PA6 (Nylon 6) vs PEEK (unfilled): Completely different price/performance tiers
PA6 (Nylon 6) vs PEEK (unfilled)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA6 (Nylon 6)
Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) — the most widely used engineering thermoplastic. Excellent combination of mechanical strength, toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. Properties are moisture-sensitive — conditioned (50% RH) values are significantly lower than dry values. Trade names include Ultramid B (BASF), Akulon (DSM), Zytel (DuPont). Used for gears, bearings, bushings, cable ties, structural brackets, and automotive under-hood components.
PEEK (unfilled)
Polyetheretherketone — the premium engineering thermoplastic. Exceptional mechanical properties maintained to 260°C continuous use. Resistant to virtually all organic solvents and acids. Biocompatible (ASTM F2026). Used as metal replacement in aerospace, automotive engine parts, medical implants (spinal cages), semiconductor wafer handling, and oil/gas downhole seals.
| PA6 (Nylon 6) | PEEK (unfilled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PA6 (Nylon 6) | PEEK (unfilled) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 75–85 | 90–110 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 70–80 | ≥ 90 | MPa |
| elongation | 30–100 | 30–50 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
PEEK has higher UTS (100 vs 80 MPa), 260°C vs 80°C use temp, no moisture sensitivity, and superior chemical resistance. But PEEK costs 50-100x more per kg. PA6 is the right choice for 95% of general engineering applications; PEEK only when temperature, chemical, or biocompatibility demands justify the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA6 (Nylon 6) the same as PEEK (unfilled)?
PA6 (Nylon 6) and PEEK (unfilled) have a 20% composition overlap. Completely different price/performance tiers
Can I replace PA6 (Nylon 6) with PEEK (unfilled)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (20% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA6 (Nylon 6) and PEEK (unfilled)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA6 (Nylon 6) is a Polymers grade, while PEEK (unfilled) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.