Polyamides (PA)

Polyamides (PA) are semi-crystalline polymers. A distinction is made between two types. Polyamides made of one basic material (e.g. PA 6) and polyamides, which are made of 2 basic materials (e.g. PA 66). Polyamides have very good mechanical properties, are particularly tough and have excellent sliding and wear characteristics. Properties vary from the hard and tough PA 66 to the soft and flexible PA 12. Depending on the type, polyamides absorb different amounts of moisture, which also affect the mechanical characteristics as well as the dimensional accuracy.

When producing semi-finished products, a distinction is made between the extrusion and casting processes. The casting process allows the production of polyamide composite products with larger dimensions and a higher degree of crystallinity (mechanical strength), resulting in less internal tension. The extrusion process, however, is a more economical production process.

Nylon 6

Nylon-6 (PA 6) is considered to be the first engineering thermoplastic. It is one of many hetero-chain thermoplastics which has atoms other than C in the chain. Nylon is created when a condensation reaction occurs between amino acids, dibasic acids and diamines. Commercially Nylon is commonly used in the production of tire cords, rope, belts, filter cloths, sports equipment and bristles. It is particularly useful when machined into bearings, gears, rollers and thread guides.

Nylon 6

Nylon-66 (PA 66) is semicrystalline polyamide commonly used in fiber applications such as carpeting, clothing, and tire cord. It is also used as an engineering material in bearings and gears due to its good abrasion resistance and self-lubricating properties.