The primary difference lies in their chemical synthesis. Nylon 6 is made from a single monomer (caprolactam), whereas Nylon 66 is made from two (hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid).
In practical terms, Nylon 6 has a lower melting point (220°C vs 260°C), a better surface finish, and slightly higher impact resistance, but it absorbs moisture more readily than Nylon 66.

Nylon 6 is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere. As it absorbs moisture, the water molecules act as a plasticiser. This results in:
• Increased impact strength and ductility (the material becomes "tougher").
• Decreased tensile strength and stiffness.
• Dimensional expansion, which must be accounted for during the design phase to avoid fitment issues.

In its natural (white/off-white) state, Nylon 6 has poor UV resistance and will eventually become brittle and yellow when exposed to direct sunlight.
For outdoor applications, it is usually "black stabilised" using carbon black or specific UV-inhibitors, which significantly extends its service life in the sun.

Yes, many grades of Nylon 6 are compliant with FDA and EU food contact regulations. It is frequently used for kitchen utensils and food packaging films.
However, because it can absorb flavours or stains from food, it is important to verify that the specific grade and any added colourants are certified food-safe.

Nylon 6 machines well, but it requires sharp tools and proper chip management.
As Nylon 6 is a thermoplastic with a relatively low melting point, excessive friction can cause the material to gum up or "smear" rather than cut. High-speed steel or carbide tools with generous clearance angles are recommended.

Yes, Nylon 6 is a Type 7 (Other) thermoplastic, it can be mechanically recycled by regrinding and re-moulding.
More significantly, it is one of the few polymers that can undergo chemical recycling (depolymerisation), where it is broken back down into its original monomer (caprolactam) to create "virgin-quality" recycled nylon.

Nylon 6 is generally tougher and more impact-resistant than Acetal, although Acetal is far superior in terms of dimensional stability because it does not absorb moisture.
If parts needs to maintain tight tolerances in a humid environment, Acetal is usually the better choice; if they need to survive heavy impacts, choose Nylon 6.

Nylon 6 is a good electrical insulator, which is why it is often used for high-voltage housings and cable ties.
However, its insulation effectiveness decreases as moisture content increases. In very high-humidity environments, its dielectric strength may drop, which should be considered for critical electrical components.

Oil-filled Nylon 6 is a self-lubricating, cast Nylon 6 with liquid lubricant encapsulated throughout its structure.
It combines high mechanical strength, stiffness, and toughness with significantly reduced friction (up to 50% lower) and 10–20 times better wear resistance than standard cast Nylon 6, making it ideal for, bearings, bushes, wear pads, and gears in high-load, slow-moving applications.
You can find our range of Oil-filled Nylon 6 here.