Materials database

High-strength weldable fine-grained alloy steel for pressure vessels with minimum yield strength 460 MPa. NL1 designation indicates impact testing at -40°C in the transverse direction. Normalized condition. Used for boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and pipes transporting hot liquids in the petrochemical, oil and gas, and power generation industries.

High-strength weldable fine-grained alloy steel for pressure vessels with minimum yield strength 460 MPa and impact testing at -50°C (NL2 designation). Stricter P and S limits than P460NL1 for improved low-temperature toughness. Normalized condition. Used for cryogenic and low-temperature pressure vessel applications.

Polyamide 11 — bio-based engineering thermoplastic derived from castor oil (ricinus). Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66 (0.9% vs 2.5-8%), better chemical resistance, and excellent low-temperature impact. 11 carbon atoms between amide groups = long aliphatic chain = more flexible/tough. Trade name: Rilsan (Arkema). Used for flexible tubing (automotive fuel/brake lines, pneumatic), offshore flexible pipes, powder coating, and SLS 3D printing (PA 2200 alternative).

Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.

Polyamide 46 — highest melting point (295°C) of all commercial polyamides. Short amide spacing gives high crystallinity (70%+), outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures, and excellent fatigue/creep resistance. Higher moisture absorption than PA66 but better hot properties. Trade name: Stanyl (DSM/now Envalior). Used for under-hood automotive (timing chain tensioners, piston guides), EV motor insulation, connectors requiring >150°C continuous service, and SMT-solderable components.

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.

Polyamide 6 with 30% short glass fiber reinforcement — the industry standard for metal replacement in structural injection-molded parts. UTS doubles vs unfilled PA6 (175 vs 80 MPa), stiffness triples (E-Mod 9.5 vs 3.0 GPa), and HDT jumps to 200°C+. The classic materialref.com differentiation case: Ultramid B3WG6 (BASF) = Zytel 73G30 (DuPont) = Durethan BKV 30 (LANXESS) = Akulon K224-G6 (DSM) = Grilon BG-30 (EMS) = Technyl C216 V30 (Domo) — all the same base material. Used for automotive brackets, engine covers, power tool housings, electrical connectors, and structural inserts.

PA6 with 50% short glass fiber — maximum common GF loading. Very high stiffness (E-Mod ~16 GPa) and strength (UTS ~210 MPa dry) approaching short-fiber-reinforced thermoset territory. Very low elongation (2-3%). High moisture sensitivity retained from PA6 base. Trade names: Ultramid B3EG10 (BASF), Zytel 73G50 (DuPont). Used for structural automotive parts (front-end carriers, pedal brackets), industrial housings, and metal-replacement applications requiring maximum stiffness at minimum cost.

Polyamide 6 with 15% short glass fiber reinforcement — moderate stiffness increase (E-Mod ~5.5 GPa vs 2.7 unfilled) while retaining good impact strength and elongation. Better toughness than higher-filled grades (GF30, GF50). Trade names: Ultramid B3EG3 (BASF), Zytel 73G15 (DuPont). Used for structural clips, housings, brackets, and under-hood automotive parts where moderate stiffness with good impact is needed.

Polyamide 610 — partially bio-based (sebacic acid from castor oil). Bridge between PA6 (high moisture) and PA11/PA12 (low moisture). Good balance of stiffness, toughness, and moisture resistance. Lower water absorption than PA6/PA66 (~1.4% saturated vs 8-9%). Used for monofilaments (brush bristles, fishing line), cable ties, automotive fluid-handling, and applications needing PA stiffness with better dimensional stability in humid environments.

Polyamide 612 — partially bio-based (dodecanedioic acid from palm kernel oil). Even lower moisture absorption than PA610 (~0.9% saturated vs ~1.4%). Better dimensional stability than PA6/PA66 in humid environments. Trade names: Zytel 151/158 (DuPont), Vestamid D (Evonik). Used for precision gears, cable ties, fuel system components, and monofilaments. Between PA610 and PA12 in the moisture/stiffness spectrum.

Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.

