PA12 Tube — IDs, ODs, Wall Thicknesses & Lengths
PA12 tube is hollow extruded stock produced from Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12). The same low moisture absorption and dimensional stability that distinguish PA12 in rod and sheet forms carry over to tube: sleeve bearings and cylindrical components machined from PA12 tube maintain their bore dimensions more consistently over time compared to PA6 or PA66 equivalents.
At a glance:
- OD range: 0.5" to 6.0" (common stocked sizes)
- Wall thickness: varies by OD; typically 0.125" to 0.750"
- Standard lengths: 4 ft
- ID tolerance: ±0.010" (typical); tighter on request
- Material: Polyamide 12 (PA12, Nylon 12) — extruded
- Color: Natural (off-white/ivory or translucent)
Standard Size Table
PA12 tube is stocked in common OD/ID combinations:
| OD | ID | Wall | Standard Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75" | 0.375" | 0.188" | 4 ft | Precision sleeve bearings |
| 1.00" | 0.50" | 0.25" | 4 ft | Light-duty bushings |
| 1.50" | 0.875" | 0.313" | 4 ft | General-purpose liners |
| 2.00" | 1.25" | 0.375" | 4 ft | Precision bearing sleeves |
| 2.50" | 1.75" | 0.375" | 4 ft | Fluid system components |
| 3.00" | 2.25" | 0.375" | 4 ft | Large-bore sleeves |
| 4.00" | 3.00" | 0.50" | 4 ft | Heavy-duty precision liners |
Custom OD/ID combinations and cut-to-length service are available from Ready Plastics.
Mechanical Properties
PA12 tube is selected when bore stability over time is critical:
| Property | Notes |
|---|---|
| Moisture absorption | Low — bore dimensions remain stable in wet or humid environments |
| Dimensional stability | Excellent — maintains interference and clearance fits reliably |
| Mechanical strength | Good — suitable for radial and axial loading in bearing applications |
| Chemical resistance | Resists fuels, oils, and lubricants |
| Flexibility | Good impact and vibration resistance |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Full numeric specifications are available in the PA12 material datasheet.
Typical Applications
PA12 tube is used for:
- Precision sleeve bearings — bore stability over time reduces maintenance intervals
- Fuel and hydraulic line liners — chemical resistance to fuels and hydraulic fluids
- Automotive fluid system components — thermal and chemical performance supports under-hood use
- Precision spacers and standoffs — consistent OD/ID dimensions support close assembly tolerances
- Wear sleeves in wet environments — resists dimensional change in wash-down or submerged service
Machining PA12 Tube
PA12 tube machines cleanly on a lathe with sharp carbide tooling. Its low moisture absorption means bore dimensions after final machining are close to in-service dimensions — less compensation is needed for moisture-induced growth. Parting and cutting to length are straightforward with a bandsaw. For press-fit bearing applications, account for standard press-fit guidelines; PA12's stability makes interference fits more predictable than with PA6.
Related
- PA12 Material Line Card
- PA12 Rod — solid bar for fully machined components
- PA12 Sheet — flat plate for precision panels and liners