Technical Data for ALUSTECK® Polyamide (PA) Products
Physical-mechanical Properties
Normal polyamide is a medium-weight, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with a wide range of applications. PA has a relatively high water absorption ("hygroscopy"), which, depending on the type and application, can be adapted to the ambient climate by conditioning (warm water storage) the molded parts, if diffusion of air humidity is not sufficient. Only then does normal PA exhibit its good toughness, very good notched impact strength, and good stress crack resistance (with reduced hardness and strength and with volume/dimensional changes), which in many cases must already be present during the assembly of the articles. If polyamide articles have been stored dry and warm for a longer period, they should be placed in warm water for 24 - 48 hours before assembly by inserting or pressing them in. Due to water absorption, polyamide parts must not be assembled in a frozen state.
PA dampens vibrations and is very resistant to creep, fatigue, and abrasion. Glass fiber reinforced PA ("PA/GF") exhibits a higher E-modulus and higher strength. The abrasion behavior of PA is good; for bearing applications, an addition of MoS2 (molybdenum(IV) sulfide, also molybdenum disulfide) or PTFE/silicone results in excellent sliding and emergency running properties. PA can be sawn, drilled, turned, ground, polished, welded, painted, and printed.
Optical and Chemical Properties
Polyamides can be classified into different basic types based on the number of polar amide groups contained in their polymer chains: 4.6, 6, 6.6, 6.10, 11, 12.
Undyed polyamide has a yellowish-white, faint white, or watery-white inherent color depending on the type and is colorable. PA yellows due to aging and UV radiation. Therefore, long-term color constancy is usually not given for natural-colored articles.
PA has good resistance to:
- aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
- gasoline
- oils
- greases
- some alcohols
- esters
- ketones
- ethers
- organic and inorganic bases up to medium concentrations
- chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, Freon, Frigen
- paints and varnishes
PA is not resistant to:
- solutions of oxidizing agents
- mineral acids
- formic acid
- strong alkalis
- phenols
- cresols and
- glycols
Weathering and Aging Resistance
PA has sufficient aging and weathering resistance. For outdoor applications, resistance can be increased by targeted coloring, e.g., with carbon black. In glass fiber reinforced polyamide, the increased surface area due to the glass fibers results in greater stress on the outer surfaces, which, however, does not significantly affect the mechanical properties. The addition of suitable UV stabilizers (HALS) can sufficiently stabilize the outdoor applicability of PA molded parts with any coloring for decades.
Special Settings
- Glass fibers and other strength-enhancing fillers
- MoS2 and PTFE/Si for very good sliding properties
- various stabilizers
- conductive materials to improve electrical conductivity
Product Areas
- Fibers
- Fabrics
- Pipes
- Pipe connectors
- Screws, nuts, washers
- Gears
- Door and furniture fittings
- Plain bearings, sliding elements, bearing bushes
- Fan wheels
- Pump housings
- Filter bodies
Thermal Properties
PA 6 and PA 6.6 are cold-resistant down to at least -30 °C and continuously heat-resistant up to a maximum of +105 °C, PA 6.6 up to a maximum of +120°C. PA 11 and PA 12 are cold-resistant down to at least -50°C and continuously heat-resistant up to a maximum of +80 °C. By adding stabilizers and plasticizers, cold and heat resistance can be increased to values of -60 °C and +110 °C, respectively, and temporarily up to 160°C. Glow properties and heat deflection temperature are good for normal polyamide. In glass fiber reinforced polyamide, the wicking effect of the glass fibers results in moderate flammability.
The heat deflection temperature is even better than with unreinforced polyamide. Even under increasing heat exposure, polyamide is characterized by its good dimensional stability. In glass fiber reinforced polyamide, the expansion is even lower. Depending on the load and the shape of the articles, these continuous service temperatures can be exposed between approx. -40 and 80-120°C. Polyamide begins to decompose above 300°C. Ignition occurs from approx. 450-500°C. It burns weakly with a distinct smell of burnt horn and drips crackling, forms threads, and usually extinguishes after a short time.
PA 6 can also withstand temperatures up to 200°C for a short time, and PA 6.6 with 50% glass fibers can even withstand temperatures up to 250°C for a short time. Physiological and Joining Behavior Contact with water-containing foodstuffs is questionable during prolonged heat exposure. Dry, unreinforced injection molded parts made of polyamide can be joined well and with high strength
- ultrasonic welding
- friction or vibration welding and
- hot plate welding
Particularly suitable for bonding are
- solvents matched to polyamide
- phenol or resorcinol-based varnishes
- concentrated formic acid
- pressure-sensitive adhesives and
- cyanoacrylate adhesives
Alu square tube 25×25 Aluminum profile 1 web 20 mm flush 25 x 25 mm square tube 1 web 20 mm flush
€9.84*
€9.84*
Alu square tube 25×25 Aluminum profile 1 web 20 mm flush 25 x 25 mm square tube 1 web 20 mm flush
€9.84*
€9.84*
