Polyamide 6, 30 % glass fibre reinforced (PA6-GF30) PA6-GF30

spore: profile
id: pa6-gf30
spore_version: 0.2
family: polyamides
name: Polyamide 6, 30 % glass fibre reinforced (PA6-GF30)
abbreviation: PA6-GF30
role: stiff machined structural plastic and desktop printing filament
category: composites
type: glass-fiber-reinforced
summary: |
  Polyamide 6 (PA6, nylon 6) reinforced with 30 % glass fibre is a stiff, semicrystalline composite. Ensinger sells one grade, TECAMID 6 GF30 black, as machined stock shapes; its datasheet gives a density of 1.36 g/cm3 and a tensile strength of 98 MPa (DIN EN ISO 527-2). Spectrum sells PA6 Low Warp GF30 as a 3D printing filament with a density of 1.34 g/cm3 and a tensile strength of 80 MPa (EN ISO 527-1, dry). The two grades are different products, so their rows are not a ranking.
best_for: Stiff machined parts that carry high static loads at elevated temperature (Ensinger), and desktop-printed parts from the Spectrum filament
weakest_at: Sliding contact, where Ensinger says the glass fibres are abrasive to mating surfaces, and moisture, with 6.5 % water uptake at saturation in water for the Spectrum filament
identity:
  formula: (C6H11NO)n polyamide 6 matrix with glass fibre reinforcement (30 % glass fibre reinforced polyamide per Ensinger)
  source: wikipedia-nylon-6
  where: Infobox, formula (C6H11NO)n; reinforcement phrase from the Ensinger product page, Product description
  designations:
    - system: Trade name
      code: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      source: ensinger-page
      where: Product description
tags:
  applications:
    - structures
properties:
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, TECAMID 6 GF30 black (stock shape)
    value: 1.36
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      basis: data generated directly after machining (standard climate Germany), as printed in the data sheet
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet; no test standard printed beside density
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Product block of the data sheet, Density row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 1.34
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      basis: printed as 1,34 g/cm3 on the data sheet
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard EN ISO 1183 as printed
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Materials properties block, Density row
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 98
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
      specimen: type 1b, data after machining
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 527-2
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Tensile strength
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 80
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
      state: dry, as the data sheet footnote states
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard EN ISO 527-1
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Tensile strength (23 ºC, 50 mm/min)
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile strength at yield, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 98
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 527-2
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Tensile strength at yield
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Modulus of elasticity (tensile test), TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 5700
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 1 mm/min
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 527-2
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Modulus of elasticity (tensile test)
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 5500
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
      state: dry
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard EN ISO 527-1
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Tensile modulus
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 140
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 2 mm/min, 10 N
      basis: data after machining
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 178
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Flexural strength
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Modulus of elasticity (flexural test), TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 5200
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 2 mm/min, 10 N
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 178
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Modulus of elasticity (flexural test)
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 125
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_speed: 2 mm/min
      state: dry
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard EN ISO 178
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Flexural Strength
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 4500
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_speed: 2 mm/min
      state: dry
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard EN ISO 178
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Flexural Modulus
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation at break, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 5
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 527-2
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Elongation at break (tensile test)
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation at break, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 3
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_speed: 50 mm/min
      state: dry
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet as greater than 3 %, test standard EN ISO 527-1
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Elongation at break
  - benchmark: charpy_impact_strength
    label: Charpy impact strength, TECAMID 6 GF30 black (non-canonical name)
    value: 60
    unit: kJ/m2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      standard_as_printed: DIN EN ISO 179-1eU
      note_printed: max. 7,5J
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, row Impact strength (Charpy)
  - benchmark: charpy_impact_strength
    label: Charpy impact strength unnotched at 23 °C, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (non-canonical name)
    value: 25
    unit: kJ/m2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      notch: unnotched
      standard_as_printed: ISO 179/1eU
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Mechanical properties table, Charpy impact strength, Unnotched @ 23 °C
  - benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
    label: Glass transition temperature, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 49
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 11357
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Glass transition temperature
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting temperature, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 218
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, test standard DIN EN ISO 11357
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Melting temperature
  - benchmark: max_service_temp
    label: Service temperature, long term, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 100
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      duration: long term
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet; the sheet says individual testing for the application is mandatory
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Service temperature, long term
  - benchmark: max_service_temp
    label: Service temperature, short term, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 180
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      duration: short term
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet; the sheet says individual testing for the application is mandatory
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Service temperature, short term
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature at 1.8 MPa, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 65
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      load: 1.8 MPa
      standard_as_printed: ISO 75-1/-2
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Thermal properties block, Heat Deflection Temperature, 1.8 MPa row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 180
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      load: 0.45 MPa
      standard_as_printed: ISO 75-1/-2
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, as printed without comment
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Thermal properties block, Heat Deflection Temperature, 0.45 MPa row
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 0.41
    unit: W/(K*m)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      standard_as_printed: ISO 22007-4:2008
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Thermal conductivity
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 1.3
    unit: J/(g*K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      standard_as_printed: ISO 22007-4:2008
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, row Specific heat
  - benchmark: moisture_absorption
    label: Water absorption, TECAMID 6 GF30 black, 24 h and 96 h
    value: 0.2
    value_high: 0.3
    bound: range
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      temperature: 23 °C
      basis: value at 24 h, value_high at 96 h
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, standard DIN EN ISO 62 as printed
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Other properties table, row Water absorption
  - benchmark: moisture_absorption
    label: Moisture absorption, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 2
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      humidity: 50 % r.h.
