PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12 The World of Nylon-Based Plastics

 

Nylon is a beloved material in various industries due to its excellent mechanical performance and durability among plastics.

Recently, many companies are increasingly demanding products utilizing these nylon-based materials. However, it's not always clear where and how to use representative nylon materials, so today we're sharing this information.

 

PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12 have distinctly different characteristics thanks to their different compositions and structures as shown below.

 

1. PA6 (Nylon 6)

A. Features - High strength and toughness - Excellent wear resistance, good lubrication properties - Low dimensional stability (high moisture absorption)
B. Applications - Automotive engine room parts, mechanical parts, electrical/electronic insulation parts, textiles
C. Disadvantages - Sensitive to moisture, possible dimensional changes during long-term use
D. 3D Printing Methods - FDM (filament form): Industrial machine parts manufacturing - SLS (powder sintering): High precision, mechanical strength parts manufacturing

 

2. PA66 (Nylon 66)

A. Features - Higher heat resistance, strength, and wear resistance than PA6 - High crystallinity with excellent hardness and friction resistance
B. Applications - Automotive engineering parts, industrial gears, bearings, electrical connectors
C. Disadvantages - Difficult processing due to high molding temperature - Continued moisture absorption problems
D. 3D Printing Methods - FDM (engineering filament): High-strength structural parts - SLS (powder-based): Mass production and precision parts

 

3. PA11 (Nylon 11)

A. Features - Plant-based raw material (castor oil) based > Bio nylon - Low absorption rate, excellent dimensional stability - Excellent low-temperature impact strength and chemical resistance
B. Applications - Fuel/oil tubes, medical devices (catheters), sports equipment
C. Disadvantages - Expensive, limited raw material supply
D. 3D Printing Methods - SLS: Most widely used material (Representative: Arkema Rilsan® PA11 powder) - MJF: Parts manufacturing with enhanced durability and surface quality

 

4. PA12 (Nylon 12)

A. Features - Similar to PA11 but petroleum-based raw material - Low hygroscopicity, excellent dimensional stability - Excellent flexibility and fatigue resistance
B. Applications - Automotive brake tubes, cable protection materials, electronic device connectors
C. Disadvantages - Lack of eco-friendliness compared to PA11 - Mechanical strength lower than PA6/PA66
D. 3D Printing Methods - SLS (Representative application, EOS PA2200 powder) - MJF (HP Jet Fusion material, industrial parts) - Some FDM filament versions also available

 

 

Composition Differences & 3D Printing Application Comparison

Type	Raw Material	Absorption Rate/Dimensional Stability	Strength/Heat Resistance	Impact Resistance	Chemical Resistance	Main Applications	Manufacturing Method	Disadvantages
PA6	Petroleum-based	High / Low	High / Medium	Medium	Average	Automotive/electrical parts, textiles	FDM, SLS	Moisture sensitive
PA66	Petroleum-based	High / Low	Very High	Medium	Average	Gears, bearings, connectors	FDM, SLS	Difficult molding
PA11	Plant-based (castor oil)	Low / High	Medium	Very High	Very High	Tubes, sports/medical devices	SLS, MJF	Expensive
PA12	Petroleum-based	Low / High	Medium	High	Very High	Automotive/electronics, 3D printing	SLS, MJF, FDM	Low strength, lack of eco-friendliness