Materials database

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.

Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide 12 (30% short glass fiber). PA12 base resin absorbs significantly less moisture than PA6 or PA66 (0.7% vs 2.5-3.0% at saturation), providing more stable mechanical and dimensional properties in humid environments. GF30 reinforcement boosts tensile strength to ~120 MPa and stiffness to ~8.5 GPa. Better chemical resistance than PA6 GF30 against fuels, oils, and brake fluids. Used for fuel lines, automotive under-hood components, cable connectors, pneumatic tubing, sports equipment, and MJF/SLS 3D-printed structural 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 reinforced with 30% short carbon fibers. Superior stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to glass fiber variants: tensile modulus 22–28 GPa (vs 9 GPa for PA6 GF30) at only 1.28 g/cm³ density. Electrically conductive (EMI shielding). Trade names: Ultramid C3U (BASF), Technyl C (Domo). Used for lightweight structural components, drone frames, robotics, automotive underbody shields, laptop housings and premium sporting goods. Higher cost than GF variants.

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.

Glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate (30% short glass fiber). Combines PC's inherent impact resistance and transparency with dramatically improved stiffness, strength, creep resistance, and dimensional stability. UL94 V-0 flame rating. Very low moisture absorption (<0.15%) ensures stable properties in humid environments. HDT ~145°C under load. Trade names: Makrolon GF, Lexan GF, TECANAT GF30. Used for structural housings, electrical connectors, automotive lamp bezels, precision jigs/fixtures, load-bearing brackets, and 3D-printed functional parts (FDM).

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).

Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) — a semi-crystalline polyester made from terephthalic acid and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) instead of ethylene glycol. Melting point 290°C and Tg 90°C, significantly higher than PET (Tm 255°C) and PBT (Tm 225°C). Excellent hydrolysis resistance and electrical insulation, especially suited for lead-free solder (SMT) reflow processes in electronics. Primary applications: LED packaging, electronic connectors for SMT assembly, automotive ignition coils, lamp sockets, high-performance electrical insulation. Dominant brand: Eastman Thermx (inventor and market leader).

High-density polyethylene pipe grade with MRS (Minimum Required Strength) of 10 MPa at 20°C/50 years. The global standard material for pressurized gas and water distribution pipelines (DN 20 to DN 2000). Bimodal molecular weight distribution provides excellent ESCR (Environmental Stress Crack Resistance), slow crack growth resistance and impact strength. SDR ratings from 7.4 to 26. Fusion-weldable (butt, electro, socket). Operating temperature -40°C to +60°C. Compliant with ISO 4427 (water) and ISO 4437 (gas).

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.