PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PA6 (Nylon 6): Both polyamides — PA12 has much lower moisture absorption
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PA6 (Nylon 6)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA12 (Nylon 12)
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.
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.
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | PA6 (Nylon 6) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PA6 (Nylon 6) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 45–60 | 75–85 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 40–50 | 70–80 | MPa |
| elongation | 100–300 | 30–100 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
PA12 absorbs 10x less moisture (0.12 vs 1.5% at 24h), giving far better dimensional stability. PA6 is stronger (UTS 80 vs 55 MPa), stiffer (E-Mod 3.0 vs 1.3 GPa), and cheaper. Choose PA12 for fuel lines, humid environments, and dimensional precision; PA6 for strength-critical and cost-sensitive parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA12 (Nylon 12) the same as PA6 (Nylon 6)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PA6 (Nylon 6) have a 55% composition overlap. Both polyamides — PA12 has much lower moisture absorption
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with PA6 (Nylon 6)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (55% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA12 (Nylon 12) and PA6 (Nylon 6)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while PA6 (Nylon 6) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
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