Nylon 6 Extruded Rod
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Bespoke Fabrication
We have the machinery and expertise to manufacture bespoke items in acrylic, polycarbonate and many other plastics, from one-offs to large production runs. Read more about the various services we offer, or complete the form below to request a quote.
CNC Routing
Our advanced Multicam Apex 3R (3 Axis) CNC routers allow us to provide an extensive range of precision CNC routing services. Read more
CNC Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, intensely focused stream of light to cut through a range of different materials, including plastics and acrylics. Read more
Diamond & Flame polishing
Edge polishing is a fabrication process that polishes the edges of acrylic panels, removes any cutting marks, and achieves a smooth, glossy finish. Read more
Rotary & Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a fabrication process that uses a laser beam to physically remove the surface of a material to create an indentation that is noticeable to both the eye and touch. Read more
Line Bending
Line bending is a process that’s used to make precise folds in plastic and acrylic components. Our line bending fabrication service allows us to bend plastic and acrylic sheets along a defined ‘line’ – without any need for gluing or joining. Read more
Have bespoke requirements?
Complete this form and we will get back to you with a quote.
Nylon 6 rod (PA6E) is a durable engineering plastic with strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. Ideal for precision parts like gears, bearings, and wear pads. Available in natural and black.
Key Features and Benefits
- Off white yellow: A natural colour suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
- Specific gravity 1.14: Offers a balanced combination of strength and density, making it ideal for various engineering applications.
- Food-Safe Compliance: Compliant with food safety agency (FSA) standards and European Union (EU) regulations, suitable for food-related applications.
- Electrical Insulation: Nylon 6 sheets provide excellent electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for electrical engineering applications requiring resistance to electrical currents.
- Good Wearing Properties: Nylon 6 is known for its high durability and wear resistance, making it ideal for components subjected to friction and mechanical stress, such as gears and bearings.
- Low Coefficient of Friction: With a low coefficient of friction, Nylon 6 sheets help reduce wear and tear in moving parts, enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of mechanical systems.
Typical Applications
- Gears and Sprockets: Nylon 6 extruded rod is ideal for manufacturing gears and sprockets due to its excellent wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, making it suitable for high-performance mechanical systems.
- Bushes: Used extensively in bushings, Nylon 6 provides durability and high wear resistance, making it an ideal material for applications with high mechanical loads and movement.
- Bearings: Nylon 6 is commonly used for bearings in industrial machinery. Its low friction and good wear resistance properties help extend the life of the bearings while maintaining efficient performance.
- Machined Parts: Nylon 6 extruded rod is widely used for custom machined parts, offering good machinability and versatility for creating precision components across a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food processing.
Colour Range and Applications:
- Natural Nylon 6 Extruded Rod: Offers excellent strength and wear resistance for general engineering and industrial uses. Ideal for food processing, automotive parts, and general mechanical components.
- Black Nylon 6 Extruded Rod: Enhanced UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications and environments with high exposure to sunlight. It is commonly used in automotive and industrial applications where enhanced resistance to environmental stress is required.
Difficult to Machine
While Nylon 6 is a versatile material, it can be difficult to machine compared to other materials. Its hardness requires precision tools and careful handling to ensure smooth and accurate cuts.
Can Stress Crack
Nylon 6 can be prone to stress cracking under certain conditions, especially when exposed to high levels of mechanical stress or aggressive chemicals over time.
High Moisture Absorption
Nylon 6 has a high moisture absorption rate, which can affect its dimensional stability and mechanical properties in humid environments. This should be considered when using it in applications where moisture exposure is expected.
Manufacturing Process - Extrusion
Nylon 6 Extruded rods are produced through an extrusion process, where raw polyamide 6 is melted and continuously shaped into sheets. This method ensures:
- Consistent thickness
- Smooth surface finish
- High dimensional stability
The extrusion process results in a material with reduced internal stress, excellent toughness, and superior machinability, making it ideal for precision engineering applications.
Cut to Size Bespoke Fabrication Services
Our cut to size service allows Nylon 6 Extruded rods to be purchased in exact dimensions, avoiding the need to buy full, manufactured sheet sizes.
Bespoke Fabrication Services Include:
- CNC Laser Cutting: For precise and intricate designs.
- CNC Routing: Suitable for complex shapes and large-scale projects.
- Engraving: Perfect for personalised or technical detailing.
- Additional Finishing Options: Drilled holes, rounded corners, and edge polishing for a professional finish.
Sustainability and Recycling
Nylon 6 rod can only be recycled through specialised processes. However, its durability and longevity makes it reduce the need for frequent replacement, making it a more sustainable choice in long-term applications.
Minimum rod length
100mm
Maximum rod length
1000mm
Specific gravity
1.14 g/cm³
Water absorption till saturation 23°C
9%
Maximum service temp. Upper temp limit - Long term
70°C
Tensile strength
80 MPa
Food compliance
Food compliance (FDA) - Yes
Food compliance (EU) - Yes
Fire performance
HB - UL 94 (3mm thickness)
Thickness Tolerance
Data sheets
Colour availability & light transmission
Standard
Non-standard
Not available
Out of stock
Limited stock
| 6mm (LT) | 8mm (LT) | 10mm (LT) | 12mm (LT) | 15mm (LT) | 16mm (LT) | 20mm (LT) | 25mm (LT) | 30mm (LT) | 32mm (LT) | 36mm (LT) | 40mm (LT) | 45mm (LT) | 50mm (LT) | 56mm (LT) | 60mm (LT) | 65mm (LT) | 70mm (LT) | 75mm (LT) | 80mm (LT) | 90mm (LT) | 100mm (LT) | |
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Black
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Natural
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We offer fast, tracked delivery across the UK, using recognised couriers including Royal Mail, DHL and Parcel Force.
Shipping to Europe or North America? We now deliver to both from our dedicated regional stores. Visit our Europe store or North America store for pricing and delivery to your region.
How delivery is priced
Delivery is charged on the longest side of your panel, rather than its area or weight.
A sheet measuring 1500mm × 1000mm is priced on its 1500mm side; a long, narrow strip of 2200mm × 150mm is priced on its 2200mm side. Whichever single dimension is longest sets the price.
Only one delivery charge applies per order, however many pieces you order.
UK delivery costs
| Longest side | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| Samples (100mm × 100mm) | £2.95 | £9.95 |
| Less than 500mm | £6.95 | £12.95 |
| 500mm – 999mm | £9.95 | £19.95 |
| 1000mm – 1999mm | £14.95 | £24.95 |
| 2000mm or greater | £19.95 | £29.95 |
Accessories are charged separately at £7.95 standard / £12.95 express.
Free delivery on orders over £250, excluding orders fulfilled direct from the manufacturer - see below.
All prices include VAT.
Delivery times
- Standard — 3–5 working days
- Express — 2–3 working days, prioritised over standard orders and sent via a recognised nationwide courier
Next-day delivery
We don't offer next-day delivery online due to the volume and the bespoke, made-to-measure nature of the orders we handle each day. If you're working to a deadline, get in touch — we'll do everything we can to meet it.
UK remote areas
Because we supply made-to-measure products, we offer delivery at standard national rates wherever we can. A small number of locations cost us more to reach, so a remote area supplement is added automatically at checkout:
| Longest side | Remote area supplement |
|---|---|
| Samples (100mm × 100mm) | £0.00 |
| Less than 500mm | £0.00 |
| 500mm – 1499mm | £10.00 |
| 1500mm – 2499mm | £15.00 |
| 2500mm or greater | £20.00 |
All prices include VAT.
Locations that may incur a supplement include the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, the Scottish Islands and Highlands, remote areas of Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
In rare cases, an order to one of these areas may be economically unviable to fulfil. If that happens, we'll always contact you first to discuss options before taking any action — we won't simply cancel.
Third-party deliveries
Some products are dispatched directly from the manufacturer via a third-party courier. Where this applies, it's clearly stated on the product page under the Delivery tab.
Can I collect my order from Simply Plastics?
Yes, of course. Orders can be collected from our premises in Colchester, Essex. At the final stage of the checkout process there is a delivery option labelled "Collection/pickup" which is free. Once your order is complete, you will be notified by email along with our address and collection times.
I need my order urgently, can I pay for faster shipping?
Yes. We offer an express delivery service which aims to deliver all orders in 1-3 working days. Orders are delivered by a recognised courier company and may require a signature on delivery.
Where do Simply Plastics deliver?
We deliver across the UK, to 12 European countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain) and to the United States and Canada.
International orders are placed through our dedicated regional stores, with pricing in your local currency and all import taxes and duties settled at checkout — so your order arrives with nothing more to pay. EU businesses with an EORI number can also choose to act as the importer of record.
For full pricing, delivery times and customs information, see the delivery information page on our UK, Europe or North America store.
Do you have a minimum order charge or small order fee?
This is a question we are asked fairly regularly due to the previlance of either a minimum order charge or small order fee within the industry.
At Simply Plastics our approach has always been to treat all orders equally, small or large. We want all customers, new and existing, to be able to place orders with us confident that they are only paying for the products and materials that they require. We therefore do not have a minimum order charge or small order fee.
Is Nylon 6 Cast and Extruded waterproof?
Both forms of Nylon 6 (cast and extruded) are not fully waterproof, they are hygroscopic, meaning they naturally absorb moisture from the environment. Whilst they don't dissolve or degrade in water, the absorbed moisture can affect their performance and dimensions, especially in precision applications. Nylon 6 can absorb 2-3% by weight at typical room humidity or as much as 8-9% by weight at full saturation.
What is the difference between Cast and Extruded Nylon 6?
The main difference lies in how the material is manufactured. Nylon 6 Cast is stronger, tougher and has better wear resistance, whereas Nylon 6 Extruded is softer, easier to machine and more flexible.
Is Nylon 6 easy or difficult to bond?
Nylon 6 is generally difficult to bond and would need special adhesives
Is Nylon a Plastic?
Yes, nylon is a plastic — specifically, it’s a type of synthetic polymer belonging to the polyamide family. It was first developed in the 1930s and is one of the most widely used engineering plastics today.
Why Nylon is considered a Plastic
- Plastics are materials made of polymers — long chains of repeating molecules.
- Nylon is a man-made polymer produced through chemical polymerisation, making it a synthetic plastic.
- It’s classified as a thermoplastic, meaning it:
- Softens when heated.
- Hardens again when cooled.
- Can be melted, extruded, and remoulded into different shapes like rods, sheets, or fibres.
More specific information on Nylon can be found on our blog, see Why Engineers Rely on Nylon 6 for High-Load, High-Wear Applications
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