Lauramid® – High-Performance Cast Nylon
PA12C Cast Nylon Designed for Demanding Applications – Lightweight, Low Moisture Absorption, Excellent Low-Temperature Resistance, FDA-Compliant, and Available with Cast-In Metal Inserts
What is Lauramid®?
Lauramid® is the original brand of PA12C (cast polyamide 12), invented, developed, and manufactured by Handtmann Elteka in Germany.
With more than five decades of expertise in cast PA12 technology, Handtmann Elteka is a recognized pioneer in the field and the developer and manufacturer of Lauramid®. Combining proprietary material technology with extensive manufacturing expertise, Lauramid® delivers outstanding performance and distinctive properties that set it apart from conventional cast PA6.
Lauramid® is manufactured using a casting process in which a low-viscosity molten material is poured into a mold without pressure. This process enables the integral molding of large and complex-shaped components that are difficult to manufacture by injection molding or extrusion.
Metal cores can also be integrally cast into Lauramid®, enabling the efficient manufacture of composite components such as gears with hubs and rollers. Lauramid® is available in various forms, ranging from semi-finished products such as sheets, round bars, and tubes to custom-molded components produced in near-net shapes.
Material Properties & Advantages
Swelling
Stability
Low Water Absorption
Compared with conventional cast PA6, Lauramid® has lower moisture absorption and less swelling caused by water absorption, providing excellent dimensional stability.
Excellent Low-Temperature Performance
It maintains excellent mechanical properties even in low-temperature environments, enabling use across a wide range of temperatures.
Long-Term Stability
Its properties are less affected by moisture absorption, making its long-term behavior more predictable.
Dimensional Stability
Excellent creep resistance enables it to maintain high dimensional accuracy even under long-term loading.
Integral Molding with Metal Hubs
Integral casting with a metal hub provides high torque transmission performance and excellent bonding strength.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
With an operating temperature range of −40°C to +120°C, it provides stable performance in a variety of environments.
Lightweight
At approximately one-eighth the weight of steel, it contributes to equipment energy savings by reducing component weight and enabling smoother acceleration and deceleration.
Excellent Chemical Resistance
It offers excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals and environmental conditions, making it suitable for various applications.
UV Resistance
Depending on the application and grade, it can also be used in outdoor environments.
High Electrical Insulation
Its excellent electrical insulation properties make it suitable for applications involving high-voltage equipment and electrical systems.
Cost Reduction through Integral Molding
Integral molding by casting reduces the need for secondary machining and assembly, helping to lower total costs.
Suitable for Food and Medical Applications
Certain Lauramid® grades are available with compliance with FDA requirements and ISO 10993
Comparison of PA12C and Cast PA6
PA12C used in Lauramid® offers significant advantages over conventional cast PA6, particularly its lower moisture absorption and the resulting superior dimensional stability.
Especially in environments where humidity and temperature fluctuate, the low moisture absorption and minimal dimensional changes of PA12C provide a significant advantage.
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Property |
PA12C (Lauramid®) |
PA6C |
|---|---|---|
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Moisture Absorption |
Low |
High |
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Swelling Due to Water Absorption |
Low |
High |
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Dimensional Stability |
Excellent |
More susceptible to changes due to moisture absorption |
|
Performance in Low Temp. Environment |
Excellent |
May be more limited compared with PA12C |
|
Long-Term Performance |
More Predictable |
Changes in properties due to moisture absorption need to be considered |
Product Forms
LTK® Pure
Components and Semi-Finished Products without Metal Inserts
LTK® Metal Core
Components and Semi-Finished Products with Cast-In Iron, Steel, or Stainless Steel Inserts
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Cast Components |
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Pre-Machined Components |
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Semi-Finished Products |
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Performance Characteristics by Industry
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Industry |
Dry Running |
Heat Resistance |
Wear Resistance |
UV Resistance |
Chemical Resistance |
Food Safety |
Dimensional Stability |
Low Creep |
Low Moisture Absorption |
Lightweight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Machinery Manufacturing |
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Lifts & Ropeways |
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Sealing & Petrochemical |
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Paper & Printing |
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Transportation & Automotive |
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Food & Packaging |
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Material Handling & Warehousing |
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Textile Industry |
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Medical Engineering |
Applications
Food & Packaging
CIP-Compatible Processing Lines
Lauramid® FS Applicable
Lifts & Ropeways
Designed for Extreme Temperatures (-40°C to +80°C), Impact-Resistant for Long Service Life
Robotics & Painting Equipment
High Electrical Insulation & Lightweight Design
Automotive Industry
Excellent Dimensional Stability Throughout the Product Life Cycle
Welding & Industrial Machinery
Integrated Motor & Gear Systems
One-Piece Near-Net-Shape Casting
Sealing & Petrochemical
Chemical- and Heat-Resistant Design
Custom Shapes Available
History of Lauramid®
|
1968 |
Handtmann began research into plastics. As a metalworking company, Handtmann aimed to develop proprietary materials that would outperform conventional plastics. Handtmann established Elteka, a subsidiary dedicated to the development of plastics. |
|---|---|
|
1971 |
Filed a patent application for the casting technology of PA12C (Lauramid®). |
|
1976 |
Developed production equipment for plastic components and received an order to cast components for Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB), the German Federal Railway. |
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1977 |
Manufactured components for paper-making machinery for Alfa Laval in Sweden, demonstrating that PA12C could replace stainless steel and ceramic materials. |
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1981 |
Developed design and calculation methods for Lauramid® gears in cooperation with the gear research institute at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). |
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1982 |
Received orders for paper-making machine propellers for Voith and 3-meter-long paper-making machine sheaves for Escher Wyss. |
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1986 |
PA12C was adopted for the sliding-door rollers of the Volkswagen T4. |
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1990 |
Lauramid® was further developed for support, connecting, and running rollers used in Doppelmayr cable cars. |
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1999 |
Developed and certified Lauramid® FS for food-related applications. |