Products · PA46
Polyamide 46 (PA46, Stanyl) is an ultra-high-temperature engineering nylon produced by polycondensation of 1,4-diaminobutane and adipic acid — both C4 monomers, hence the name. The all-aliphatic backbone with shorter repeat unit than PA66 gives a higher amide group density, resulting in higher melting point (295°C vs 255°C for PA66), higher crystallinity, and significantly better high-temperature performance. Continuous use temperatures of 170-180°C with HDT up to 290°C (with 30% GF) put PA46 in the same performance class as PPS and PPA, with the additional advantage of better wear resistance. Reference grades from DSM (Stanyl) are the industry benchmark for high-temperature gears, bearings, and connectors.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
PA46 is produced by polycondensation of 1,4-diaminobutane (putrescine) and adipic acid. The shorter C4 diamine (vs C6 in PA66) gives a more compact repeat unit, more amide groups per unit length, and stronger inter-chain hydrogen bonding. This translates to higher melting point (295°C), higher glass transition (80-85°C vs 50-60°C for PA66), and higher continuous use temperature. The trade-off is processing difficulty: PA46 requires melt temperatures above 300°C and aggressive mold temperature control to achieve crystallinity.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
PA46 delivers the best wear resistance and high-temperature mechanical performance among unfilled and GF-reinforced aliphatic polyamides. The combination of high crystallinity, high HDT, and low coefficient of friction (with internal lubrication) makes PA46 the preferred material for dynamic load applications at elevated temperature.
| Property · 性能 | Unfilled PA46 | 30% GF PA46 | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.18 – 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.40 – 1.45 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Melt Point · 熔点 | 290 – 295 °C | 290 – 295 °C | ISO 3146 |
| Tg · 玻璃化温度 | 80 – 85 °C | 80 – 85 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 100 – 130 MPa | 200 – 240 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 3.2 – 3.5 GPa | 9 – 11 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 30 – 60 % | 3 – 5 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 160 – 190 °C | 280 – 290 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Water Absorption (24h) · 吸水率 | 1.5 – 2.0 % | 0.8 – 1.2 % | ASTM D570 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
PA46 with internal lubrication (PTFE, graphite, or carbon fiber) is widely used in automotive transmission gears, chain tensioners, and bearing cages. The combination of high HDT (280-290°C), low coefficient of friction, and excellent fatigue resistance extends service life under high-load conditions at 150-170°C continuous operation.
PA46 is used in surface-mount connectors and IC sockets where reflow soldering at 260-280°C peak temperature is required, and where the connector will operate at sustained temperatures of 150-180°C. The high melting point ensures dimensional stability during reflow, and the high heat resistance ensures field reliability in automotive under-hood electronics.
PA46 is used in power tool housings and internal components where high-speed operation generates sustained heat. The combination of high HDT, impact strength, and dimensional stability is valued in cordless drill, impact driver, and angle grinder applications.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 305 – 320 °C; mold temperature 130 – 160 °C |
| Drying | 100 – 120 °C for 4 – 8 hours (moisture < 0.05%) |
PA46 has a narrow processing window: melt temperature 305-320°C is close to degradation onset. Use corrosion-resistant tooling (chrome-plated screws and barrels) and minimize residence time. Mold temperature must be tightly controlled to achieve crystallinity — too low results in amorphous, brittle parts. Annealing at 200°C for 2 hours can improve crystallinity in critical tolerance parts.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose PA46 over PA66 when the application requires continuous use temperature above 150°C with better wear resistance. Choose PA46 over PPS when the cost target is more aggressive and the application is dynamic load rather than broad chemical resistance. For very high temperatures (>200°C continuous) or extreme chemical resistance, PEEK or polyimide is required — at significantly higher cost.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanyl® TW341Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | DSM (now Envalior) | 30% GF · Heat stabilized | Automotive gears · High-temp structural |
| Stanyl® TW200No vendor TDS · source on request | DSM | Unfilled · High viscosity | Extrusion · Stock shapes |
| Stanyl® 46SF5030No vendor TDS · source on request | DSM | 30% GF · Lubricated · Wear grade | Gears · Bearings · Sliding parts |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.