Your freedom with Polyamide 6.6

Plastics have become an indispensable part of our society. Your cup of coffee or tea will help you start the day, distances can be covered by car or bicycle and various ways of communication will help you get through the day with ease. Provided the use and processing are sustainable, plastics enrich our lives. In previous articles, we have discussed the use of effective and sustainable forms of engineering plastics, including Polyamide (Nylon). Why should you choose Polyamide? Within the automotive industry, the added value has proven itself, which other industry is ideally suited for this group of plastics?

Why Polyamide?

Polyamide is an excellent plastic because of its combination of rigidity and impact resistance. It is chemically resistant, has good mechanical properties and can withstand high dynamic loads. Within the Polyamide family, a distinction can be made between types. Examples are PA6, PA6.6, PA6/6T, PA6.10, PA11 and PA12. The types differ in the structure of the Polyamide molecule. With Pa6.6. this difference gives a higher melting point. In the case of PA6.6. this is equal to 260˚C and PA6 220˚C. The essential difference with PA6 is also characterized in the moisture absorption. This is 2.8 - 6.5% in the case of PA6.6. 2.8 - 6.5% and with PA6 3.0 - 9.5%. These values depend on the test method.

You can imagine that especially the climatic conditions have a great influence on the properties and dimensions of a product. The use of nylon indoors is less challenging than outdoors. Nylon absorbs moisture, which increases its toughness and elongation. By adding certain additives to the matrix material Polyamide, specific properties can be built in. Heat stabilization, mineral, (hollow) glass balls, glass fibre, carbon fibre, long fibre, flame retardant and combinations of the beforementioned additives. 

From metal to PA 6.6, it works!

Due to the growing knowledge of both the production and the long-term properties of Polyamide, the process of replacing metal has already been started. The advantage in design freedom and weight savings play a major role here. Together with Garmin Tacx BV, De Monchy has enriched the foot of the Flux trainer model with a Polyamide 66 compound. 

The steel interior of the front V-leg has been replaced by a foot made of PA6.6. LFT60. The plastic part has been extensively tested and meets all specifications. A strong consideration during the design phase was the time saved during production and the weight reduction. The team of plastic specialists at De Monchy are ready for you. Contact Albert Jan, Paul, Tony and Jasmin!