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Resin · Nylon PA6 / PA66 · Engineering plastic

Nylon injection molding — PA6 and PA66 for gears, bearings, structural parts.

Polyamide is the default engineering plastic for parts that slide, bear loads, or see heat. Good wear resistance, low friction, continuous service to 100 °C (120 °C for PA66). Glass-filled variants (PA66-GF30, PA66-GF50) compete with die-cast aluminum in structural applications at lower cost and weight.

QUICK SPECS
Tensile (PA66, dry)85 MPa
Tensile (PA66, 50% RH)55 MPa
Tensile (PA66-GF30)180 MPa
Tensile (PA66-GF50)220 MPa
Continuous service100–120 °C
Moisture absorption2–3% at equilibrium
Coefficient of friction0.2 (low, self-lubricating)
Shrinkage1.5–2.0% (highly grade-dependent)
STATUSIN OPERATION
§ 01 / PA6

PA6 vs PA66 — which to specify

PropertyPA6PA66
Tensile strength (dry)80 MPa85 MPa
Melt temperature220 °C260 °C
Continuous service100 °C120 °C
Moisture absorption3.0%2.5%
CostLowerHigher
Processing easeEasier (lower melt)Harder (high melt, narrow window)
Best forCost-sensitive, lower-temp applicationsHigh-temp, under-hood automotive, structural
§ 02 / GLASS-FILLED

Glass-filled — when it matters

Unfilled nylon is a decent engineering plastic. Glass-filled (PA66-GF30 or GF50) is a structural material competitive with metals:

  • PA66-GF30: 180 MPa tensile, 8,000 MPa flexural modulus. Under-hood automotive parts, structural brackets, pump housings.
  • PA66-GF50: 220 MPa tensile, 15,000 MPa flexural modulus. Engine mounts, structural nodes. Approaches die-cast aluminum performance at 60% the weight.

Tradeoffs: glass abrades tooling (requires hardened steel), increases part anisotropy (properties differ XY vs Z), and reduces impact strength. For every structural application, evaluate whether GF is justified — it's 30–50% more expensive per part.

§ 03 / APPLICATIONS

Applications

Gears & bushingsSelf-lubricating, low friction, wear-resistant. Often replaces bronze or steel.
Automotive under-hoodIntake manifolds, valve covers, coolant reservoirs. PA66-GF30 standard.
Cable ties / fastenersUnfilled PA6 — heat- and UV-resistant commodity parts.
Power tool housingsStructural, impact-resistant, reinforced where needed.
Living-hinge replacementsSpecific nylon grades support living hinges when PP won't survive heat.
Electrical connectorsPA66 standard for automotive and industrial connectors — rated for solder-reflow.
READY WHEN YOU ARE

Need a gear, bushing, or structural bracket?

Upload STEP. PA6 or PA66, unfilled or glass-filled — we recommend the grade matching your load and temperature requirements.

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