Ryton PPS Tubing Replaces Metal & Rubber in Automotive Thermal Management

Solvay’s high‑performance mono‑layer extrusion Ryton PPS grade has been specifically engineered for corrugated tubing production, a development that brings a new level of flexibility and efficiency to automotive thermal‑management systems.

The breakthrough was the result of a partnership between Solvay (U.S. office in Alpharetta, Ga.) and German pipe manufacturer Maincor Rohrsysteme GmbH & Co. Together they pioneered a manufacturing process that delivers corrugated tubing with variable wall thicknesses and diameters, meeting the demanding space and performance requirements of modern powertrains that combine internal combustion engines with electric‑mobility components such as batteries, e‑motors, and power electronics.

Globally available, the optimized Ryton XE3500BL resin is now a go‑to material for automotive OEMs seeking to replace the heavier, bulkier rubber tubing and metal clamp assemblies traditionally used in fluid‑delivery lines. The material offers exceptional thermal stability (up to 200 °C/392 °F), superior dimensional stability under elevated temperatures, outstanding mechanical strength, ductility, toughness, chemical resistance, and inherent flame‑retardant properties—all while remaining lightweight.

“Engine downsizing pushes engineers to squeeze every inch of the engine bay,” says Brian Baleno, Solvay Specialty Polymers head of marketing‑transportation. “Ryton PPS corrugated tubing expands the possibilities for under‑the‑hood thermal‑management applications—from turbo‑charger exhaust‑gas recirculation circuits to ventilation and vacuum lines that serve fuel tanks, engine housings and crankcase vapor or condensate transport.”

“Developing a successful process to manufacture corrugated tubing from Ryton PPS demonstrates Maincor’s deep processing knowledge and technical expertise,” adds Manuel Zink, Maincor Rohrsysteme head of sales for automotive/home appliances and special applications. “We worked closely with Solvay to reduce weight, improve production efficiencies, and cut costs. Post‑extrusion thermoforming trials using XYZ coordinate‑axis tools ensured tube geometries were perfectly tailored to the limited space in engine bays, speeding component assembly.”

With its combination of lightweight construction, high‑temperature resilience, and chemical durability, Ryton PPS corrugated tubing is poised to become a standard component in next‑generation automotive thermal‑management systems.