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.
Where to buy Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide) in Brazil?
Dustre supplies Extruded nylon PA6 and PA66 (polyamide) as bar, plate, tube, block and forged or machined parts, subject to availability, with a quality certificate. Head office in Osasco/SP, branches in Joinville/SC and Baixo Guandu/ES, delivery across Brazil and export worldwide (export documents and 3.1 certificate; Incoterm agreed in the quote). For a quote, message Helena, our virtual assistant on WhatsApp +55 11 98649-0075, or write to vendas@dustre.com.br.