--- title: "PA6 vs PA12 Nylon Tubing: Moisture Absorption, Flexibility, and Pressure Ratings" canonical: "https://yuannaitube.com/pa6-vs-pa12-nylon-tubing-comparison/" language: "en-US" --- RESOURCES # PA6 vs PA12 Nylon Tubing: Moisture Absorption, Flexibility, and Pressure Ratings By [YUANNAI TUBE]() Published 2026-10-24Updated 2026-11-05 ![Blue and black nylon tubing coils with push-in fittings]() ## Quick Answer: Should You Choose PA6 or PA12? (PA6 vs. PA12 Nylon Tubing) Compare **PA6 vs PA12** using the actual size, **working pressure**, moisture exposure and minimum **bend radius**. In our 14 matched models, PA6 has the higher **working pressure** at nine of the ten metric sizes; the four inch sizes have equal working pressures. PA12 has the smaller minimum **bend radius** at ten sizes and PA6 at four. The supplied sheets list lower moisture absorption for PA12 and different dry/conditioned properties for the two nylons. Use these entries together with the connection and service conditions when selecting [PA6 nylon tubing]() or [PA12 nylon tubing]() . ## At a Glance: PA6 vs. PA12 Physical Properties The values below come from the current company-supplied YN-PA6 and YN-PA12 data sheets. Moisture entries retain their original labels; application decisions should use matching test and conditioning conditions. | Published property | PA6 Nylon Tubing (YN-PA6) | PA12 Nylon Tubing (YN-PA12) | Selection point | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Moisture absorption in the supplied data sheets | Approx. 2.5%–3.5% equilibrium moisture absorption | Approx. 0.3%–0.7% water/moisture absorption | These source entries have different labels; compare grade and conditioning methods for the application. | | Hardness | 75 ± 5 Shore D | 65 ± 5 Shore D | Hardness and minimum bend radius are separate specifications. | | Working pressure at 23°C | 10–41 bar across the listed sizes | 10–29 bar across the listed sizes | Select the pressure for the exact OD, ID and material. | | Pneumatic operating temperature range | -40°C to +130°C | -40°C to +120°C | Temperature limits and room-temperature pressure are separate data-sheet entries. | | Minimum bend radius comparison | Smaller at 4 of the 14 matched sizes | Smaller at 10 of the 14 matched sizes | Use the model-by-model table rather than a material-wide flexibility rule. | ## Model-by-Model Comparison: YN-PA6 vs. YN-PA12 (Nylon 12 Tubing Specifications) Compare the published **nylon 12 tubing specifications** with PA6 at the same nominal OD and ID. The table retains the supplied model values, including the original bar/psi pairs. | Model / nominal size | OD × ID (mm) | Wall (mm) | PA6 Working Pressure | PA6 Min. Bend Radius | PA12 Working Pressure | PA12 Min. Bend Radius | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | YN-PA6 0425 / YN-PA12 0425 | 4.0 × 2.5 | 0.75 | 41 bar (592 psi) | 40 mm | 29 bar (426 psi) | 20 mm | | YN-PA6 0640 / YN-PA12 0640 | 6.0 × 4.0 | 1 | 35 bar (512 psi) | 35 mm | 27 bar (398 psi) | 30 mm | | YN-PA6 0850 / YN-PA12 0850 | 8.0 × 5.0 | 1.5 | 28 bar (412 psi) | 45 mm | 29 bar (426 psi) | 30 mm | | YN-PA6 0855 / YN-PA12 0855 | 8.0 × 5.5 | 1.25 | 28 bar (412 psi) | 47 mm | 19 bar (266 psi) | 45 mm | | YN-PA6 0860 / YN-PA12 0860 | 8.0 × 6.0 | 1 | 23 bar (341 psi) | 48 mm | 17 bar (256 psi) | 50 mm | | YN-PA6 1065 / YN-PA12 1065 | 10.0 × 6.5 | 1.75 | 31 bar (455 psi) | 65 mm | 24 bar (355 psi) | 80 mm | | YN-PA6 1080 / YN-PA12 1080 | 10.0 × 8.0 | 1 | 18 bar (265 psi) | 80 mm | 14 bar (213 psi) | 85 mm | | YN-PA6 1280 / YN-PA12 1280 | 12.0 × 8.0 | 2 | 22 bar (331 psi) | 70 mm | 16 bar (241 psi) | 93 mm | | YN-PA6 1410 / YN-PA12 1410 | 14.0 × 10.0 | 2 | 25 bar (363 psi) | 140 mm | 12 bar (174 psi) | 75 mm | | YN-PA6 1612 / YN-PA12 1612 | 16.0 × 12.0 | 2 | 22 bar (327 psi) | 160 mm | 14 bar (213 psi) | 95 mm | | 1/8″ | 3.175 × 1.58 | 