PA6 Nylon (polyamide 6, also known as "nylon 6") is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic engineering plastic formed by the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam. Its molecular chain contains a large number of polar amide groups (-CONH-), giving it a unique combination of properties. PA6 Nylon is currently one of the most widely used nylon materials, and can be directly molded through injection molding and extrusion, as well as processed into precision components through CNC machining (such as turning and milling).
Compared to the more common PA66 (nylon 66), PA6 Nylon has a lower degree of crystallinity (30%-40% vs. 50%-60% for PA66), greater toughness, and improved processing fluidity, but is slightly less rigid and has slightly lower heat resistance (long-term operating temperature <80°C). Its core advantages lie in its balanced mechanical properties, excellent wear resistance and self-lubrication, good chemical stability, and low cost, making it suitable for manufacturing components requiring wear and impact resistance and complex structures.
Core Advantages
Balanced Toughness and Wear Resistance
PA6 Nylon's high impact resistance (>5 kJ/m²) and excellent wear resistance (wear loss <0.3 cm³/1.61 km) make it an ideal choice for mechanical components subject to friction, vibration, or minor impact. Examples include:
Gears and Transmission Parts: Reducer gears (module ≤3) and synchronous pulleys (PA6 injection molded/turned parts), which transmit torque (≤50 N·m) with low noise (<60 dB);
Bearings and Guides: Linear guide sliders and bearing cages (PA6 + glass fiber reinforced), which carry medium loads (≤100 kg) and are wear-resistant (lifespan >3 years).
Easy Processing and Low Cost
PA6 Nylon's high processing fluidity (MFR 2-30 g/10 min) and low raw material cost (only 60%-70% of PA66 and 50%-60% of POM) significantly improve production efficiency. For example:
Complex structural parts: PA6 parts with threaded holes, snap-fits, or custom-shaped contours (such as sensor housings and connector brackets) can be formed in one step via injection molding or CNC (reducing assembly steps), resulting in a unit cost 50%-60% lower than metal parts (such as aluminum alloy die-castings).
Waste recycling: 100% of scrap can be recycled (shredded and reused), with a comprehensive utilization rate exceeding 95%.
Self-lubricating and Maintenance-free
PA6 Nylon's low coefficient of friction (0.15-0.3) and self-lubricating properties enable stable operation in oil-free environments, making it particularly suitable for food, medical, or high-dust environments (to avoid contamination). For example:
Food processing equipment: Conveyor belt rollers and impeller bushings (food-grade PA6, FDA-compliant) are grease-resistant and require no regular lubrication.
Household tools: Pulleys (such as curtain rails and clothes drying racks) and wear-resistant gaskets (PA6 turned parts) offer low friction (improving smoothness) and wear resistance (preserving deformation over time).
Typical Applications and Components
Mechanical Manufacturing
Gear/Transmission Systems: Reducer gears, synchronous pulleys, and chain guides (PA6 injection molded/turned parts), delivering low-noise power transmission;
Bearings/Supports: Linear guide sliders and bearing retainers (PA6 + glass fiber reinforced), capable of carrying medium loads and providing wear resistance.
Electronics and Electrical Equipment
Equipment Housings: Distribution box panels and socket bases (PA6 milled parts), offering high insulation (volume resistivity ≥ 10¹⁴ Ω·cm) and impact resistance;
Connector Components: Insulating support bases for small electronic components (PA6 injection molded parts), offering excellent dimensional stability (moisture absorption deformation <0.1%).
Automotive Industry
Interior Functional Parts: Instrument Panel Brackets, Door Stops (PA6 injection molded parts), vibration-resistant (resists driving bumps) and lightweight (20%-30% weight reduction);
Engine Peripheral Parts: Cooling Fan Blades (PA6 + Glass Fiber Reinforced), Air Filter Housings (PA6 blow molded parts), high-temperature (short-term 100°C) and oil-resistant.
Consumer Goods
Household Goods: Plastic Clothes Hangers, Drawer Slides (PA6 turned parts), smooth (burr-free) and wear-resistant surfaces;
Sports Equipment: Dumbbell Grips, Skateboard Wheel Liners (PA6 injection molded parts), non-slip (surface textured) and impact-resistant.