      standard_as_printed: ISO 62
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet as 2,00%
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Materials properties block, Moisture Absortpion row (sic, as printed)
  - benchmark: moisture_absorption
    label: Water absorption at saturation, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 (filament)
    value: 6.5
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament
      temperature: 23 °C
      basis: saturation in water
      standard_as_printed: ISO 62
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet as 6,5%
    status: ground
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Materials properties block, Water Absorption row
  - benchmark: dielectric_strength
    label: Dielectric strength, TECAMID 6 GF30 black
    value: 32
    unit: kV/mm
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: TECAMID 6 GF30 black
      temperature: 23 °C
      humidity: 50 % r.h.
      specimen: 1 mm thickness
    method: Value printed on the manufacturer data sheet, standard ISO 60243-1
    status: ground
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Electrical properties table, row Dielectric strength
corrosion:
  - environment: Water and humid air
    headline: 'Water uptake is the main ageing route in the grades read: Spectrum records 6.5 % at saturation in water.'
    effect: The Spectrum filament data sheet prints 2.0 % moisture absorption at 23 °C and 50 % r.h. and 6.5 % water absorption at saturation (ISO 62). The sheet also says to keep the filament out of moisture. The Ensinger stock shape records 0.2 to 0.3 % water absorption after 24 h to 96 h at 23 °C (DIN EN ISO 62). No dimensional change or property loss after humid ageing is printed on either sheet.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer water-uptake values, not an ageing test; the two grades were tested under different conditions
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Materials properties block (Moisture absorption, Water absorption rows); Storage and shelf life block
  - environment: Hot water and bases
    headline: Ensinger rates resistance to hot water and bases as limited.
    effect: The Ensinger data sheet marks resistance to hot water and bases with a plus sign and footnote (2) as limited resistance. It gives no test conditions or retention values for this row.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer rating, no numeric test
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Other properties table, row Resistance to hot water/ bases, footnote (2)
  - environment: Oils, greases and fuels
    headline: Ensinger says the grade resists many oils, greases and fuels.
    effect: The Ensinger product page lists resistant to many oils, greases and fuels among the main features. The Spectrum filament sheet describes excellent chemical resistance. Neither page names the chemicals or gives a test.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer statements, no test standard or exposure time printed
    source: ensinger-page
    where: Product description, Main features list
  - environment: Weathering and UV
    headline: Ensinger marks resistance to weathering with a plus sign, with no test data.
    effect: The Ensinger data sheet marks resistance to weathering with a plus sign, and the Spectrum sheet gives no outdoor or UV figure. No UV retention of tensile or impact properties was read for PA6-GF30 in this run.
    rating: unknown
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer rating only
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Other properties table, row Resistance to weathering
  - environment: Heat ageing in service
    headline: Ensinger gives 100 °C long term and 180 °C short term as service limits.
    effect: The Ensinger data sheet prints long-term service temperature 100 °C and short-term service temperature 180 °C, and says individual testing for the application conditions is mandatory. No heat-ageing test with retained properties was read.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer service limits, not an ageing test
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Thermal properties table, rows Service temperature (short term and long term)
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: PubChem lists the monomer caprolactam, not the glass-filled polymer, with signal word Warning and the hazard statements Harmful if swallowed; Causes skin irritation; Causes serious eye irritation; Harmful if inhaled; May cause respiratory irritation.
      ghs: []
      source: pubchem-caprolactam
      where: GHS Classification, Hazard Statements (aggregated), PubChem CID 7768
    - text: Neither the Ensinger nor the Spectrum data sheet prints a GHS classification, hazard statement or safety phrase for the PA6-GF30 product. A supplier safety data sheet for the product was not read in this run.
