Nylon PA6

Nylon PA6 (Polyamide 6), also known as polycaprolactam, is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic widely recognized for its outstanding mechanical performance. Developed from the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, PA6 offers an exceptional combination of strength, toughness, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties that make it a preferred material for gears, bearings, and structural components across virtually every engineering sector. Its moisture absorption capacity — which can reach 9.5% by weight under equilibrium conditions — is a double-edged sword: while it enables good dimensional stability in humid environments, engineers must account for property variations when designing PA6 parts.

Mechanical Properties

• Density: 1.14 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: 80 MPa
• Yield Strength: 70 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 100–200%
• Flexural Modulus: 2,600 MPa
• Hardness (Rockwell): R 75 (M scale: M55)
• Heat Deflection Temperature: 70°C @ 1.8 MPa; 160°C @ 0.45 MPa
• Melting Point: 220°C
• Thermal Conductivity: 0.25 W/m·K
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 8.0 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
• Water Absorption: 6.5–9.5% (equilibrium)
• Flammability Rating: V-2 (UL94)

Advantages

🟢  Excellent mechanical strength and toughness with high impact resistance; absorbs shock loads without cracking

🟢  Outstanding wear resistance and low coefficient of friction; self-lubricating in dry conditions, ideal for sliding and bearing applications

🟢  Good fatigue resistance under cyclic loading; maintains mechanical properties through millions of stress cycles

🟢  Excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases, fuels, and many solvents

🟢  Good electrical insulating properties; suitable for electrical enclosure and connector applications

🟢  Naturally white/opaque; accepts colorants and additives readily for custom formulations

Machining & Manufacturing

Common Applications