I. Introduction

In the world of engineering plastics, PA6 (nylon 6) y POM (polioximetileno) often appear in the same design list. Both possess excellent mechanical properties and processing adaptability, making them popular choices for mechanical parts, automotive components and precision gears. However, due to the different performance emphases, engineers often find themselves in a dilemma when making a selection: Should they choose PA6 or POM?

This article will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the differences between these two materials in an intuitive way, covering performance, processing, application and cost.

Ii. Material Overview

Iii. Core Performance Comparison

The more ⭐ there is, the more outstanding the performance. It can be seen that

  ・POM performs better in terms of dimensional stability, wear resistance and rigidity.

  ・PA6 wins with its toughness, impact resistance and cost advantages.

Iv. Performance Analysis

1. Mechanical properties

  ・PA6: It features excellent tensile and impact strength, strong energy absorption capacity and good crack resistance.

  ・POM: It features high strength and excellent rigidity, making it suitable for gears and sliding parts that require high dimensional accuracy.

2. Wear resistance and friction properties

  ・POM has an extremely low coefficient of friction and can be used without lubrication.

  ・PA6 also has good wear resistance, but its performance decreases slightly in high humidity environments.

3. Hygroscopicity and dimensional stability

  ・PA6 has a high water absorption rate of 1.5-2%, requiring controlled drying and storage after molding.

  ・POM has a moisture absorption rate of less than 0.2%, maintaining extremely high dimensional accuracy.

4. Processing performance

  ・PA6

        Suitable for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and other processes.

        It needs to be dried (at 80℃ for more than 4 hours) to prevent moisture absorption, which may cause silver streaks or bubbles.

        Processing temperature range: 220-260℃.

  ・POM

        It has good injection molding and extrusion performance and high fluidity.

        No drying treatment is required, but thermal degradation should be controlled (avoid exceeding 230℃).

        Stainless steel molds must be used to prevent corrosion by acidic gases.

5. Cost and Availability

V. Typical Application Scenarios

Vi. Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of PA6

  ・It is both strong and tough, and wear-resistant

  ・Low cost

  ・Wide processing adaptability

Disadvantages of PA6

  ・Strong water absorption affects dimensional accuracy

  ・It has poor thermal aging and ultraviolet stability

Advantages of POM

  ・Excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability

  ・Good self-lubricating property

  ・High mechanical accuracy

Disadvantages of POM

  ・Not resistant to strong acids and alkalis

  ・The cost is slightly high.

  ・Formaldehyde gas is produced during thermal decomposition

Vii. Selection Suggestions

Viii. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions by Purchasers)

Q1: Will the size of PA6 be affected after absorbing water?

A1: Yes. After absorbing moisture, the size will expand. It is recommended to use a glass fiber reinforced type or undergo drying treatment.

Q2: Can POM be blended with PA6 for use?

A2: Not recommended. The two have poor compatibility and may cause delamination and cracking problems.

Q3: Which material is more suitable for sliding parts?

A3: POM has natural self-lubricating properties and outperforms PA6 under dry friction conditions.

Q4: Which is more heat-resistant, PA6 or POM?

A4: PA6 has a slight edge. The long-term service temperature is approximately 120℃, and POM is about 100℃.

Q5: Which one is easier to injection mold?

A5: POM has higher fluidity, but attention should be paid to temperature control to avoid thermal degradation.

Ix. Conclusión

PA6 vs.  POM are two engineering plastics with complementary properties.

  ・PA6 is suitable for scenarios that pursue toughness, economy and wide process compatibility.

  ・POM excels in application in structural components that require precise transmission, low friction, and high stability.

When making actual selections, engineers usually balance the choice based on load requirements × working environment × cost budget.

X. Regarding Juyuan

As an international plastic raw material trader with 24 years of experience, Juyuan has been supplying PA6, POM and their modified particles for a long time, covering the automotive, electronic, electrical and mechanical manufacturing industries.

We offer

  ・Stable supply through the original factory's customs declaration channel

  ・Suggestions for multi-brand comparison and selection

  ・Customized chemical compatibility matching service

Want to know about alternative models of PA6 or POM?

Welcome to contact Juyuan for samples and quotations.