      ghs: []
      source: ensinger-tds
      where: Whole document read; no hazard or safety section printed
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Abrasive wear on a sliding mating surface
      trigger: Sliding contact against a mating part, as in a bearing or guide
      consequence: Ensinger says glass fibres 'tend in some cases to have a marked abrasive effect on mating surfaces' and that glass filled nylon 6 is 'less suitable for sliding applications'.
      severity: moderate
      source: ensinger-page
      where: Product description, Applications and typical uses
    - mode: Creep or softening from long-term heat
      trigger: Service at or above the long-term service temperature
      consequence: Ensinger prints 100 °C as the long-term service temperature and 180 °C as the short-term value, and says individual testing for the application is mandatory. The sheet does not print a creep or retained-strength value.
      severity: moderate
      source: ensinger-tds
      where: Thermal properties table, Service temperature rows
    - mode: Water uptake in humid storage or service
      trigger: Storage or use in humid air or water
      consequence: The Spectrum sheet gives 6.5 % water absorption at saturation and says to keep the filament out of moisture. It does not print a dimensional change for the moist state, so the size change in service is not quantified in any source read.
      severity: moderate
      source: spectrum-tds
      where: Materials properties block; Storage and shelf life block
  side_effects: []
  handling:
    - text: Ensinger describes its values as guideline values for material selection, not specification limits, and says the customer must test the material for the application.
      source: ensinger-tds
    - text: The Spectrum filament data sheet says to store it in a dry room and keep it out of moisture, sunlight and direct heat.
      source: spectrum-tds
  mitigations: []
uses:
  - application: structures
    device: Machined structural part cut from a stock shape (rods, plates, tubes)
    example: TECAMID 6 GF30 black, for parts exposed to high static loads over long periods in high temperature conditions, per the Ensinger product page.
    source: ensinger-page
    where: Product description; Applications and typical uses; Processing methods
  - application: structures
    device: Fused filament printed part on a desktop printer
    example: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament, printable on desktop devices without a heated chamber, with a matt carbonised print surface, per the Spectrum data sheet.
    source: spectrum-tds
    where: Description; Features list
supply:
  - subject: Caprolactam (monomer for nylon 6)
    demand: 'Wikipedia: "World demand for caprolactam was estimated to reach five million tons per year for 2015." The article gives no later figure.'
    routes: 'Wikipedia: "90% of all caprolactam is synthesised from cyclohexanone" by the cyclohexanone oxime route; the cyclohexane route, with nitrosyl chloride, "accounts for 10% of world production."'
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: wikipedia-caprolactam
    where: Synthesis and production section; Uses section
  - subject: Glass fibre reinforcement
    demand: No demand figure for glass fibre in this grade was read in any source.
    routes: Wikipedia defines glass-reinforced plastic as "a composite material or fiber-reinforced plastic" made of "a plastic reinforced with fine glass fibers". E-glass is described as "alumino-borosilicate glass with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides."
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: wikipedia-glass-fibre
    where: Lead; Fiber formation section
  - subject: PA6-GF30 grades read (producers named on the data sheets)
    demand: No volume or share figure was read for these grades.
    routes: Ensinger GmbH (Nufringen, Germany) makes TECAMID 6 GF30 black, printed in the data sheet footer. Spectrum Group Sp. z o.o. makes the Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament, named in the data sheet disclaimer.
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: ensinger-tds
    where: Footer of the Ensinger data sheet; Spectrum data sheet disclaimer
documents:
  - title: Ensinger product page, TECAMID 6 GF30 black (stock shapes)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.ensingerplastics.com/en/shapes/pa6-tecamid-6-gf30-black
  - title: Ensinger technical data sheet, TECAMID 6 GF30 black, version AE dated 2023/07/19
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.ensinger-online.com/modules/public/sheet/createsheet.php?SID=707&FL=0&FILENAME=TECAMID_6_GF30_black_0.PDF&ZOOM=1.2
    year: 2023
  - title: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 technical data sheet (filament), preparation date 06-04-2022
    type: datasheet
    url: https://123-3d.nl/pdf/Spectrum_PA6_Low_Warp_GF30_TDS_EN.pdf
    year: 2022
  - title: PubChem, Caprolactam (CID 7768), GHS classification
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Caprolactam
  - title: NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions for All Elements
    type: database
    url: https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/Compositions/stand_alone.pl?ele=C&all=all&ascii=html
gaps:
  - 'Ageing data: no sourced retention of tensile, impact or modulus after humid, hot-water, UV or heat ageing for this grade was read. The Hygrothermal ageing paper on PA6 with 30 % glass fibre (HAL hal-01620027) could not be opened in this run, so it is not used.'
