Unfilled nylon 66 is a tough, wear-resistant resin used for cable ties, gears, bushings, fasteners and fittings. It melts higher than nylon 6 (about 260°C) and takes on a little less water, but water still changes its properties more than almost any other common resin.
Typical Nylon 66 properties
| Property | Typical value | US units | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~1.14 g/cm³ | ~0.041 lb/in³ | ASTM D792 / ISO 1183 |
| Tensile strength | 75–90 MPa | 10,900–13,100 psi | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Flexural modulus | 2.6–3.0 GPa | 377,000–435,000 psi | ASTM D790 / ISO 178 |
| Notched Izod impact | 35–60 J/m | 0.7–1.1 ft·lb/in | ASTM D256 |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa (264 psi) | 70–90°C | 158–194°F | ASTM D648 / ISO 75 |
| Water absorption, 24 h | 1.00–1.50% | ASTM D570 / ISO 62 | |
| Mold shrinkage | 1.0–1.8% | 0.010–0.018 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 | 527–580°F / 275–305°C |
| Mold temperature | 140–212°F / 60–100°C |
| Drying | 175–180°F / 80–82°C, 2–4 h from a fresh bag |
| Target moisture | 0.03–0.2% |
| 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
- Water changes everything. As PA66 absorbs moisture, strength and stiffness drop, impact rises and the part grows. Values above are dry as molded.
- Shrinkage on paper vs. in the part. Standard test plaques show about 1.5% along the flow and 1.8% across it. Real constrained parts often shrink about half that.
- Impact climbs when conditioned. Notched impact can rise sharply once the part has picked up moisture, which is why cable ties are often conditioned before use.
- Grade type. Nucleated and lubricated grades cycle faster. Toughened grades trade stiffness for much higher impact.
Common Nylon 66 grades
- General-purpose injection grades
- Nucleated, fast-cycle grades
- Lubricated grades
- Heat-stabilized grades
- Impact-modified and toughened grades
- Flame-retardant grades
Common questions
What is the melting point of nylon 66?
About 260°C (500°F). It is molded at about 275–305°C (527–580°F).
How much water does nylon 66 absorb?
About 1.0–1.5% in 24 hours of immersion, roughly 2.5% at equilibrium in 50% relative humidity, and around 8% fully saturated in water.
Does nylon 66 need drying?
Yes. Dry at about 80°C (175–180°F) for 2–4 hours from a fresh bag. Published moisture targets range from 0.03% to 0.2% depending on the producer.
Need Nylon 66, 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