What is PA 46 natural?
PA 46 natural is a high-temperature-resistant polyamide with a melting point of 295 °C. It combines the toughness and wear resistance of polyamides with a significantly higher heat deflection temperature and continuous service temperature than PA 6 or PA 66 – and retains stiffness and hardness even at elevated temperatures.
Technical data
| Property | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.18 g/cm³ | DIN EN ISO 1183-1 |
| Water absorption | 3.70 % | DIN EN ISO 62 |
| Flammability (thickness 3 mm / 6 mm) | HB/HB | UL 94 |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Yield stress | 95 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 30 % | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 3,100 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Notched impact strength | 6.0 kJ/m² | DIN EN ISO 179 |
| Ball indentation hardness | 168 MPa | DIN EN ISO 2039-1 |
| Shore hardness | 84 scale D | DIN EN ISO 868 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Melting temperature | 295 °C | ISO 11357-3 |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.30 W/(m·K) | DIN 52612-1 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | 80 ·10⁻⁶/K | DIN 53752 |
| Service temperature, long-term | -40 to 135 °C | Average |
| Service temperature, short-term (max.) | 200 °C | Average |
| Heat deflection temperature | 160 °C | DIN EN ISO 75, Method A, HDT |
PA 46 natural in detail
1What is PA 46 natural?+
PA 46 natural is a high-temperature-resistant polyamide with a melting point of 295 °C. It combines the toughness and wear resistance of polyamides with a significantly higher heat deflection temperature and continuous service temperature than PA 6 or PA 66 – and retains stiffness and hardness even at elevated temperatures. Like all polyamides, PA 46 natural absorbs moisture from the environment (up to approx. 3.5 % in standard atmosphere); this makes the material tougher and more impact-resistant, while stiffness and dimensional stability decrease somewhat.
2How does Liedtke machine PA 46 natural?+
PA 46 natural can be machined using all conventional cutting methods; HSS or carbide tools are sufficient. Good cooling via chip removal remains important to avoid softening or smearing of the surface caused by heat build-up. For tight tolerances, we take swelling and shrinkage behaviour into account and condition the semi-finished product where required.
3When should I choose PA 46 natural?+
PA 46 natural is used wherever polyamide components are permanently exposed to higher temperatures and must remain stiff and wear-resistant, for example in the electrical industry, vehicle and mechanical engineering and aerospace:
- Sliding and wear parts in warm environments
- Gears, rollers and guide elements
- Insulating and structural parts for electrical engineering
4What determines the price of a PA 46 natural part?+
PA 46 natural is calculated individually based on drawing or sample. The part price is mainly determined by the stock form and dimension, material utilisation (waste), machining effort and batch size. We are happy to quote binding prices on request.
5When is PA 46 natural not the right choice?+
Just as important are the limits of the material:
- High moisture absorption (up to approx. 3.5 %), causing dimensional and property changes
- Not resistant to strong acids and permanently hot water (hydrolysis)
- Food contact only within the declared scope (see FDA declaration)
6Advantages and disadvantages of PA 46 natural+
An honest assessment:
- Advantage: Very high heat deflection and continuous service temperature
- Advantage: High stiffness and hardness even at elevated temperatures
- Advantage: High abrasion resistance, good sliding properties
- Advantage: Good machinability and weldability
- Disadvantage: High moisture absorption (up to approx. 3.5 %), causing dimensional and property changes
- Disadvantage: Not resistant to strong acids and permanently hot water (hydrolysis)
- Disadvantage: Food contact only within the declared scope (see FDA declaration)
Typical properties
- Very high heat deflection temperature
- High stiffness and hardness
- Good wear resistance
Typical industries
- Electrical Industry
- Vehicle Construction
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace
Downloads for PA 46 natural
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