PA (Nylon)

PA Definition

PA stands for polyamide, also known as Nylon. It has high strength, particularly tensile and impact strength. Also, it has good heat resistance, capable of withstanding high-temperature environments. Generally, its heat resistance can reach 100°C to 150°C, and special grades can even exceed 200°C. However, it has high water absorption, leading to poor dimensional stability.

The Common Types Used in PA (Nylon) Rapid Prototyping

Types	Properties	CNC Machining PA Parts
PA6	Good wear resistance, tensile strength, and thermal stability	Gear, bearing, spring, and other parts
PA6+GF	excellent mechanical properties, outstanding corrosion resistance, oil resistance, heat resistance, high modulus and other advantages。	General mechanical parts, wear-resistant parts, transmission parts, and chemical, electrical, and other parts.
PA66	With high strength, rigidity, and wear resistance	Gear, roller, pulley, roller, fan blade, high-pressure seal, valve seat, gasket, etc.
PA66+GF	after adding glass fiber, tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength can be significantly improved, enhancing heat resistance and dimensional stability.	Gear, bracket, hammer drill shell, baby carriage accessories, air pump accessories, etc

Application of Nylon (PA) Prototype

Polyamide has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties as below:

Industrial Applications: Nylon’s self-lubricating properties make it suitable for use in bearings, gears, and other machine components, as well as in applications that require chemical resistance.
Medical Devices: Certain types of polyamide are used in the production of medical devices and equipment due to their biocompatibility and sterilization capabilities, making it suitable for various medical and healthcare applications.
Engineering Plastics: Polyamide is extensively used in engineering plastics for the production of various components in automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment due to its excellent mechanical properties, including strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.
Consumer Goods: It is used in the production of everyday consumer goods such as kitchen utensils, electronic casings, bottles, and other household products due to its versatility, lightweight nature, and moldability.
Additive Manufacturing: Polyamide-based materials are also used in 3D printing, offering good mechanical properties and the ability to produce complex, lightweight parts.

FAQ

1. What is Polyamide (PA) used for in prototyping?

A is commonly used in prototyping to create functional and durable parts, particularly for applications requiring good mechanical properties and chemical resistance.

2. What is the typical lead time for producing a PA prototype?

The lead time for PA prototypes varies based on the complexity of the part and the chosen manufacturing method. Typically, it ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks.