PA6 GF30 - PA6 30% glass fiber: Key features & uses

1. What is PA6 GF30?

PA6 GF30 is a type of polyamide 6 (PA6) plastic that is reinforced with 30% glass fiber. This material improves the stiffness, shrinkage, impact strength, and thermal durability of finished goods.
Polyamide 6, commonly known as Nylon 6, is a synthetic polymer and one of the most widely used types of nylon. It belongs to the family of polyamides, which are polymers made up of repeating units of amide groups (-CONH-) in their molecular structure.
Polyamide 6 is created through a process called polymerization, where the monomer caprolactam undergoes a chemical reaction to form the long-chain polymer. The addition of glass fibers further enhances these properties, making PA6 GF30 a popular choice in various industries.

2. Benefits of PA6 GF30

PA6 GF30 offers several key benefits that make it highly desirable for different applications:

• High strength: The addition of glass fibers significantly improves the strength and stiffness of PA6 GF30, making it capable of withstanding heavy loads and impacts.

• Improved heat resistance: PA6 GF30 exhibits better heat resistance compared to unfilled PA6, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures without deformation or loss of mechanical properties. It has a melting point of 215 °C and can withstand heat up to 150 °C on average.

• Electrical insulation: PA6GF30 has excellent electrical insulating properties, making it suitable for applications that require electrical components or insulation.

• Chemical resistance: PA6 GF30 shares similar chemical properties with Nylon 6, with some enhancements in mechanical strength due to the addition of glass fibers. PA6 GF30 does not have strong resistance to acidic substances. It may undergo degradation or weakening when exposed to strong acids. Meanwhile, it can withstand exposure to basic solutions without significant harm.

• Dimensional stability: The glass fiber reinforcement imparts exceptional dimensional stability to PA6-GF30. This means that the material experiences minimal expansion or contraction under varying temperatures, ensuring the integrity of the final product.

• Low moisture absorption: Unlike standard PA6, PA6 GF30 has lower moisture absorption, which results in better performance in humid or wet environments. This property is especially crucial for components used outdoors.

3. Common applications of PA6 GF30

PA6 GF30 finds applications in a wide range of industries due to its excellent properties. Some common uses of PA6-GF30 include:

3.1 Automotive parts

PA6 GF30 is used in the manufacturing of various automotive components such as engine covers, intake manifolds, fuel system parts, and electrical connectors. Its lightweight, high strength, and resistance to temperature fluctuations make it an ideal choice for improving vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

3.2 Electrical and electronic

The electrical and electronics industry uses PA6 GF30 in connectors, switches, and housings for electronic devices. Its electrical insulating properties, combined with mechanical strength, ensure reliable performance and durability.

3.3 Industrial machinery

In industrial settings, PA6-GF30 is used in gears, bearings, and machine components that require high mechanical strength and resistance to wear and tear.

3.4 Consumer goods

PA6 GF30 is found in a variety of consumer goods, such as power tools, appliances, sporting equipment, and gardening tools, thanks to its durability, impact resistance, and heat resistance.

3.5 Textiles and apparel

Nylon 6 is extensively used to manufacture textile fibers. These fibers are lightweight, strong, and have good elasticity, making them suitable for a wide range of apparel items. Nylon 6 fibers are commonly used in garments such as sportswear, activewear, hosiery, lingerie, and outerwear.
In industrial settings and safety applications, Nylon 6 fabrics are utilized to produce protective clothing, such as coveralls and workwear. Its toughness and resistance to chemicals and abrasion provide added protection for workers.

4. Other types of glass-filled pa6

In addition to PA6 GF30, there are several other glass-filled PA6 variants available in the market. Let's explore some of these types:

4.1 PA6 GB20 GF10

PA6 gb20 gf10 is a glass-filled PA6 compound that contains 10% glass fiber and 20% glass beads. The addition of glass beads improves the impact resistance and surface finish of the material, making it suitable for applications requiring a balance between strength and aesthetics.

4.2 PA6 GF15 

PA6 GF15 is made of PA6 compound with 15% glass fiber. It offers good strength and stiffness while maintaining a cost-effective balance. This material is commonly used in various automotive and industrial applications.

4.3 PA6 GF33

PA6 GF33 is PA6 polymer containing 33% glass fiber.. It provides higher mechanical strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability compared to PA6 GF30. PA6 GF33 is commonly used in structural components, electrical connectors, and industrial equipment.

4.4 PA6 GF35

PA6 gf35 is a glass-filled PA6 compound with 35% glass fiber content. This material has enhanced mechanical properties, including higher strength, rigidity, and creep resistance. PA6 GF35 is suitable for applications requiring superior performance under demanding conditions.

4.5 PA6 gf50

PA6 GF50 refers to a compound made from PA6 with a 50% Glass Fiber. This composite provides exceptional mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. PA6 GF50 is commonly used in applications requiring maximum performance and durability.

4.6 PA6+ABS-GF20

PA6-ABS-GF20 is a blend of PA6, ABS, and 20% glass fiber reinforcement. This material combines the benefits of PA6 and ABS, offering high impact resistance, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. It is often used in automotive applications where a balance of toughness and strength is required.