Akulon mechanical properties

Akulon polyamides represent the most versatile, well-rounded property profiles of any engineering plastics. It is the ideal material for high performance applications. Robustness, stiffness and high temperature capability make it highly suitable for automotive, electrical and demanding mechanical engineering applications.  

High stiffness and strength
At elevated temperatures above 100°C Akulon maintains good stiffness and strength. Although stiffness of Akulon decreases sharply around the glass transition temperature (Tg), excellent levels of stiffness are still maintained to just below the melting point of the polymer, facilitating design of critical parts.

Stiffness versus temperature.

For any given type of material (unfilled, mineral or glass filled) the performance of these two polymers shows little to no difference up to the HDT level of PA6. When short term temperature exposure can exceed 200°C (392°F), PA66 should be used. In other cases PA6 represents the better and more economical option due to its better long-term temperature resistance, its higher weld strength and thus higher burst pressure after vibration welding, its much better surface appearance and its other processing advantages.

Creep
Akulon offers superior creep resistance of reinforced grades, even at elevated temperatures. It maintains dimensional and part  integrity over time even under high loads.

Toughness
Akulon offers outstanding resistance, even in dry as molded conditions, to impacts and shock, down to temperatures of -20°C (-4°F). This is why polyamides are preferred above other engineering plastics. At very low temperatures (-40°C or -40°F), fracture modes become brittle and parts can splinter under impact. For critical safety applications therefore impact modified grades are available in the Akulon product family offering ductile and hence splinter free impact resistance down to extreme low temperatures.

Toughness at room temperature of polyamides (dam) versus polyesters.

High elongation at break
Akulon can be designed with living hinges and snap fits and can accommodate inserts after molding with greatly reduced risk of cracking.

Fatigue
Glass fiber reinforced Akulon demonstrates superior fatigue resistance surviving dynamic load conditions and vibrations better than other engineering plastics.

Critical levels to design for
Note that designers always have to take into account, that there are critical design levels as for instance for stiffness/strength and for toughness

CDL = Strength at Elevated T
CDL = Impact at Low T

Akulon polyamides: proven materials for demanding engineering applications
The combination of mechanical and thermal properties has enabled Akulon to be used in replacing metals in many applications where durability, safety and part integrity can all be extremely important. Power tool housings, automotive engine intake manifolds, railroad ties , sports equipment bindings, are typical examples where performance, safety, and durability come together and where Akulon provides the answer through superior and proven performance.