Nylon 6 & Nylon 66

---

The characteristics of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are similar (with a few exceptions).

While Nylon 66 is the preferred general-purpose nylon in the UK and the principal stocked nylon at Thames, Nylon 6 finds use in the same applications throughout much of mainland Europe. We cover both types in this datasheet and highlight any significant differences.

Benefits:

Typical commercial applications include:

• Good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance
• Good impact strength
• Good damping qualities

Overview

High-quality general-purpose wear resistant engineering nylons; the chemical name is polyamide, and is available in a range of grades and forms to suit many applications. Nylon 66 is harder and stronger than Nylon 6 whereas Nylon 6 absorbs slightly more moisture.

Machinability

While not as fine as acetal, the machinability of un-modified nylon is good. Glass-filled grades will require the use of tipped tooling. As with all plastic materials, experience has shown that extra care must be taken with larger diameters, especially in the colder months when plastic materials lose some of their toughness, and so have less resistance to machining stresses. It's, therefore, important to ensure that these materials are not machined while in a chilled condition. Full machining instructions may be supplied on request.

Chemical Resistance

Nylon 6 and 66 are highly resistant to hydrocarbons, alkalis, fats, oils, fuels, ethers, esters and ketones. But are susceptible to halogens, mineral acids, certain organic acids and oxidising agents.

Dimensional Stability

Like all polyamides, Nylon 66 will slowly absorb/exude moisture from the surrounding atmosphere - this has three significant effects. A component will change dimension, so consideration must be given to this, e.g. bearing clearances. Electrical insulation properties will change. Usefully, high humidity will toughen nylons, with significantly higher impact strength recorded, although the cost is a lower tensile strength.