PA6 OIL (Oil-Filled Polyamide 6) is a self-lubricating engineering plastic designed to improve wear resistance and sliding performance in friction-intensive applications. This grade is widely used for bushings, bearings, guides, sliding rails, rollers, and rotating components where reduced maintenance and smooth, low-noise operation are required.
What is PA6 OIL?
PA6 OIL (Oil-Filled Polyamide 6) is a specialized polyamide grade in which a controlled
amount of industrial oil is uniformly dispersed throughout the material. This formulation
significantly improves sliding performance, wear resistance, and motion stability in
components exposed to continuous friction and repetitive movement.
PA6 OIL is commonly referred to as oil-filled nylon and is widely selected for applications
where smooth operation, reduced maintenance, and consistent performance are required.
The internal oil provides self-lubricating behavior, helping components operate smoothly
with reduced dependency on external lubrication. As a result, service life can be extended and
maintenance costs can be reduced in many industrial systems.
Key engineering advantages of PA6 OIL
1. Excellent self-lubrication
The oil-filled structure reduces friction in sliding parts and supports smooth movement even in
dry-running conditions. This property is particularly valuable in packaging machinery, production
lines, and high-cycle mechanical systems.
2. High wear resistance
Compared to standard PA6, PA6 OIL typically offers improved wear performance, making it suitable
for contact-intensive and abrasion-prone components.
3. Reduced need for external lubrication
In many applications, the need for frequent greasing is minimized. This reduces downtime and lowers
maintenance requirements.
4. Stable performance under moderate load and speed
PA6 OIL provides reliable behavior in continuous motion systems operating at moderate loads and
higher speeds.
5. Lower operating noise
Oil-filled polyamide can reduce noise and vibration in motion assemblies, supporting smoother and
quieter operation.
6. Good machinability
PA6 OIL is suitable for CNC machining and can be used for manufacturing precise industrial
components.
Typical applications of PA6 OIL
- Sliding bushings and bearings
- Guides, slides, and sliding rails
- Wheels, rollers, and motion transfer components
- Packaging machinery parts
- Dry-running components with limited external lubrication
- Precision rings and moving spacers
- High-cycle mechanical parts exposed to continuous friction
PA6 OIL compared with other polyamide grades
| Property | PA6 | PA6 OIL | PA6G | GF30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-lubrication | Medium | Excellent | Good | Medium |
| Wear resistance | Good | Very good | Very good | Excellent |
| Dimensional stability | Medium | Medium | Very high | Very high |
| Need for external lubrication | High | Very low | Medium | Medium |
Selection considerations for PA6 OIL
- Recommended for friction-intensive sliding and rotating components.
- For very heavy loads, PA6G (cast nylon) or GF30 grades may be more suitable.
- In dry-running environments, PA6 OIL typically outperforms standard PA6.
- A strong option when reduced operating noise is required.
Typical technical data of PA6 OIL
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.12 – 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Shore D) | 75 – 80 |
| Service temperature | -30°C to +100°C |
| Wear resistance | Very good |
| Self-lubrication | Excellent |
Frequently asked questions about PA6 OIL
What is the main difference between PA6 OIL and standard PA6?
PA6 OIL contains internal oil that improves self-lubrication and wear performance compared to
standard PA6.
Is PA6 OIL suitable for heavy load-bearing parts?
For very heavy loads, PA6G (cast nylon) or glass fiber reinforced grades may be more appropriate.
Does PA6 OIL require external lubrication?
In many applications, external lubrication is minimal or not required due to its self-lubricating
behavior.