Akulon® is easy to process compared to other engineering plastics

The lower melting point of Akulon PA6 220°C (428°F) vs. PA66 260°C (500°F) means:

• Lower energy costs
• Broader processing window
• Better flow than PA66 at the same temperature settings above 260°C (500°F)

Various extrusion grades of Akulon PA6 are available:

• The high melt strength allows a stable extrusion process
• Special attention is required in order to keep the moisture content prior to the processing at the required low level

Processing advantages of Akulon XP yield significant productivity gains compared to standard polyamides:

• Greater film stability – nylon extruder speeds can double up to 1100m/min- have been achieved in certain extrusion coating processes
• Reduced power needs on barrier layer extruder:
  -  Higher throughput  - nylon no longer the bottleneck, 100%
    increase  possible
  -  Alternatively lower energy consumption at existing line speed

Process advantages when injection molding Akulon:

• Higher flow compared to polycarbonate
• Lower sensitivity to moisture during processing than polyesters, little or no pre-drying required
• Rapid crystallization and high HDT permits fast cycling
• Low tool temperatures can be used, water cooling of tools is usually possible, especially with PA6
• High toughness permits breakage-free demolding

Akulon molding guidelines.

Blow molding grades of Akulon PA6 are available as well:

• Offerering similar advantages to injection molding
• High melt strength allows stable parison formation and better control of wall thickness
• Excellent toughness at low temperatures
• High stiffness at elevated temperatures allowing for designing with smaller wall thicknesses

Akulon Ultraflow provides productivity gains through improved processing advantages
Akulon Ultraflow offers improved flow, fast cycling behavior, and excellent surface appearance.  Akulon Ultraflow is an easy to process PA6 that offers up to 80% higher flow and up to a 40% reduction in injection molding cycle times with no significant effect on mechanical properties compared to standard PA6 grades. The improvement of flow is the result of DSM Engineering Plastics’ proprietary technology which translates into other benefits like: improved surface appearance, lower molded-in-stress, warpage reduction, less molding tonnage, and increased design freedom.

Processing advantages of Akulon Ultraflow yield significant productivity gains compared to standard polyamides:

• Up to 40% shorter injection molding cycles
• Up to 80% more flowability
• Lower temperature settings
• Lower injection pressures
• Lower clamp tonnage machines

Spiral flow length of Akulon Ultrafow at 260°C (500°F) and 1400 bar.

Shear rate viscosity for 50% glass fiber reinforced Akulon Ultraflow.

Akulon Ultraflow processing benefits
Akulon Ultraflow can reduce cycle time up to 40%.  This is possible due to shorter injection and holding times, faster crystallization rates, and lower processing temperatures. Lower processing temperatures also equate to lower energy costs.  The improved flow of Akulon Ultraflow provides the possibility to reduce clamping forces, utilizing lower tonnage machines and adding more cavities per mold. These effects may reduce piece part price and improve competitive cost positions. The product cost analysis table below illustrates an example of cost savings through cycle time realized with Akulon Ultraflow.

Akulon Ultraflow vs. standard polyamides for processing
The use of Akulon Ultraflow results in better surface appearance than standard PA6 grades.  This may allow for the elimination of secondary surface treatments like lacquering or painting and generally leads to lower part reject levels. Designing parts, like engine covers, with long flow lengths and thinner wall thicknesses allows for additional cost reduction opportunities.  The improved flow properties of Akulon Ultraflow enables easier filling of challenging designs. Akulon Ultraflow delivers properties  comparable to standard PA6 and PA66 grades.  Akulon Ultraflow is a solution provider for many demanding applications.