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Nylon 6
Nylon 6 has high viscosity, good melt strength even at high processing temperatures, good toughness and resistance to chemical attack.
What is Nylon 6?
Nylon 6 has high viscosity, good melt strength even at high processing temperatures, good toughness and resistance to chemical attack. Compared to nylon 6,6, it is very slightly more impact resistant, slightly softer and slightly less resistant to high temperatures (it has a lower melt temperature). Compared to nylon 12, it is more brittle at low temperatures. Its higher moisture absorption gives it better impact resistance than nylon 12 when wet.
Nylon 6 begins as pure caprolactam. It is called “nylon 6” because caprolactam has 6 carbon atoms.
We extrude Nylon 6 for single-lumen, multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded medical tubing. See how it compares with the other grades on our nylon tubing page, or ask us which nylon suits your device.
Nylon 6 vs nylon 6,6
Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are the two most common engineering nylons, and they are easy to confuse. Nylon 6 starts as a single monomer, caprolactam, with six carbon atoms. Nylon 6,6 is made from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, each donating six carbons. In tubing, the practical differences come down to temperature, moisture and toughness.
| Property | Nylon 6 | Nylon 6,6 |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 401 to 432°F (205 to 222°C) | 489 to 590°F (254 to 310°C) |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 1.3% to 1.7% | 1.2% |
| Impact resistance | Very slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Hardness | Slightly softer | Slightly harder |
| Abrasion and temperature resistance | Good | Better at high and low temperatures |
Both are more brittle than nylon 12 at low temperatures, and both absorb more moisture, which gives them better impact resistance than nylon 12 when wet. See all our nylon tubing grades.
Nylon 6 questions, answered
What is the melting point of nylon 6?
Typical melting points for nylon 6 grades on our datasheet are 401°F (205°C) to 432°F (222°C).
What is the tensile strength of nylon 6?
Tensile strength at break for nylon 6 runs 3,630 psi (25 MPa) to 13,000 psi (89.6 MPa), with elongation at break of 315% to 400%.
What is the density of nylon 6?
Nylon 6 has a specific gravity of 0.0365 lb./in.3 (1.01 g/cc) to 0.0423 lb./in.3 (1.17 g/cc), which corresponds to a density of about 1.01 to 1.17 g/cm³.
How hard is nylon 6?
On our datasheet, nylon 6 grades measure Shore D 60 to 80.
How can nylon 6 tubing be sterilized?
Depending on grade, nylon 6 is compatible with gamma radiation. Confirm the method for your specific grade with the resin supplier.
Does MicroSpec extrude nylon 6 tubing?
Yes. We extrude nylon 6 into custom medical tubing, including multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded designs. Send us your print or call 603.924.4300 for a quote.
Nylon 6 properties
| Property | Measure low | Measure high |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 0.0365 lb./in.3 (1.01 g/cc) | 0.0423 lb./in.3 (1.17 g/cc) |
| Melting point | 401°F (205°C) | 432°F (222°C) |
| Glass transition temperature | Not applicable | |
| Tensile strength at break | 3,630 psi (25 MPa) | 13,000 psi (89.6 MPa) |
| Elongation at break | 315% | 400% |
| Hardness durometer (Shore A) | 120 | |
| Hardness durometer (Shore D) | 60 | 80 |
| Water absorption @ 24 hours | 1.3% | 1.7% |
This material datasheet is presented for reference only. Characteristics and performance may vary for a specific application and environment. Confirm material selection and suitability against your own requirements and the resin supplier's documentation.
Sterilization
- Gamma radiation
Extruding Nylon 6 for your device?
Send us your specs, drawing or just describe the problem. A member of our team will follow up personally to walk through tolerances, materials and schedule.
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Have full drawings and tolerances? Use our detailed request form.