0.797 | 20 bar (290 psi) | 32 mm | 20 bar (290 psi) | 25 mm | | 1/4″ | 6.35 × 4.35 | 1 | 14 bar (203 psi) | 65 mm | 14 bar (203 psi) | 30 mm | | 3/8″ | 9.525 × 6.35 | 1.588 | 14 bar (203 psi) | 100 mm | 14 bar (203 psi) | 80 mm | | 1/2″ | 12.70 × 9.60 | 1.55 | 10 bar (145 psi) | 130 mm | 10 bar (145 psi) | 125 mm | Working pressures are listed at 23°C. Specify working temperature separately and review the [pressure and temperature guide]() for the selected model. ## 1. Moisture Absorption and Fitting Retention ![Diameter readings displayed alongside a tubing production line]() Fig. 1: Diameter inspection on a tubing production line. Fitting selection uses the listed OD, tolerance and connection requirements. The PA6 sheet lists equilibrium moisture absorption of approximately 2.5%–3.5%, while PA12 lists water/moisture absorption of approximately 0.3%–0.7%. The PA6 sheet also lists dry and conditioned tensile/modulus values. These entries help identify which conditioning questions to review with the tubing supplier. For push-in fitting selection, check the specified OD tolerance, wall, surface condition and fitting approval. Include humidity, temperature cycling and leak-test conditions in the application review. ## 2. Flexibility, Routing, and Tubing Bend Radius At 4/2.5 mm, the listed minimum **bend radius** is 20 mm for PA12 and 40 mm for PA6. At 14/10 mm it is 75 mm versus 140 mm, and at 16/12 mm it is 95 mm versus 160 mm. The result reverses at 8/6, 10/6.5, 10/8 and 12/8 mm, where PA6 has the smaller listed radius. For the inch models, PA6 lists 32, 65, 100 and 130 mm, while PA12 lists 25, 30, 80 and 125 mm respectively. Use the [bend-radius routing checklist]() with the actual model and available space. ## 3. Mechanical Strength and Pressure Performance ![PA6 Nylon Tubing product photograph]() Fig. 2: PA6 nylon tubing on industrial reels. Compare pressure ratings by model and operating conditions. At 4/2.5 mm, PA6 is listed at 41 bar **working pressure** and PA12 at 29 bar. At 6/4 mm the values are 35 bar and 27 bar. At 8/5 mm PA12 is listed at 29 bar and PA6 at 28 bar, so pressure capability should also be compared by size. The PA6 pneumatic temperature range is -40°C to +130°C and PA12 is -40°C to +120°C in the supplied sheets. Compare pressure at the actual working temperature using the relevant model data; the room-temperature pressure and full temperature range are separate specifications. ## 4. Environmental Durability, Road Salts, and UV The PA6 sheet lists compressed air, lubricating/mineral oils, fuels and ethylene-glycol antifreeze. PA12 lists compressed air, mineral/hydraulic oil, diesel, petrol and antifreeze. For other media, use the [chemical compatibility guide]() and review the exact concentration and temperature. For outdoor or vehicle installations, include salt exposure, UV, impact conditions and the required system standard in the specification. Product qualification and supporting test documents should match the selected tubing and its intended use. ## 5. Decision Checklist: When to Choose Which Material (Sourcing from Nylon-12 Tubing Manufacturers) - Compare OD, ID, tolerance and the fitting specification. - Select the model’s **working pressure** at the intended temperature. - Compare minimum **bend radius** at that exact size. - Specify medium, humidity, outdoor exposure and any system approval. - Review a sample and the required documents before a production order. ## Frequently Asked Questions What are the key Nylon 12 tubing specifications engineers look for in pneumatic systems? For the listed YN-PA12 range, start with OD/ID, ±0.10 mm tolerance, **working pressure** at 23°C, the -40°C to +120°C data-sheet temperature range, minimum **bend radius** and the intended medium. The 14 models cover 4–16 mm metric OD and nominal 1/8–1/2 inch OD. Match the complete operating conditions to the selected model. Why do automotive and machinery manufacturers specify PA12 instead of PA6? Compare the selected grade and finished tubing against the equipment requirements, including moisture exposure, temperature, fittings and required approvals. For an automotive brake or fuel system, specify the applicable standard and obtain the corresponding model-specific qualification documents. Can I replace PA6 tubing with PA12 in the same push-in fittings? Matching nominal OD is the starting point. Check tolerance, **wall thickness**, hardness, medium, temperature and the fitting manufacturer’s approved tubing specification before changing material. Pressure and minimum **bend radius** also change between the listed PA6 and PA12 models. Why does PA6 soften when stored in humid warehouses? The supplied PA6 data sheet lists lower tensile properties in the conditioned state than in the dry state. Review the conditioning and operating environment when specifying PA6; use the pressure rating for the chosen model and service conditions. Is PA12 softer than polyurethane (PU) tubing? The supplied sheets list PA12 at 65 ± 5 Shore D, PA6 at 75 ± 5 Shore D and **polyether tubing** at 95 ± 2 Shore A. These hardness scales describe different ranges, so compare actual **bend radius** and routing requirements as well. See the [PU vs. nylon tubing guide]() . For a customer example of the switch, see the [PA6-to-PA12 case for cold-climate farm machinery]() . Which nylon is better for air brake systems? Choose tubing that is qualified for the exact vehicle system and applicable standard. Provide the required standard, pressure, temperature and fitting details with the **inquiry** so the finished tubing and supporting documents can be reviewed together. What colors and lengths are available for PA6 and PA12? The PA6 and PA12 sheets list milky white, dark blue, black and red, with custom colors available. Standard roll length varies by model and is shown on the product page. Specify outdoor exposure and any UV-resistance requirement separately when ordering through our [OEM service]() . ## Sources and Related Technical Resources Product values: company-supplied TDS-PA6-2026-V4 and TDS-PA12-2026-V5, available through the [product data sheet center]() . Checked against the linked product model tables on November 2, 2026. - [PA6 model table and data sheet]() - [PA12 model table and data sheet]() - [Nylon 12 sizes and pressure]() - [Metric and inch tubing sizes]() - [Discuss your tubing specification]() ## Sources and scope - [PA6 Nylon Tubing — English data sheet (v4-20261020)]() - [PA12 Nylon Tubing — English data sheet (v5-20261020)]() Use these documents for the identified product models and stated test conditions. General material comparisons and selection checklists do not establish a different grade’s rating, fitting compatibility or project approval. Confirm the exact model, medium, temperature, pressure and required evidence before ordering. Background on the resins: [Arkema]() , a PA12 manufacturer, states that PA12 has significantly lower moisture uptake than PA6, giving greater dimensional stability and more consistent mechanical properties in humid environments. This is a resin manufacturer’s statement, not a rating for our tubing; use the model tables for tubing values. Content review: [zhangkexin]() · Marketing Review scope: market information and document references. ## Tell us what your application needs. Send your dimensions, operating conditions and quantity. Let’s identify the right tubing for your project. [Request a Quote →]() ## Related tubing products ![PA12 Nylon Tubing]() [PA12]() ### PA12 Nylon Tubing PA12 nylon tubing for pneumatic, hydraulic-oil and fuel lines. 14 models from 2.5 x 4 mm to 12 x 16 mm and 1/8″ to 1/2″, in 100 m or 200 m rolls. 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