Frequently Asked Questions
What does “MD” mean in PA6-MD?
PA6 mineral filled grades are often used to improve dimensional stability and reduce warpage in molded nylon 6 parts.
MD stands for “mineral-filled” — the PA6 is compounded with mineral additives (typically talc, calcium carbonate, or wollastonite) that reduce warpage, improve dimensional stability, and increase surface hardness compared to unfilled nylon 6.
How does mineral-filled PA6 compare to glass-filled PA6?
PA6 mineral filled grades are often used to improve dimensional stability and reduce warpage in molded nylon 6 parts.
Mineral-filled PA6 provides better dimensional stability and lower warpage than glass-filled PA6, but at lower tensile strength. It is ideal for flat, precision parts where tight tolerances matter more than maximum strength. Glass-filled grades offer higher stiffness and load-bearing capacity.
What are typical mineral filler percentages in PA6-MD?
PA6 mineral filled grades are often used to improve dimensional stability and reduce warpage in molded nylon 6 parts.
Common mineral filler loadings range from 20-40%. At 30% mineral fill, PA6-MD achieves an excellent balance of low shrinkage, good surface finish, and moderate strength — ideal for housings, covers, and structural panels.
Does mineral-filled PA6 require special drying before processing?
PA6 mineral filled grades are often used to improve dimensional stability and reduce warpage in molded nylon 6 parts.
Yes. Like all nylon grades, PA6-MD must be thoroughly dried to below 0.15% moisture before injection molding. The mineral filler does not eliminate moisture sensitivity. Drying at 80°C for 4-6 hours in a desiccant dryer is standard practice.
