When PA6 is not enough: upgrade to PA66 or PA6G

We offer a variety of materials in our web shop, but sometimes it can be difficult to know when to upgrade from one material to another. A common question we get is when to choose PA66 or PA6G instead of PA6. In this article, we will go through some of the most important differences between these materials.

PA6 is a popular choice for many applications, but it also has some limitations. For example, PA6 has a relatively low high-temperature resistance, which can be a problem in some industrial applications. Additionally, PA6 can be sensitive to fatigue, which can lead to breakage or deformation over time.

PA66 - an upgrade for higher temperatures

PA66 is a variant of polyamide that has a higher high-temperature resistance than PA6. This is because PA66 has a different molecular structure that gives it a higher melting point. This means that PA66 can be used in applications where the temperature is higher than what PA6 can handle. PA66 also has better resistance to fatigue, which can lead to a longer lifespan for the component.

But PA66 is not just an upgrade when it comes to temperature resistance. It also has better chemical resistance and higher mechanical strength than PA6. This makes PA66 a good choice for applications where the component is exposed to chemicals or mechanical stress.

The question is, when should you choose PA66 instead of PA6? It is a good question, and the answer depends on the requirements of the component. If the temperature is high or if the component is exposed to chemicals or mechanical stress, PA66 may be a better choice. But if the requirements are less stringent, PA6 can still be a good choice.

PA6G - an upgrade for larger dimensions

PA6G, also known as cast nylon, is another variant of polyamide that has some unique properties. For example, PA6G can be manufactured in much larger dimensions than PA6, which can be useful for applications where the component needs to be large. PA6G also has better resistance to water absorption, which can lead to less change in properties over time.

PA6G also has better mechanical strength and higher hardness than PA6, which can lead to a longer lifespan for the component. Additionally, PA6G has a higher Shore hardness, 65 Shore D, which can be useful for applications where the component is exposed to wear and tear.

But PA6G is not without its limitations. For example, it can be more expensive than PA6, which can be a problem for some applications. Additionally, PA6G can have a slightly lower high-temperature resistance than PA66, which can be a problem in some industrial applications.

Water absorption - an important factor

Water absorption is an important factor to consider when choosing a material. PA6 has a relatively high water absorption, which can lead to a change in properties over time. PA66 and PA6G have lower water absorption, which can lead to less change in properties.

The question is, how big is the difference in water absorption between PA6, PA66 and PA6G? It is a good question, and the answer depends on the requirements of the component. If the component is exposed to water or moisture, PA66 or PA6G may be a better choice.

Costs - an important factor

Costs are an important factor to consider when choosing a material. PA6 is often the cheapest option, but PA66 and PA6G can be more expensive. But if you consider the longer lifespan and better properties, PA66 and PA6G can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.

The question is, how should you weigh the costs when choosing a material? It is a good question, and the answer depends on the requirements of the component. If the requirements are stringent and the component needs to have a long lifespan, PA66 or PA6G may be a better choice.

Decision matrix - a help to choose the right material

We have developed a decision matrix that can help to choose the right material. The matrix takes into account factors such as temperature, chemical resistance, mechanical strength and water absorption.

If the temperature is high, choose PA66
If the component is exposed to chemicals, choose PA66 or PA6G
If the component is exposed to mechanical stress, choose PA66 or PA6G
If water absorption is an important factor, choose PA66 or PA6G

We hope that this article has been able to provide a good overview of the different material properties and how to choose the right material for your application. If you have more questions or need help choosing a material, you are welcome to contact us for more information.

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