Calibrated Polyamide Tube Medifly PATR1216 Black (Ø 12×16 mm, PA12 TRUCK, black)

1. Purpose and Operating Principle

The tube is designed for routing main supply lines in high-pressure, high-flow pneumatic brake systems on commercial vehicles, long-haul tractors, trailers, articulated trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment.

2. Technical Specifications

⚠️ Unconfirmed data / check with our manager:

• Exact weight of a 50 m coil (estimated ~5.5 kg, needs confirmation for logistics calculations).
• Availability of dispenser-box packaging for the 16 mm diameter.

3. Design Features

Decoding the Medifly PATR1216 Black part number:

Key design features:

1. Automotive approval DIN 73378 / DIN 74324. The product is certified for original-equipment automotive manufacturing and official repair of commercial vehicle air brake systems.
2. Reinforced 2.0 mm wall. The increased wall thickness profile withstands high loads and resists constant pressure pulsations up to 19 bar without deforming the bore.
3. Frost resistance down to −60°C. The PA12 polyamide base retains its impact toughness at extremely low temperatures without risk of cracking.

4. Installation Recommendations

• Clean cutting. For the 16 mm outer diameter tube, use only a dedicated guillotine-style tube cutter. An uneven cut with pliers or a hacksaw will damage the fitting’s seals and cause air leaks.
• Fitting types: automotive quick-release fittings (VOSS, Camozzi, Raufoss) of 16 mm diameter, or threaded compression fittings with a union nut and insert ring (installation requires an internal 12 mm metal support sleeve).
• Minimum bend radius — no less than 100 mm. For tighter turns, install 90° angle fittings.
• Pressure temperature derating. When routing near heat sources, account for reduced working pressure (at +40°C — 17.1 bar, at +80°C — 13.3 bar).

5. Analogues and Comparison

Cross-references (always verify diameters before substituting):

Comparison within the Medifly line:

• PATR1216 (PA12 TRUCK) — highest reliability class (19 bar), DIN automotive approval, temperature range −60°C to +80°C.
• PA1216 / PA111216 (standard PA12/PA11) — working pressure 18–19 bar, hardness 63–65 ShD, general industrial use.
• PUSAL1216 (PU-ALLOY™ SOFT) — oil-resistant co-extruded polyurethane tube (5.5 bar pressure, 120 mm radius) for liquid oils, not used in automotive brake circuits.

6. Common Mistakes

• Installing a 16 mm compression fitting without an internal support sleeve — tightening the insert ring without a sleeve crushes the polyamide wall.
• Using a standard polyurethane tube instead of PATR1216 in a brake system — polyurethane lacks DIN 73378 certification and softens from the high temperatures found near the engine or frame.
• Cutting with a hacksaw or an ordinary utility knife — burrs on the 16 mm end damage the fitting’s rubber seals.
• Exceeding the minimum bend radius (<100 mm) — creates excessive stress and narrows the 12 mm bore.

7. Practical Applications

• Main brake circuits — primary supply pneumatic lines for commercial trucks, articulated vehicles, buses, and trailers (DIN 73378 / 74324).
• Air suspension and reservoirs — supplying large volumes of air from the compressor to air tanks and air springs.
• High-flow industrial automation — main supply lines to large pneumatic valves and cylinders.
• High-capacity fuel lines — transferring diesel fuel and oils under pressure.

8. Expert Opinion

Vitali Boluchevski, Lead Engineer at Acvatron SRL (18 years of experience):

“The Medifly PATR1216 Black tube, 16×12 mm, is the most powerful main-line standard for commercial vehicle pneumatic brake systems. The enlarged 12 mm bore guarantees instant reservoir filling and uninterrupted brake operation on any articulated vehicle combination. Thanks to DIN 73378 automotive approval and high frost resistance down to −60°C, this model is the best choice for repairing and maintaining commercial fleets in Moldova.”

9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the PATR1216 tube suitable for main pneumatic brake lines on tractor units? Yes, the Medifly PATR series is designed and certified to DIN 73378 and DIN 74324 specifically for main brake circuits on commercial vehicles.

2. What’s the maximum working pressure of the PATR1216 tube? Working pressure at room temperature (+23°C) is 19 bar, and burst pressure is 57 bar.

3. Is the tube resistant to automotive chemicals and road salt? Yes, the carbon-black-filled black PA12 polyamide is inert to road de-icing agents, diesel fuel, engine oils, and ozone.

4. What coil lengths is the tube supplied in? The standard supply form is 50 m and 100 m coils.