Polyamide High Pressure Tubing at a Glance
This page gathers the whole polyamide tubing family in one place to compare ratings and route to the right product page.
Tubing is extruded from Nylon 11 (PA11) and Nylon 12 (PA12). Working pressure runs from 530-800 psi at 75°F depending on size, and burst pressure is 3-4x the working pressure. The temperature range is -60°F to 200°F (-51°C to 93°C). Other declared values: vacuum service up to 28 in Hg (95%), diameter tolerance within 0.005 in, and hardness of 108 Rockwell R for PA11 and Shore D 70 for PA12.
Standard reel lengths are 20m, 100m, 250ft, and 500ft depending on diameter. Colors include natural, black for UV exposure, and colored tracer lines for circuit identification. The tube accepts push-in and compression fittings. The full range sits under the high-pressure hose category.
One caveat: ratings are stated at 75°F, and pressure capability drops as temperature rises. Confirm the rating at your actual operating temperature before finalizing a size.
Imperial Sizes and Working Pressure
The imperial range runs from 1/8 in to 1/2 in OD. Working pressure holds at 750-800 psi on smaller sizes and eases to 550-750 psi on the 1/2 in size. The 1/2 in OD tube needs a minimum bend radius of 2 in; tighter bends kink the wall and restrict flow.
| OD (in) | ID (in) | Wall (in) | Working pressure (psi at 75°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 0.078 | 0.024 | 750-800 |
| 3/16 | 0.110 | 0.039 | 800 |
| 1/4 | 0.150 | 0.050 | 800 |
| 5/16 | 0.188 | 0.062 | 750 |
| 3/8 | 0.255 | 0.060 | 750 |
| 1/2 | 0.350 | 0.075 | 550-750 |
Metric Sizes and Working Pressure
The metric range runs from 4mm to 16mm OD. The 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm sizes carry 800 psi, the 8mm and 10mm carry 750 psi, and 12mm is listed at 550 psi. The 16mm OD size has no stated pressure rating, so that cell stays blank rather than guessed. If you are weighing 16mm, request a quote and we will confirm suitability before you specify it.
| OD (mm) | ID (mm) | Wall (mm) | Working pressure (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2.5 | 0.75 | 800 |
| 5 | 3 | 1.0 | 800 |
| 6 | 4.5 | 0.75 | 800 |
| 8 | 6 | 1.0 | 750 |
| 10 | 8 | 1.0 | 750 |
| 12 | 10 | 1.0 | 550 |
| 16 | 13 | 1.5-1.6 |
PA11 or PA12: Which Grade?
Both grades are polyamides and appear across the tables above. They trade off stiffness, moisture uptake, chemical environment, and cost, and the right choice depends on your circuit. If your application is sensitive to any of these, share the working conditions and we will confirm the grade.
Reels, Fittings, and Where to Go Next
Tubing is supplied on 20m, 100m, 250ft, or 500ft reels depending on diameter. If you need a specific cut length, tell us and we will check what the reel allows. Push-in and compression fittings both work; match the fitting body to tube OD and circuit pressure.
For a deeper look, see the high-pressure polyamide pipe page or the 4mm LUBE lubrication hose for a ready-made assembly. Unsure which tube fits your circuit? The lubrication tubing and hose selection guide walks through the decision.
FAQ
How do I choose nylon tubing by pressure and size?
Start from the working pressure at your actual operating temperature, then pick the smallest size whose rating covers it. Allow headroom: burst runs 3-4x the working pressure. For single sizes, see the 4mm nylon pipe and 6mm nylon pipe pages.
What is the difference between working and burst pressure?
Working pressure is the continuous rating at 75°F. Burst pressure, 3-4x the working pressure, is where the tube is expected to fail. Operate at or below the working figure; both fall with temperature.
What temperatures can the tubing handle?
The stated range is -60°F to 200°F (-51°C to 93°C). Pressure capability still drops as temperature climbs, so treat 200°F as a ceiling to confirm, not a rating point.
Does the grade, PA11 or PA12, change the pressure rating?
The tables give one rating set for the family, so size rather than grade drives the pressure figure. Grade shifts stiffness, moisture uptake, and chemical behavior instead. If those matter, confirm the grade with us before ordering.
Can this tubing be used for vacuum lines?
Yes. The declared vacuum capability is up to 28 in Hg (95%). If your circuit alternates between pressure and vacuum, confirm the fitting style too, since push-in and compression fittings behave differently under vacuum.
How is the tubing supplied and cut?
Standard reels are 20m, 100m, 250ft, and 500ft depending on diameter. For cut lengths or mixed sizes, describe the circuit and we will confirm availability.
How precise is the tube diameter?
Declared diameter tolerance is within 0.005 in. Consistent OD matters because compression fittings grip the tube wall; an undersized tube can slip while an oversized one will not seat.
What colors are available?
Natural and black are standard, with black suited to UV exposure. Colored tracer lines can identify circuits on complex machines. State the circuit plan when ordering so the reel matches it.
Why is there no pressure rating for the 16mm size?
None is stated, so the cell stays blank rather than estimated. If 16mm interests you, we will confirm a rating for your temperature and fittings first.
How do I get a quote for nylon tubing?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems was founded in 2023, engineering since 2006. For sizes, grades, or reel lengths not covered here, contact our team or email inquiry@isohitech.com.
