Thermoplastic comparison
Polyamide 12 (PA12, Nylon 12) vs Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6)
Every value below is a typical room-temperature figure with its source, test method and conditions — the same dataset that drives the calculators.
Which to choose
PA12 absorbs a fraction of the moisture PA6 does, so it holds its dimensions and properties in service — which is why it is used for fuel lines and is the standard SLS printing nylon. PA6 is stronger, stiffer and cheaper, but it moves as it takes up water. PA12 for stability; PA6 for load and cost.
| Property | Polyamide 12 (PA12, Nylon 12) | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ | 1.13 g/cm³ | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) — 12% higher |
| Young's modulus E | 1.4 GPa | 2.8 GPa | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) — 2.0× higher |
| Tensile strength | 50 MPa | 78 MPa | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) — 56% higher |
| Glass transition Tg | 45 °C | 50 °C | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) — 5 °C higher |
| Melting point Tm | 178 °C | 220 °C | Polyamide 6 (PA6, Nylon 6) — 42 °C higher |
Where these numbers come from
- CAMPUS plastics database — typical grade datasheet values (campusplastics.com)
- Callister & Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering, 10th ed.
Typical room-temperature values for learning and preliminary design; grades vary widely and a supplier datasheet always overrides a textbook figure. Confirm against the datasheet before design work.