PA 6 (Polyamide, Nylon)

Properties of PA6

Mechanical Properties

• Strength: PA6 has high tensile and compressive strength, making it suitable for applications that must withstand significant forces.
• Stiffness: PA6 is relatively stiff, meaning it resists deformation under load, but it can be somewhat flexible depending on the grade and processing.
• Wear Resistance: PA6 has excellent wear resistance and can endure prolonged load and friction.

Thermal Properties

• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): Approximately 50°C.
• Melting Point: Around 220°C to 230°C.
• Heat Resistance: PA6 can be used at temperatures up to 80°C to 100°C without significant deformation. However, it may lose its mechanical properties at higher temperatures.

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Resistance: PA6 is resistant to many solvents, oils, and fuels, but it may be sensitive to strong acids and bases. Its chemical resistance is limited compared to other plastics like POM or PTFE.
• Moisture Absorption: PA6 has relatively high moisture absorption (up to 10% of its weight), which can affect its mechanical properties. This must be considered when designing and using PA6 components.

Physical Properties

• Density: Approximately 1.14 g/cm³.
• Surface Finish: PA6 can achieve a good surface finish but may be prone to scratches and wear in certain applications.

Electrical Properties

• Electrical Insulation: PA6 possesses good electrical insulating properties, making it suitable for electrical and electronic applications where insulation is crucial.

Advantages of PA6

• Strength and Durability: PA6 offers an excellent balance of strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications.
• Processability: The material is easily processed through injection moulding, extrusion, and other thermoplastic processing methods.
• Mouldability: PA6 can be shaped into complex and detailed parts with high dimensional accuracy.
• Cost-Effectiveness: PA6 is generally cost-effective compared to some other engineering plastics.

Applications of PA6

• Industrial: PA6 is widely used for mechanical components such as gears, bearings, and bushings, where wear resistance and strength are critical.
• Automotive: It is used in various automotive parts, such as coolant pumps, fuel filters, and interior components, due to its strength and resistance to oils and fuels.
• Consumer Products: Commonly used in tools, sports equipment, and household items due to its excellent mechanical properties and processability.
• Textiles: PA6 is used in the textile industry to produce fibres and yarns for clothing and other textile products.
• Electronics: Thanks to its electrical insulation properties, PA6 is used in housings and components for electrical and electronic applications.

Processing and Manufacturing

• Processing Methods: PA6 can be processed via injection moulding, extrusion, machining, rotational moulding, and other standard plastic processing techniques. Proper processing temperatures and conditions are essential for optimal results.
• Moisture Management: Due to PA6’s tendency to absorb moisture, it is often necessary to dry the material before processing to minimise the risk of discolouration and loss of mechanical properties.

Conclusion

PA6 is a versatile and robust engineering plastic that combines strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing make it suitable for a wide range of industrial, automotive, and consumer applications. It is crucial to consider PA6’s moisture absorption and chemical resistance when designing and using components to ensure optimal performance.

Interested in the PA polyamide that Profplastic can provide? Contact us at info@profplastic.com.