Glass fiber reinforced Nylon is a material often used to replace metal due to its higher strength to weight ratio. While Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 offer similar benefits there are distinct differences that should be taken into account when selecting between the two grades. Reference the table below or click on Nylon 6 & Nylon 66 Comparisons to understand these differences and end-use implications.
Nylon 6 | Nylon 66 | Material Selection Implications |
Lower Mold Shrinkage | Higher Mold Shrinkage | Select Nylon 6 to better meet final application dimensions. |
Higher Moisture Absorption | Lower Moisture Absorption | Select Nylon 66 for applications exposed to water or high humidity. |
Lower Melting Point | Higher Melting Point | Nylon 6 is easier to process than Nylon 66. |
Higher Impact Strength | Lower Impact Strength | Select Nylon 6 for applications in environments that must withstand impact and stress. |
Lower Heat Deflection Temperature | Higher Heat Deflection Temperature | Select Nylon 66 for more demanding thermal applications. |
Poor Chemical Resistance to Acids | Chemical Resistance to Acids | Select Nylon 66 in applications demanding sustained performance in harsh environments. |
Better Resistance to Hydrocarbons | Resistance to Hydrocarbons | Select Nylon 6 for applications exposed to fuels and oils. |
Better Lubricity and Wear Resistance | Lubricity and Wear Resistance | Select Nylon 6 for applications requiring a lower coefficient of friction. |
Lustrous Surface Finish | Less Lustrous Surface Finish | Select Nylon 6 for aesthetic applications. |
Durable Color | More Difficult to Color | Select Nylon 6 for color match applications and improved weatherability. |