PA6 (Polyamide 6, or Nylon 6) is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics globally. Known for its excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness, PA6 is the go-to material for mechanical components, gears, and structural parts.
Core Properties of PA6
- High Toughness: PA6 has exceptional impact resistance, making it ideal for parts that endure sudden shocks or heavy loads.
- Wear Resistance: Excellent sliding properties, often used in unlubricated gears and bearings.
- Melting Point: 215°C - 225°C. Lower than PA66, making it easier to process and mold.
- Water Absorption: PA6 is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. While this acts as a plasticizer (increasing toughness), it can cause dimensional changes in precision parts.
Common PA6 Forms & Grades
At Teda Plastics, we supply PA6 in multiple forms to suit different manufacturing processes:
- PA6 Granules: Virgin resin for injection molding and extrusion.
- PA6 Rod & Sheet: Extruded stock shapes for CNC machining into seals, wear pads, and insulators.
- Modified PA6: We supply custom compounded grades including Glass-Fiber Reinforced (GF30), Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (CF), flame retardant (V0), and impact-modified versions.
Typical Applications
Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, PA6 is widely used in:
- Automotive: Under-the-hood components, cable ties, and air intake parts.
- Industrial Machinery: Gears, rollers, bushings, and conveyor components.
- Consumer Goods: Power tool housings and sports equipment.
Machining PA6: What You Need to Know
When machining PA6 rod or sheet, keep in mind its high thermal expansion and moisture absorption. Use sharp tooling to prevent melting, and ensure adequate cooling. For tight-tolerance parts, it's often recommended to use modified grades (like GF30) which have better dimensional stability.
Looking for PA6 or modified Nylon? Send us your drawing or performance requirements. We supply custom compounded PA6 formulations to match your exact specifications.