EN
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PA
Material Type
Engineering Plastics
Material Full Name
Polystyrene
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, CNC Machining
Basic Properties
Property |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyamide (PA) | Commonly known as “Nylon,” containing amide bonds (-CONH-) in its backbone |
| Molecular Structure | Semi-crystalline thermoplastic | Crystallinity affects mechanical/thermal properties (PA66 > PA6 > PA12) |
| Density | 1.01~1.15 g/cm³ | PA6: 1.13 / PA66: 1.14 / PA12: 1.01 |
| Water Absorption | High (PA6: 9.5%; PA66: 8.5%; PA12: 1.5%) | Causes dimensional expansion (PA6 up to 3%)—must be dried before processing |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| – Tensile Strength | 45-90 MPa (dry) | Drops 20-30% when wet |
| – Elongation at Break | 30-300% (increases with moisture) | Exceptional toughness (especially PA12) |
| – Wear Resistance | Superior to most engineering plastics | Can be enhanced with MoS₂ additives |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| – HDT (1.82MPa) | 55-90℃ (wet); 180-260℃ (dry) | PA66 has highest heat resistance (dry HDT 260℃) |
| – Service Temperature | -40℃~120℃ (short-term 150℃) | Increases by 30-50℃ with glass fiber reinforcement |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| – Volume Resistivity | 10¹²~10¹⁵ Ω·cm (dry) | Insulation degrades when wet |
Processing Characteristics
Mandatory Drying:
- 80-100℃ for 4-6 hours (dew point < -40℃)
- Moisture content must be <0.2% (to avoid bubbles/strength loss)
Melt Temperature:
- PA6: 240-280℃ / PA66: 260-300℃
- Degrades above 350℃ (releases caprolactam monomers)
Mold Temperature:
- 60-120℃ (higher temps improve crystallinity & surface finish)
Post-Processing:
- Conditioning (boiling water/steam to balance moisture)
Common Application Areas
-
Automotive: Intake manifolds (PA66-GF30), door handles (PA6)
-
Electronics: Circuit breaker housings (flame-retardant PA), connectors (PA46)
-
Industrial: Conveyor rollers (wear-resistant PA), gears (PA12)
PA Modified Types
Type |
Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PA6 | Balanced properties, low cost | Gears, fishing lines, sports equipment |
| PA66 | Higher heat resistance/rigidity | Automotive radiator tanks, electrical connectors |
| PA12 | Low water absorption, excellent low-temp flexibility | Fuel lines, pneumatic tubes |
| PA46 | Ultra-high heat resistance (dry HDT 290℃) | Engine components |
| PA+30% Glass Fiber | Tensile strength >200 MPa, low warp | Structural parts, drone frames |
| Wear-Resistant PA | PTFE/graphite additives | Bearings, sliders |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Best mechanical balance (strong/tough/wear-resistant) | High water absorption (dimensional instability) |
| Excellent oil/chemical resistance | Limited heat resistance (unreinforced) |
| Self-lubricating (ideal for oil-free environments) | Narrow processing window (requires precise temp control) |
Other Engineering Plastics Selection
POM Materials
PSU Materials
PC Materials
PET Materials
PEEK Materials
FAQ Of PA Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What are the main types of PA plastic, and how do they differ?
Common types include PA6, PA66, PA11, and PA12. Key differences:
- PA6: Tough but hygroscopic.
- PA66: Higher strength/heat resistance but more brittle.
- PA11/PA12: Low water absorption, flexible, used in fuel lines and 3D printing.
How does moisture absorption affect PA plastic? How to mitigate it?
PA absorbs water, causing dimensional changes and reduced strength. Solutions:
- Pre-dry before processing (e.g., 80-120°C for 2-4 hours);
- Use low-absorption grades (e.g., PA12) or glass-fiber-reinforced variants.
Is PA plastic suitable for high-temperature applications?
PA outperforms many plastics (e.g., ABS, PP), but varies by type:
- PA6/PA66: Short-term heat resistance up to 150-180°C (higher if glass-filled);
- High-temp grades (e.g., PA46): Stable above 180°C long-term.
Note: Oxidation risk at high temps—consider anti-oxidant additives or switch to PPS.