Technical guide

PA6 vs PA66 for Reinforced Molded Parts

Compare EAG130 PA6 and EAG230 PA66 at GF30 to isolate matrix differences. For hot loading, focus on stiffness retention; for moisture changes, dimensions and toughness. Record dry, conditioned and molding states separately.

Matched grades and test conditions

Compare the same reinforcement level, test methods, color, and defined dry or conditioned state before attributing a difference to the PA6 or PA66 matrix.

Hot service: stiffness; moisture: dimensions

Hold glass content at GF30 with EAG130/EAG230, compare heat deflection and water absorption, then assembly and dimensions in the target state.

Start With the Finished-Part Requirement

Before choosing PA6 or PA66, define the load, temperature, humidity, chemicals, electrical function, impact, dimensions, life, and required standards. Also record the part geometry, wall thickness, weld lines, flow direction, inserts, assembly loads, and molding process.

Rank the requirements instead of choosing the highest headline strength. A housing may depend on flatness and screw-boss retention. A bracket may depend on creep and fatigue; a connector on conditioned dimensions, electrical performance, and flame requirements. Compare exact grades at the actual service and conditioning state.

Specify Dry, Conditioned and In-Service States

Polyamides absorb moisture from their environment. Moisture can change dimensions and mechanical response, so a dry-as-molded value and a conditioned value are not interchangeable. The rate and equilibrium level also depend on grade, reinforcement, part thickness, temperature, relative humidity, and exposure time.

Define the state for every comparison. Use dry material for processing control, a specified state for inspection or assembly, and the expected service range. Record the conditioning method, time, temperature, humidity, storage, and measurement timing. Do not compare dry PA66 with conditioned PA6.

  • Granulate moisture limit and drying instruction for the exact grade
  • Part conditioning state used for dimensional and mechanical inspection
  • Expected humidity and temperature range during storage and service
  • Property and dimensional acceptance limits at each required state

Compare Temperature, Load and Toughness Together

For hot loads, start with EAG230 PA66 GF30 against EAG130 PA6 GF30 for heat deflection and stiffness retention. For sustained service, measure creep and heat aging separately; HDT is a short-term loaded test.

Stiffness, strength, elongation, impact and fatigue must be reviewed as a balance. Glass fiber can increase stiffness and load response while changing impact behavior, weld-line sensitivity and directional properties. Moisture may reduce stiffness while improving some toughness behavior. Use temperature- and condition-relevant grade data, then test the molded part under its actual load and failure mode.

Review Molding and Dimensional Risk

A change between PA6 and PA66 requires a fresh processing review. Use exact grade documents to confirm drying, handling, residence control, machine and mold guidance, hot runners, venting, gating, filling, cooling, ejection, and shutdown. Do not transfer one grade's settings without review.

For glass-fiber compounds, flow controls fiber orientation, directional stiffness, and shrinkage. Gate position, wall changes, ribs, bosses, weld lines, and cooling can affect warpage and dimensions. Establish the molding window and measure cavity-marked parts at a defined condition. Then compare dimensional performance.

Use Same-Filler Catalogue Examples Correctly

Both grades contain 30% glass, allowing a first matrix comparison at fixed reinforcement. EAG230 has higher listed HDT and a lower water-absorption range, so prioritize it for heat-deformation or moisture-related dimensional risks; compare flow, impact and assembly data separately.

The table is not a family rule or an equivalence statement. Values are typical catalogue references obtained with the listed methods and specimen conditions. Confirm the current grade TDS, color, conditioning and processing guidance before using the numbers in a design calculation, specification, or replacement decision.

Taiyi Polymer PA6 / PA66 GF30 Typical Data Comparison

Property and methodEAG130 PA6 GF30EAG230 PA66 GF30
Glass fiber content, ISO 117230%30%
Water absorption at 23°C / 50% RH, ISO 621.1-1.5%0.5-0.9%
Melting point, ISO 11357220°C260°C
HDT at 1.8 MPa, ISO 75210°C250°C
Tensile stress, ISO 527185 MPa200 MPa
Flexural modulus, ISO 1788,800 MPa9,000 MPa

Qualify the Exact Grade in the Intended Part

Mold traceable candidate parts in the intended tool and establish a stable process window for each grade. Record material condition, lot, fill time, transfer, pressure, cushion, part weight, mold-surface temperatures, cycle, cavity balance, appearance and scrap. Measure dimensions after agreed conditioning intervals rather than comparing parts at different moisture states.

Validate assembly, torque or retention, sustained load, fatigue, impact, heat aging, thermal cycling, humidity, chemicals, electrical function, flame or regulatory requirements as applicable. Release the exact grade and color only when molding capability, conditioned dimensions, functional evidence and required documents are complete.