Nylon isn’t one material—it’s a family of polyamides with distinctly different properties. From the workhorse PA6 to the premium PA12, understanding the full range of nylon grades helps you select the optimal material for your application.
The Nylon Family Overview
| Hạng | Loại | Điểm nóng chảy | Moisture (50% RH) | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA6 | Aliphatic | 220°C | 2.7% | Toughness, processability |
| PA66 | Aliphatic | 260°C | 2.5% | Strength, heat resistance |
| PA11 | Bio-based | 185°C | 0.8% | Flexibility, low moisture |
| PA12 | Aliphatic | 178°C | 0.7% | Lowest moisture absorption |
| PA46 | Aliphatic | 295°C | 3.5% | Highest heat resistance |
PA6: The Versatile Workhorse
PA6 is the most widely used nylon grade, representing approximately 60% of nylon consumption. It offers an excellent balance of strength, toughness, and processability.
Các đặc tính chính
- Tensile strength: 70-85 MPa
- Excellent impact resistance
- Good surface finish and colorability
- Wider processing window than PA66
PA66: The High-Performance Standard
PA66 offers approximately 10-15% higher strength and stiffness than PA6, with superior heat resistance. It’s the preferred choice for demanding applications.
PA11 and PA12: The Specialty Nylons
PA11 and PA12 are distinguished by their exceptionally low moisture absorption—less than 1% even at saturation. This gives them outstanding dimensional stability.
PA46: The High-Temperature Specialist
PA46 (Stanyl) offers the highest heat resistance of any aliphatic nylon, with a melting point of 295°C.
Selection Guide
| Requirement | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| General purpose, cost-sensitive | PA6 |
| High temperature (>120°C) | PA66, PA46 |
| Wet/humid environment | PA12, PA11 |
| Maximum stiffness | PA66-GF30/50 |
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 all major nylon grades. Get a quote within 24 hours.
Câu hỏi thường gặp
Is PA12 always better than PA6?
Not necessarily. PA12 excels in moisture and chemical resistance but is 2-5x more expensive and has lower strength.
Can different nylon grades be blended together?
Yes, nylon alloys exist (e.g., PA6/PA66 blends) that provide intermediate properties.
Which nylon grade is best for 3D printing?
PA12 is most popular for SLS printing; PA6 and PA12 filaments are common for FDM.
Why is PA11 more expensive than PA12?
PA11 is derived from castor oil through a more complex process, while PA12 is petroleum-based.
