Nylon 6 is the most widely made nylon. Compared with nylon 66 it melts about 40°C lower (around 220°C), processes over a wider window and gives a glossier surface. It takes on water a little faster and loses heat resistance sooner.
Typical Nylon 6 properties
| Property | Typical value | US units | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~1.13 g/cm³ | ~0.041 lb/in³ | ASTM D792 / ISO 1183 |
| Tensile strength | 70–85 MPa | 10,200–12,300 psi | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Flexural modulus | 2.4–2.9 GPa | 348,000–421,000 psi | ASTM D790 / ISO 178 |
| Notched Izod impact | 40–70 J/m | 0.7–1.3 ft·lb/in | ASTM D256 |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa (264 psi) | 55–65°C | 131–149°F | ASTM D648 / ISO 75 |
| Water absorption, 24 h | 1.30–1.90% | ASTM D570 / ISO 62 | |
| Mold shrinkage | 0.8–1.5% | 0.008–0.015 in/in | ASTM D955 / ISO 294-4 |
Typical ranges for standard grades, dry as molded, from published data sheets. Your grade’s own data sheet and the lot COA are what count. Notched Izod uses 3.2 mm (1/8 in) bars.
Processing and drying
| Processing | Typical |
|---|---|
| Melt temperature | 482–536°F / 250–280°C |
| Mold temperature | 104–212°F / 40–100°C |
| Drying | 176°F / 80°C, 2–6 h |
| Target moisture | 0.03–0.12% |
| Max barrel residence | 10 min |
| General | Typical |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Opaque |
| Chemical resistance | Good: fuels, oils, greases; strong acids attack it |
Starting points only. See the full processing temperature chart and drying guide for every resin.
What changes these numbers
- Dry vs. conditioned. Values above are dry as molded. Conditioned parts are weaker, more flexible and tougher.
- Mold temperature advice varies. Published guidance runs from 40–60°C to 80–100°C. Warmer molds give more crystallinity and better dimensional stability.
- Viscosity picks the process. Low and medium viscosity grades are for injection molding. High viscosity grades are for film, monofilament and extrusion.
- Cast nylon is different. Cast nylon 6 sheet and rod is made by a different process and has different numbers from molded grades.
Common Nylon 6 grades
- Injection grades, low to medium viscosity
- Extrusion, film and fiber grades
- Heat-stabilized grades
- Impact-modified grades
- Nucleated grades
Common questions
What is the melting point of nylon 6?
About 220°C (428°F). It is molded at about 250–280°C (482–536°F).
What is the difference between nylon 6 and nylon 66?
Nylon 66 melts about 40°C higher, holds stiffness better when hot and absorbs a little less water. Nylon 6 is easier to process and gives a better surface. See nylon 6 vs. nylon 66.
Does nylon 6 need drying?
Yes. Dry at about 80°C (176°F) for 2–6 hours. Published moisture targets run from 0.03% to 0.12% depending on the producer.
Need Nylon 6, or something close?
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province