Plastic Nylon PA6

Plastic Nylon PA6 (dry) strength, stiffness, density and thermal properties, with their source.

A bracket in Plastic Nylon PA6, smooth finish.

Mechanical
Yield strength	90MPa1
Elongation at break	10%1
Young's modulus (stiffness)	3.5GPa1
Density	1,130kg/m³1
Strength to weight	79.6kN·m/kg
Stiffness to weight	3.1MN·m/kg
Poisson's ratio	base material0.42
Shear modulus	1.25GPa
Bulk modulus	5.83GPa
Speed of sound	1,760m/s

Stiffness against densityHigher and further left: stiffer for its weight

Strength against densityHigher and further left: stronger for its weight

Thermal
Thermal conductivity	0.33W/m·K1
Thermal expansion	longitudinal102µm/m·K1
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	510µm growth
Specific heat	1,700J/kg·K1
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	0.172mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance	49.9W/m
Melting point	DSC220°C1
Max service temperature	87°C1

Thermal conductivity against densityHigher and further left: spreads more heat for its weight

Thermal expansion against thermal conductivityLower and further right: warps less when heated

Sources2 documents: BASF, Covestro

Values for: Bulk polymer (molded or machined). BASF Ultramid B3S (PA6, unreinforced injection-moulding grade), Product Information 02/2026, dry values (ISO methods)

1
Ultramid B3S Product InformationBASFYield strength: typical, dryElongation at break: nominal strain at break, dryYoung's modulus (stiffness): typical, dryDensity: typicalThermal conductivity: typicalThermal expansion: longitudinal, 23-55 °CSpecific heat: typicalMelting point: DSCMax service temperature: IEC 60216 temperature index, 20000 h
2
Engineering Polymers Part and Mold Design: Thermoplastics, A Design GuideCovestroPoisson's ratio: base material: unfilled polyamide (PA), conditioned, maker design-guide family value (Covestro Table 3-1)

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Thermal properties of Plastic Nylon PA6

Thermal conductivity of Plastic Nylon PA6

Plastic Nylon PA6 has a thermal conductivity of 0.33 W/m·K (0.191 BTU/hr·ft·°F). Basis: typical. Source: BASF, Ultramid B3S Product Information.

Specific heat of Plastic Nylon PA6

The specific heat capacity of Plastic Nylon PA6 is 1,700 J/kg·K (0.406 BTU/lb·°F). Basis: typical. Source: BASF, Ultramid B3S Product Information.

Coefficient of thermal expansion of Plastic Nylon PA6

Plastic Nylon PA6 expands 102 µm/m·K (56.7 µin/in·°F): a 100 mm part grows 510 µm over a 50 °C rise. Basis: longitudinal, 23-55 °C. Source: BASF, Ultramid B3S Product Information.

Thermal diffusivity of Plastic Nylon PA6

Computed from the conductivity, density and specific heat (k / ρc): 0.172 mm²/s, how fast a temperature change spreads through it.

Melting point of Plastic Nylon PA6

Plastic Nylon PA6 melts at 220 °C (428 °F). Basis: DSC. Source: BASF, Ultramid B3S Product Information.

Maximum service temperature of Plastic Nylon PA6

The maximum service temperature of Plastic Nylon PA6 is 87 °C (189 °F). Basis: IEC 60216 temperature index, 20000 h. Source: BASF, Ultramid B3S Product Information.