Nylon 6 GF50 refers to Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) reinforced with 50% glass fiber by weight. This is a specific material configuration within the broader category of glass-filled engineering plastics. Understanding what each component means is essential for B2B buyers and suppliers navigating the global materials market on Alibaba.com.
Nylon 6 (PA6) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer known for good mechanical strength, toughness, electrical insulation properties, and thermal resistance. It is one of the most widely used engineering plastics in injection molding, CNC machining, and increasingly in industrial 3D printing applications.
Glass Fiber (GF) reinforcement is added to enhance specific properties. The percentage indicates the weight ratio of glass fiber to the total compound. Common configurations in the market include GF15 (15%), GF30 (30%), and GF50 (50%), with each offering different performance characteristics suited to different applications.
Nylon 6 GF50 vs GF30: Key Property Comparison
| Property | Nylon 6 GF30 | Nylon 6 GF50 | Performance Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~190 MPa | ~225 MPa | GF50: +18% higher |
| Flexural Modulus (Stiffness) | ~8,600 MPa | ~15,000 MPa | GF50: +74% higher |
| Density | 1.38 g/cm³ | 1.58 g/cm³ | GF50: +14% heavier |
| Molding Shrinkage | 0.3-0.5% | 0.1-0.3% | GF50: Better dimensional stability |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | ~180°C | ~185°C | GF50: Slightly higher |
| Impact Resistance | Good | Moderate | GF30: Better toughness |
| Tooling Wear | Moderate | High | GF30: Less abrasive |
| Material Cost | Lower | Higher | GF30: More economical |
The choice between GF30 and GF50 depends on your specific application requirements. GF50 is selected when maximum stiffness and dimensional stability are critical (such as precision mechanical components, structural brackets, or parts requiring metal replacement). GF30 is preferred when toughness and impact resistance matter more, or when tooling longevity is a concern for high-volume production.

