To many engineers seeking to replace metal in structural applications, nylon, specifically PA 66, is the default material of choice. Although PA 66 was originally invented as a textile polymer, over the last few decades it has led the adoption of engineering plastics as a material group in critical applications across various industries. Countless metal components have been engineered in PA 66, with a strong record of performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Until recently, engineers have often overlooked other engineering plastic-based materials in favor of standard nylon grades. However, it is important to note that with advances in plastics material technology, other engineering plastics could offer a potential alternative. Today, materials chemists can formulate alternative material solutions that can achieve properties that are equivalent to or better than those of PA 66.
If you’re looking for alternatives to PA 66 but unsure which options are available, we can help. Start with the table below to find out how our top recommended alternatives compare.
| Advantages vs. PA 66 | Disadvantages vs. PA 66 | Product Recommendations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 6 |
+ Broad processing window |
- Higher moisture uptake - Lower temperature resistance - Lower abrasion / wear resistance |
CHEMLON® 200 Series — PA 6 |
| Recycled Solutions (PA 66, PA 6) | + Cost effective + Sustainable alternative + Up to 50% PCR and 100% PIR |
- Available in dark colors only - Lower mechanical properties - Regional availability / pricing |
Recyclon® — Designed for near prime performance. Stringent process control ensures consistency |
| PA 6 / PA 66 Blends |
+ Optimized per application needs |
- Lower temperature resistance |
CREAMID® C — PA 6 + PA 66 |
| PBT | + Better electrical properties + Lower water absorption + Good dimensional stability |
- High specific gravity |
Createc® B — Broad product range independent of the nylon supply chain |
| PP | + Lower specific gravity + More cost effective + No water absorption |
- Lower temperature resistance |
CREALEN HS3 — High temperature resistance grades |
| Advantages vs. PA 66 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 6 | + Broad processing window + Improved impact toughness + Superior surface aesthetics |
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| Recycled Solutions (PA 66, PA 6) | + Cost-effective + Sustainable alternative + Up to 50% PCR and 100% PIR |
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| PA 6 / PA 66 Blends | + Optimized per application needs + Balanced characteristics of each PA + Reduced reliance on single supply chain |
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| PBT | + Better electrical properties + Lower water absorption + Good dimensional stability |
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| PP | + Lower specific gravity + More cost effective + No water absorption |
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| Disadvantages vs. PA 66 | |||||
| PA 6 | - Higher moisture uptake - Lower temperature resistance - Lower abrasion/wear resistance |
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| Recycled Solutions (PA 66, PA 6) | - Available in dark colors only - Lower mechanical properties - Regional availability / pricing |
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| PA 6 / PA 66 Blends | - Lower temperature resistance - Increased moisture absorption - Reduced dimensional stability |
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| PBT | - High specific gravity - Lower hydrolysis resistance - Lower temperature resistance |
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| PP | - Lower temperature resistance - Lower stiffness (Flex Modulus) - Poor abrasion characteristics |
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| Recommended Alternatives | |||||
| PA 6 | CHEMLON® 200 Series — PA 6 CREAMID® P — Lower moisture PA 6 CREAMID® B LGF — Long Glass PA 6* |
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| Recycled Solutions (PA 66, PA 6 | Recyclon® — Designed for near prime performance. Stringent process control ensure consistency | ||||
| PA 6 / PA 66 Blends | CREAMID® C — PA 6 + PA 66 Includes broad range of super tough nylons |
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| PBT | Createc® B — Broad product range completely independent of the nylon supply chain | ||||
| PP | CREALEN HS3 — High temperature resistance grades CREALEN LFT — Long Glass reinforced PP* Suitable for PA Short GF replacement |
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* Products in development (may or may not be available globally)
These material solutions are suitable for a variety of industries, including: Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial, Consumer Products, and Sporting Goods.
Explore the entire portfolio of Teknor Apex engineering plastics! Simply complete the form for your copy of our product guide.
