air brake and general pneumatic use. Pressure rating drops as temperature rises, so the working pressure spec must be checked at the tubing's actual service temperature, not just at room temperature.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon Grade | Nylon 11 or nylon 12 | Nylon 11 offers better cold flexibility and chemical resistance; nylon 12 is the general-purpose standard |
| OD Sizing | Metric (4-12mm) or imperial (1/8-1/2 in.) | Must match the push-to-connect or compression fitting's rated OD exactly |
| Pressure Rating | Derated with rising temperature | Working pressure at elevated temperature is lower than the room-temperature burst rating |
| DOT Certification | DOT FMVSS 106 (air brake tubing) | Required for tubing used in commercial vehicle air brake systems |
| Durometer/Flexibility | Semi-rigid, higher than PU tubing | Holds its shape in routing but is less flexible around tight bend radii than polyurethane |
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Applications
Where Nylon Tubing Get Used
Nylon tubing is specified anywhere a semi-rigid, pressure-rated line is needed for pneumatic control air or chemically demanding fluid transfer.
Pneumatic Control Systems
Nylon 12 tubing routed between valves, cylinders and FRLs in factory automation air circuits.
Commercial Vehicle Air Brake Systems
DOT-rated nylon tubing used for air brake lines meeting FMVSS 106 requirements.
Chemical Processing & Transfer
Nylon 11 tubing specified for its chemical resistance in fluid transfer lines exposed to solvents and fuels.
Packaging & Automated Machinery
Nylon tubing used throughout pick-and-place and packaging equipment pneumatic circuits.
Agricultural Equipment
Nylon tubing used for pneumatic and low-pressure fluid lines on tractors and implements.
Instrumentation & Process Control
Small-OD nylon tubing used for pilot air and signal lines to pneumatic instruments.
FAQ
Nylon Tubing Questions, Answered
What's the difference between nylon 11 and nylon 12 tubing?
Nylon 11 is derived from castor oil and offers somewhat better flexibility at low temperatures and stronger chemical resistance, making it preferred for demanding fluid transfer and wide service-temperature applications. Nylon 12 is the more common, lower-cost general-purpose grade used throughout standard pneumatic control applications where its performance is more than adequate.
How is nylon tubing sized, and does it matter if I use metric or imperial?
Nylon tubing is specified by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, and it must exactly match the rated OD of whatever push-to-connect or compression fitting it will mate with — metric fittings need metric OD tubing (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, etc.) and imperial fittings need imperial OD tubing (1/8 in., 1/4 in., etc.), since the two size systems are not directly interchangeable even at similar nominal sizes.
Why does nylon tubing's pressure rating change with temperature?
Like most thermoplastics, nylon loses tensile strength as temperature rises, so a tube's burst and working pressure ratings are only valid at the temperature they were tested at — typically room temperature. At elevated ambient or process temperatures, the safe working pressure drops significantly below the room-temperature spec, so always check the manufacturer's pressure-vs-temperature derating curve for the actual service condition.
Does nylon air brake tubing need to be DOT certified?
Yes — tubing used in the air brake system of a commercial vehicle in the US must meet DOT FMVSS 106 requirements, which specify minimum burst pressure, low-temperature impact resistance, and other performance criteria. Standard pneumatic-grade nylon tubing not carrying this certification should not be substituted into an air brake system even if the OD and pressure rating appear similar.
How does nylon tubing compare to polyurethane tubing for pneumatic use?
Nylon tubing is more rigid, holds a routed shape better, and generally handles higher pressure and better chemical/abrasion resistance than polyurethane at a similar OD. Polyurethane tubing is more flexible and better suited to tight bend radii and applications involving frequent flexing or coiling, such as retractable air hose reels, where nylon's semi-rigidity would work against it.
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