Adding glass fibers to nylon dramatically changes its performance characteristics. While unfilled nylon offers excellent toughness and processability, glass-filled grades deliver substantially higher strength, stiffness, and thermal stability.
What Is Glass-Filled Nylon?
Glass-filled nylon is a composite material consisting of nylon resin reinforced with short glass fibers. The most common grades contain 15%, 25%, 30%, or 50% glass fiber by weight.
Mechanical Properties Comparison
| Eigentum | PA6 Unfilled | PA6 GF15 | PA6 GF30 | PA6 GF50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zugfestigkeit (MPa) | 75 | 120 | 170 | 210 |
| Biegemodul (GPa) | 2.7 | 5.5 | 8.5 | 14.0 |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa (°C) | 65 | 180 | 195 | 210 |
Dimensionsstabilität
Glass fibers reduce the material’s coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) by 50-70%, bringing it closer to metals like aluminum.
Überlegungen zur Verarbeitung
Glass-filled nylon requires: higher melt temperatures, higher injection pressures, hardened molds due to abrasive wear, and careful gate design for fiber orientation.
Cost Considerations
GF30 provides the best balance of cost and performance for most applications. It’s the most widely used glass-filled grade.
Application Guide
Choose Unfilled Nylon When:
- Impact resistance and toughness are critical
- Parts need good surface finish
- Snap-fits or living hinges are required
- Cost is the primary concern
Choose Glass-Filled Nylon When:
- High strength and stiffness are needed
- Dimensional stability under heat is critical
- Metal replacement is the goal
- Precision tolerances must be maintained
Our Capabilities
With over 300 CNC machines, we produce more than 10,000 pieces daily with tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm. We accept MOQ from 1 piece, with delivery times ranging from 24 hours to 15 days. We supply nylon in all grades—unfilled, GF15, GF30, and GF50. Get a quote within 24 hours.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Does glass-filled nylon absorb less moisture?
Yes. Glass fibers do not absorb moisture, so GF30 typically absorbs about 30% less moisture than unfilled nylon by weight.
Can glass-filled nylon parts be painted or plated?
Painting is possible but requires proper surface preparation. The glass fibers create a textured surface that can be challenging for high-gloss finishes.
Is glass-filled nylon more brittle?
Glass-filled nylon has lower elongation at break (3-5% vs 50-150%), making it less ductile, but GF30 maintains reasonable toughness.
Can I regrind glass-filled nylon?
Yes, but regrind reduces fiber length and degrades mechanical properties. Typically, no more than 20-25% regrind is recommended.
