Material focus
Nylon 6 selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
Nylon 6
Nylon 6 Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
Nylon 6 (PA6) is a versatile polyamide for gears, structural brackets, and under-hood style parts when PA66 is not required.
Nylon 6
When to specify Nylon 6
How procurement and design teams use Nylon 6 on injection molded programs.
Nylon 6 (PA6) is a versatile polyamide for gears, structural brackets, and under-hood style parts when PA66 is not required. It absorbs moisture, which changes dimensions and impact; buyers either specify dry-as-molded fits or condition parts before inspection. Glass-filled PA6 is common when stiffness and heat are needed without jumping to PA66 cost. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release. PA6 vs PA66 is the usual split: choose PA66 when heat and stiffness lead, and stay with PA6 when thin-wall fill matters more. The comparison card below covers that choice. For gears and sliding parts where moisture uptake is the concern, see Acetal (POM) . For glass-filled structural parts, see Glass filled nylon .
Key traits
Why buyers specify Nylon 6
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
10 business days on qualified programs, depending on part size and complexity.
Common grades
Common Nylon 6 (PA6) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| General purpose | Amilan CM1017 | General industrial and mechanical components |
| 15% glass fiber | Zytel 73G15L | Electrical parts needing moderate stiffness |
| 30% glass fiber | Zytel 73G30L | High gloss and stiff electrical and industrial parts |
| 30% GF heat stabilized | Zytel 73G30HSL | Continuous heat electrical and under-hood components |
| 20% glass fiber | KINGFA PA6-G20 | Power tool handles, appliance parts, and E&E components |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Gears and pulleys | Wear resistance with lubricated or unfilled grades | PA6, fill level, moisture conditioning notes |
| Automotive under-hood clips | Heat vs PP with higher stiffness | Heat and fluid exposure summary |
| Power tool internals | Toughness with GF options | Impact vs stiffness priority |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Not sure whether to specify PA6 or PA66? See the comparison guide below. Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
State PA6 vs PA66 if undecided.
Require drying before molding on the PO.
Specify glass fiber percent when using filled grades.
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (15% to 30% GF, heat stabilized, unfilled tough grade)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Optional: target piece-price band for sourcing discussions
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note Nylon 6 on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Nylon 6 vs 66
Moisture and heat routing.
Nylon 6 vs 66
Nylon vs acetal
Wear and moisture.
Nylon vs acetal
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
Nylon 6 injection molding FAQ
PA6 vs PA66?
PA66 is often chosen when the part needs higher heat and stiffness. PA6 often fills thin walls more readily. Moisture still changes size on both. Melting point and modulus stay on the supplier datasheet for the grade you name.
Why do nylon parts change size after shipping?
Moisture uptake; define measurement condition in the inspection plan.
Is nylon always glass filled?
No. Unfilled PA6 is common for impact; fillers trade toughness for stiffness.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment notes, and upload CAD. Engineers narrow grades during DFM review.
Next step
Quote Nylon 6 parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list Nylon 6 or the target grade on the instant quote platform.