PA66 with 15% short glass fiber — light reinforcement giving a good balance of increased stiffness and retained toughness. Less brittle than GF30/GF50 variants (El ~5% vs 3%). E-Mod ~6 GPa (vs 3 unfilled, 9.5 GF30). Trade names: Ultramid A3EG3 (BASF), Zytel 70G15 (DuPont). Used for structural clips, cable ties, fan shrouds, and housings where moderate stiffness increase is needed without sacrificing too much impact resistance.

Polyamide 66 with 30% short glass fiber — stronger and more heat-resistant than PA6 GF30 due to higher-Tm base polymer. UTS ~190 MPa dry, HDT ~250°C. THE automotive under-hood material for structural brackets. Trade names include Ultramid A3WG6 (BASF), Zytel 70G30 (DuPont), Durethan AKV 30 (LANXESS), Technyl A218 V30 (Domo). Used for engine brackets, radiator end tanks, air intake manifolds, and electrical connectors.

Polyamide 9T — semi-aromatic PA based on 1,9-nonanediamine and terephthalic acid. Lowest moisture absorption of any semi-crystalline polyamide (<0.3% at 50% RH). Tm 300-310°C, excellent dimensional stability. Kuraray exclusive: Genestar. Superior to PA6T in processability (lower Tm) while maintaining high-temp performance. Used for SMT connectors (reflow-compatible), automotive ECU housings, LED reflectors, and precision mechanical parts requiring minimal moisture-induced dimensional change.

Polybutylene Terephthalate — semi-crystalline polyester with fast crystallization (short cycle times), very low moisture absorption (0.15%), excellent dimensional stability, and good electrical properties. Key advantage over PA: properties nearly independent of humidity. Trade names include Ultradur (BASF), Celanex/Crastin (Celanese/DuPont), Valox (SABIC), Arnite T (DSM). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, automotive sensors, and any precision part in humid environments.

Polybutylene Terephthalate with 30% glass fiber — THE connector and electrical component material. Key advantage over PA6 GF30: near-zero moisture absorption (0.02-0.2%), so mechanical and electrical properties are stable regardless of humidity. Lower UTS than PA6 GF30 but consistent. Trade names include Ultradur B4300 G6 (BASF), Valox 420 (SABIC), Celanex (Celanese), Crastin (DuPont). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, coil formers, automotive sensors, and any part requiring dimensional stability in humid environments.

Polycarbonate — the transparent high-impact engineering plastic. Amorphous with outstanding impact strength (virtually unbreakable at room temp), optical clarity (~90% light transmission), and good heat resistance (Tg 145-150°C). Trade names include Lexan (SABIC), Makrolon (Covestro). Used for safety glazing, machine guards, automotive headlamp lenses, CDs/DVDs, riot shields, and electronic housings.

Polycarbonate + ABS blend — one of the most widely used industrial thermoplastic alloys. Combines PC impact strength and heat resistance with ABS processability and lower cost. Better chemical resistance than pure PC. Properties tunable by PC/ABS ratio. Trade names include Bayblend (Covestro), Cycoloy (SABIC), Pulse (Techpolymers). Used for automotive dashboards, laptop/phone housings, power tool casings, and 3D printing (FDM filament).

High Density Polyethylene — the highest-volume plastic globally (>30M tons/year). Linear chains with minimal branching give higher density and strength vs LDPE. Excellent chemical resistance, FDA/food-safe, very low moisture absorption, and good impact resistance down to -30°C. Used for pipes, bottles, containers, fuel tanks, cutting boards, playground equipment, and geomembranes.

Low-density polyethylene — branched chain structure gives flexibility, transparency, and easy processing. THE film/packaging polymer: cling wrap, carrier bags, squeeze bottles, shrink wrap. Also used for cable insulation, agricultural film, and coatings. Lower density (0.91-0.93) and strength than PE-HD but much more flexible.

Linear low-density polyethylene — short-chain branching via copolymerization with alpha-olefins (butene, hexene, octene). Better puncture resistance, tear strength, and seal strength than PE-LD at same density. THE modern stretch wrap and food packaging film. Also used for agricultural film, liners, bags, and blown film. Largely replacing PE-LD in film applications.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).

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.