Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide)
Extruded polyamide for bushings, gears and general-purpose engineering parts
Extruded polyamide (nylon, also known in Brazil as tecnil) is the best-known general-purpose engineering plastic: tough, resistant to wear and impact, and easy to machine. PA66 has a higher melting point and is slightly stiffer than PA6. Both absorb water, which increases toughness and changes dimensions.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PA6 / PA66 |
| Trade names | TECAMID 6 natural (Ensinger); Ertalon 6 SA (MCAM); TECAMID 66 natural (Ensinger); Ertalon 66 SA (MCAM Europe) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Polyamide resins | ASTM D6779* |
| Rod, sheet and tube | Manufacturer's specification (Ertalon 6 SA/66 SA, TECAMID) |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (natural grade) |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Pure polymer
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| Polyamide 6 or 6.6 | 100% (natural) |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C (PA6, PA66); ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | PA6: 79 MPa · PA66: 85 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | PA6: 3,300 MPa · PA66: 3,500 MPa |
| Elongation at break | PA6: 130% · PA66: 70% |
| Compressive strength | PA6: 86 MPa · PA66: 81 MPa |
| Hardness | PA6: Shore D 79 · PA66: Shore D 82 |
| Notched impact | PA6: 7 kJ/m² · PA66: 5 kJ/m² |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | PA6: 1.14 g/cm³ · PA66: 1.15 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 100 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | PA6: 160 °C · PA66: 170 °C |
| Minimum service temperature | PA6: -40 °C · PA66: -30 °C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | PA6: 70 °C · PA66: 85 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | PA6: 221 °C · PA66: 258 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | PA6: 130 µm/m·K · PA66: 120 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | PA6: 0.37 W/m·K · PA66: 0.36 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | PA6: 0.3 / 0.6% · PA66: 0.2-0.4% |
| Water absorption (saturation) | PA6: 2.6% · PA66: 8% |
| Dielectric strength | PA6: 31 kV/mm · PA66: 27 / 18 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Calculate the weight of Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide) bar, plate or pipe →
Friction, wear and PV limit
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dynamic coefficient of friction against steel | PA66: 0.26 (dynamic, ASTM D3702) |
| PV limit (pressure × velocity) | PA66: 0.095 MPa·m/s (MCAM QTM 55007, dry against steel, safety factor 4:1 already applied; original 2,700 psi·ft/min) |
PV and friction depend on the test method, the mating surface (steel, stainless, roughness), lubrication and each manufacturer's safety factor: compare values from the same source and confirm by testing in critical applications.
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Limited: mineral acids attack polyamide |
| Bases (alkalis) | Limited; strong bases unacceptable |
| Solvents | Good in common organic solvents; chlorinated solvents limited |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Very good (oils, greases, fuels) |
| Steam and hot water | Limited (hydrolysis and swelling) |
Stock forms and sizes
- Rod (round bar)
- Sheet (plate)
- Tube and bushing
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 100 °C, short peaks up to 160 °C; minimum -40 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Stress-relief annealing before precision machining. |
| Bonding and welding | Can be ultrasonic and hot plate welded; bonding with specific adhesives. |
| Machining | Machines very well. |
Typical applications
- Gears and pulleys
- Bushings and washers
- Textile and packaging machinery parts
- Insulators and general engineering parts
Alternatives: Cast nylon for large dimensions; POM for dimensional stability; PET when humidity is a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide)?
Polyamide resins: ASTM D6779*. Rod, sheet and tube: Manufacturer's specification (Ertalon 6 SA/66 SA, TECAMID). Food contact: FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 (natural grade). Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide) be used?
Continuous service up to 100 °C, short peaks up to 160 °C; minimum -40 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide)?
Cast nylon for large dimensions; POM for dimensional stability; PET when humidity is a problem.
Is tecnil nylon?
Yes. Tecnil is a trade name that became a synonym for polyamide (nylon) in Brazil.
PA6 or PA66?
PA66 melts at a higher temperature and is slightly stiffer and more wear resistant; PA6 is tougher and easier to process.