  - 'Hazards: no supplier safety data sheet for a PA6-GF30 product was read. The only hazard data are for the monomer caprolactam (PubChem).'
  - 'Space data: no outgassing, atomic oxygen, radiation or thermal-vacuum result for PA6-GF30 was found, and no space environment is tagged for this profile.'
  - Producer tonnages and country shares for caprolactam or for glass-filled PA6 were not found on a source we could open.
  - Glass fibre supply and critical-mineral status were not found; no USGS or EU list entry was read for glass fibre or its feedstock.
  - Flammability (UL94 HB, printed on the Ensinger sheet) is not recorded as a property because it is a class, not a number.
  - Thermal expansion (CLTE) rows and the surface and volume resistivity rows are printed in exponent form on the sheets, so they are left out; the Spectrum CLTE rows are also in exponent form.
  - Charpy impact is recorded under a non-canonical property name (charpy_impact_strength), because no canonical impact name exists in property-canon.yaml. Shore D hardness (Ensinger) and the Ensinger compression rows are not recorded.
  - Neither data sheet states a test for the 0.45 MPa heat deflection row beyond the printed value; it is recorded as printed and not checked against a second source.
  - Mechanical values differ between the two grades read (moulding stock shape and desktop filament) and both are dry or machined specimens with different test speeds; no value was averaged or converted.
  - Atomic weights for the recipe are the NIST standard atomic weight ranges for C, H, N and O from the NIST table; the glass fibre composition (E-glass or other) for this grade was not printed on either data sheet.
sources:
  ensinger-page:
    title: TECAMID 6 GF30 black, Ensinger product page (stock shapes)
    id: Product description; Main features; Applications and typical uses; Processing methods
    url: https://www.ensingerplastics.com/en/shapes/pa6-tecamid-6-gf30-black
    kind: datasheet
    license: manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced
  ensinger-tds:
    title: TECAMID 6 GF30 black, Ensinger technical data sheet
    id: Version AE, dated 2023/07/19
    url: https://www.ensinger-online.com/modules/public/sheet/createsheet.php?SID=707&FL=0&FILENAME=TECAMID_6_GF30_black_0.PDF&ZOOM=1.2
    year: 2023
    kind: datasheet
    license: manufacturer datasheet, linked not reproduced
  spectrum-tds:
    title: Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 technical data sheet (3D printing filament)
    id: Preparation date 06-04-2022, hosted by 123-3d.nl
    url: https://123-3d.nl/pdf/Spectrum_PA6_Low_Warp_GF30_TDS_EN.pdf
    year: 2022
    kind: datasheet
    license: manufacturer datasheet, linked not reproduced
  wikipedia-nylon-6:
    title: Nylon 6, Wikipedia
    id: Nylon 6 article, infobox formula, Synthesis and Properties sections
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon_6
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0, linked not reproduced
  wikipedia-caprolactam:
    title: Caprolactam, Wikipedia
    id: Caprolactam article, Synthesis and production and Uses sections
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprolactam
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0, linked not reproduced
  wikipedia-glass-fibre:
    title: Glass fiber, Wikipedia
    id: Glass fiber article, lead and Fiber formation sections
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_fiber
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0, linked not reproduced
  pubchem-caprolactam:
    title: Caprolactam, PubChem CID 7768, GHS classification
    id: PubChem compound record, Hazards Identification, GHS Classification (aggregated)
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Caprolactam
    kind: database
    license: PubChem public data, linked not reproduced
  nist-atomic-weights:
    title: NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions for All Elements
    id: Standard atomic weight rows for H, C, N and O
    url: https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/Compositions/stand_alone.pl?ele=C&all=all&ascii=html
    kind: database
    license: US government data
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 27
  unreachable: 3
  caveats: 4
  note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the pages named in each entry. Unreachable in this run: the HAL ageing paper (access blocked), the Astrup PA6 GF30 page (error page) and the PubChem caprolactam page in browser form (captcha; JSON record read instead). Caveats: the two grades are different products (a machined stock shape and a printing filament); the Spectrum values are for dry specimens; the Ensinger values are guideline values; the heat deflection row at 0.45 MPa is recorded as printed.'
story:
  recipe:
    line: Polyamide 6 is made by ring-opening polymerisation of caprolactam. Wikipedia prints the repeat formula as (C6H11NO)n, and both grades read here add glass fibre as reinforcement, quoted as 30 % glass fibre reinforced polyamide by Ensinger.
