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Alformet - Polyamide (PA) Thermoplastic
Polyamide, widely recognized as nylon, is a crucial semi-crystalline thermoplastic appreciated for its low density and high thermal stability. The unique numbering system identifies various types of nylon, such as 6, 66, 11, and 12, which correspond to distinct molecular structures that result in varied properties. Notably, Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are the most frequently utilized. PA's attributes like wear resistance, favorable friction coefficient, and exceptional temperature and impact tolerance make it a preferred choice for replacing metal in applications. These include automotive components, industrial valves, and railway insulators, where high strength and reduced weight are critical. Despite its superior characteristics, nylon tends to absorb moisture affecting its dimensional stability. Different polyamide types absorb moisture variably, influencing their properties. Furthermore, Nylon’s chemical and oil resistance enhances its appeal in industrial use, though attention to moisture absorption is necessary for maintaining performance.
PA material or polyamide is a material more commonly known as nylon, which is also typically numbered to identify the nylon plastic type (such as 6, 66, 11 and 12). These numbers relate to the molecular structure of the nylon polymer and each structure type will have different properties. The most common polyamide plastics are Nylon 6 (PA 6) and Nylon 66 (PA66).
PA Nylon is a semi crystalline thermoplastic with low density and high thermal stability. Polyamides are among the most important and useful technical thermoplastics available due to their outstanding wear resistance, good coefficient of friction, and very good temperature and impact properties. In addition, nylon polyamide exhibits great chemical resistance and is particularly oil resistant. This excellent balance of properties makes the PA polymer an ideal material for metal replacement in applications, such as automotive parts, industrial valves, railway tie insulators and other industrial uses, whose design requirements include high strength, toughness and weight reduction. Nylon plastic has a propensity to absorb moisture and as a result has poorer dimensional stability than other engineering plastics. Polyamide properties vary from the hard and tough PA 66 to the soft and flexible PA 12. Depending on the type, polyamide products absorb differing amounts of moisture, which will, in turn, affect the nylon properties in addition to the dimensional stability of the finished machined part.
Polyamide plastic offers:
- High wear resistance
- High thermal stability
- Very good strength and hardness
- High mechanical damping characteristics
- Good sliding properties
- Good chemical resistance