    parts:
      - name: Carbon
        symbol: C
        role: Carbon in the repeat unit, from the formula (C6H11NO)n
        share_note: standard atomic weight printed by NIST (see nist-atomic-weights)
      - name: Hydrogen
        symbol: H
        role: Hydrogen in the repeat unit, from the formula (C6H11NO)n
        share_note: standard atomic weight printed by NIST (see nist-atomic-weights)
      - name: Nitrogen
        symbol: 'N'
        role: Amide nitrogen in the repeat unit
        share_note: standard atomic weight printed by NIST (see nist-atomic-weights)
      - name: Oxygen
        symbol: O
        role: Carbonyl oxygen in the repeat unit
        share_note: standard atomic weight printed by NIST (see nist-atomic-weights)
      - name: Glass fibre
        symbol: glass
        role: Reinforcing filler, printed as 30 % glass fibre reinforced polyamide (Ensinger) and 30% glass fibres (Spectrum); basis not stated
        share_note: 30 % as printed
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      lead: The monomer is hazardous; neither data sheet for the PA6-GF30 grades classifies the part.
      level: 1
      verdict: Monomer is hazardous; no part classification printed
      points:
        - label: Monomer
          line: PubChem lists caprolactam with signal word Warning and the hazard statements Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation, Harmful if inhaled and May cause respiratory irritation.
        - label: Part
          line: The Ensinger and Spectrum data sheets print no hazard classification for the PA6-GF30 product.
    - title: If it fails
      lead: The failure routes in these sources are sliding wear and heat above the long-term service limit.
      points:
        - label: Sliding wear
          line: Ensinger says the glass fibres can be abrasive to mating surfaces and that the grade is less suitable for sliding applications.
        - label: Heat
          line: Ensinger prints 100 °C as the long-term service temperature and 180 °C as the short-term value.
  why: 'Polyamide 6 reinforced with glass fibre is a stiff, machinable nylon. Ensinger''s TECAMID 6 GF30 black stock shape records a density of 1.36 g/cm3 and a tensile strength of 98 MPa, and its data sheet gives a melting temperature of 218 °C. The Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament records a density of 1.34 g/cm3 and a heat deflection temperature of 65 °C at 1.8 MPa, so the two products suit different routes: machined parts and desktop printing.'
  uses:
    - where: Machined structural parts
      line: Ensinger describes TECAMID 6 GF30 black as suitable for parts exposed to high static loads over long periods in high temperature conditions, and lists mechanical engineering, electronics and the automotive industry as target industries.
    - where: Desktop fused-filament printing
      line: The Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament is printable on desktop devices without a heated chamber, and the data sheet recommends a closed chamber and a dry box for best results.
  can_do:
    - label: Carry high static loads
      line: the TECAMID 6 GF30 black stock shape has a tensile strength of 98 MPa and a flexural modulus of 5200 MPa (Ensinger, DIN EN ISO 527-2 and DIN EN ISO 178).
    - label: Hold shape at elevated temperature
      line: the Spectrum filament has a heat deflection temperature of 65 °C at 1.8 MPa (ISO 75-1/-2).
    - label: Print on a desktop printer
      line: the Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30 filament is printable without a heated chamber, per its data sheet.
  compare: The two PA6-GF30 products read here are different items, so their rows are examples, not a ranking. The Ensinger stock shape records a tensile modulus of 5700 MPa and the Spectrum filament records 5500 MPa, but their test conditions differ, so read each row only with the condition beside it. Both sheets describe the same glass fibre reinforcement, and the density rows above show one value for each product.
  compare_rows:
    - scope: material
      label: Density
      benchmark: density
    - scope: material
      label: Tensile strength
      benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    - scope: material
      label: Heat deflection temperature
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
  handling:
    - Specify the grade, since the machined stock shape and the printing filament are different products with different test data.
    - Dry the filament before printing, as the Spectrum data sheet recommends, and keep it out of moisture in storage.
    - Treat the values as guideline values, as Ensinger states, and test the material for the application before use.
  good_for:
    - 'Machined parts under static load: 98 MPa tensile strength and 5200 MPa flexural modulus (Ensinger).'
    - 'Desktop-printed parts: a filament printable without a heated chamber (Spectrum).'
  watch_out:
    - 'Sliding wear: Ensinger says the glass fibres are abrasive to mating surfaces and the grade is less suitable for sliding applications.'
    - 'Moisture: the Spectrum filament records 6.5 % water absorption at saturation in water, so keep it dry.'
    - 'Heat: Ensinger prints 100 °C as the long-term service temperature.'
  verdict: Glass-filled polyamide 6 is a stiff structural plastic, with a 98 MPa tensile strength and a 5700 MPa tensile modulus in the Ensinger stock shape, and 6.5 % water absorption at saturation in the Spectrum filament. It suits static loads and printed parts, not sliding wear, and this profile has no space-environment data.