PA6 GF50 — Polyamide 6 Reinforced with 50% Glass Fiber
PA6 GF50 is polyamide 6 reinforced with 50 wt.% short glass fiber. It offers the highest reinforcement level in the PA6 class: tensile modulus of ≈16 500 MPa, tensile strength of 220 MPa, low mold shrinkage and dimensional stability. This is a material for metal replacement in load-bearing injection-molded parts — where PA6 GF30 no longer delivers the required stiffness.
Material Wizard supplies Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 and helps you select a grade or equivalent (Akromid B3 GF50, Ultramid B3WG10, Durethan) to match your specific part, mold and molding conditions.
- Matrix
- Polyamide 6 (PA6 / nylon 6)
- Reinforcement
- 50 wt.% short glass fiber
- Tensile modulus
- ≈16 500 MPa (ISO 527)
- Processing method
- Injection molding
- Typical applications
- UAV housings, gears, rollers, bushings, brackets, metal replacement
- MW grade
- Examid® PA6 GF50 R10
- Supply form
- Pellets
- Documentation
- TDS / SDS / technical consultation
50% Glass Fiber — the Reinforcement Ceiling for Polyamide 6
50 wt.% of short glass fiber is the practical limit for PA6 injection molding. It raises the tensile modulus to ≈16 500 MPa (versus ≈8 800 for PA6 GF30) and makes the material a competitor to aluminum and zinc die casting in specific stiffness. Above this content, short glass fiber still molds, but long glass fiber (LGF) already loses flowability at 50% — which is why PA6 LGF stops at 40%. Grades above GF50 (PA6 GF60, GF70) are supplied by MW as stiffness-boosting concentrate additives for blends, not as standalone injection molding materials.
What Is PA6 GF50
PA6 GF50 is polyamide 6 containing 50 wt.% of short glass fibers. Common designations in technical literature: polyamide 6 with 50% glass fiber, glass-filled nylon 6 GF50, PA6-GF50.
The glass fiber works as a reinforcing skeleton: it carries the load, holds the shape under stress and reduces shrinkage during cooling. At 50% content the skeleton becomes so dense that stiffness and load-bearing capacity approach those of metal castings, while the weight stays 1.7–2 times lower.
In practice, PA6 GF50 is chosen in two cases:
- PA6 GF30 no longer delivers the required stiffness or load-bearing capacity of the part;
- aluminum/zinc die casting or steel needs to be replaced with a lighter polymer part without sacrificing structural performance.
When to Choose PA6 GF50
PA6 GF50 is a tool for applications with elevated stiffness and load-bearing requirements. Typical scenarios:
- the part must hold its shape under significant mechanical load, and PA6 GF30 has proven insufficiently stiff;
- metal replacement — aluminum, silumin, zinc die casting, steel — in load-bearing components of an assembly;
- UAV and drone airframes where stiffness at minimum weight is required;
- gears, rollers, bushings, guides with wear resistance and load-bearing requirements;
- automotive brackets, engine covers, suspension components in moderate-temperature service;
- the part operates within a mechanical assembly where dimensional repeatability and creep resistance matter;
- series production with requirements for cycle stability and batch-by-batch defect control.
Key Advantages of PA6 GF50
- maximum stiffness in the PA6 class — tensile modulus ≈16 500 MPa, almost twice that of PA6 GF30;
- high tensile strength (220 MPa) and flexural strength (≈330 MPa) — load-bearing capacity close to metal;
- low shrinkage along the flow direction (≈0.2%) and dimensional stability in series production;
- good unnotched impact strength (≈100 kJ/m² Charpy), including at low temperatures (−30 °C);
- low thermal expansion — critical for hybrid metal-polymer assemblies;
- good flowability despite 50% loading — fills complex thin-walled molds (unlike long-fiber LGF grades);
- resistance to fuels, oils, road salt, solvents; good electrical insulation.
PA6 GF50 from Material Wizard and Equivalents
In the PA6 GF50 class, Material Wizard supplies the Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 grade and performs functional matching of imported-grade equivalents. Alongside it are related materials of the GF50/CF family for when a different combination of properties is needed.
Examid® PA6 GF50 R10
PA6 · GF50
High-modulus PA6 with 50% glass fiber. Modulus ≈16 500 MPa, metal replacement.
UAV housings, gears, rollers, bushings, brackets, sports equipment. Good flowability, low warpage.
Grade details →Examid® PA66 GF50
PA66 · heat
The same stiffness (≈16 800 MPa), but HDT 250 °C and continuous service at 130–160 °C.
When a PA6 GF50 part creeps under heat: under-hood applications, creep, metal replacement.
Compare →Examid® PA66 CF30
PA66 · carbon
Carbon-fiber nylon: the highest stiffness at the lowest density (1.32 g/cm³), ESD.
Stiffness + light weight + low moisture uptake. Not for impact loads (brittle).
Details →Examid® PA6 GF30
PA6 · GF30
The baseline glass-filled PA6 (modulus ≈8 800 MPa). Easier to process and lower in cost.
When the maximum stiffness of GF50 is not needed — a balance of cost and moldability.
PA6 GF30 hub →PA6 GF50 Technical Properties (TDS)
Summary table of the key parameters of Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 compared with related grades — for preliminary selection. The values correspond to the TDS published on materialwizard.com.ua; for series production they are confirmed by the current technical data sheet of the specific batch.
| Parameter | PA6 GF50 R10 | PA66 GF50 | PA66 CF30 | PA6 LGF40 * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical properties | ||||
| Density, g/cm³ | 1.56 | 1.56 | 1.32 | ≈1.46 |
| Reinforcement, % | 50 (short GF) | 50 (short GF) | 30 (CF) | 40 (long GF) |
| Water absorption (saturation), % | 4.8 | 3.7 | 0.9 | ≈4–6 |
| Mechanical | ||||
| Tensile modulus, MPa | 16 500 | 16 800 | 21 000 * | ≈11 500–13 000 * |
| Tensile strength, MPa | 220 | 240 | 270 | ≈210–240 * |
| Flexural modulus, MPa | 12 500 * | 15 000 | 17 500 | ≈10 000–11 500 * |
| Flexural strength, MPa | 330 * | 360 | 250 | ≈230 * |
| Elongation at break, % | 3.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | ≈2.5–3.5 * |
| Charpy unnotched impact +23 °C, kJ/m² | 100 | 95 | — | high (LGF) |
| Charpy notched impact +23 °C, kJ/m² | 20 | 18 | 7 (brittle) | ≈25–35 * |
| Notched impact −30 °C, kJ/m² | 15 | 13 | — | high * |
| Thermal | ||||
| Melting temperature, °C | 220 | 260 | 260 | 220 |
| HDT/A 1.8 MPa, °C | 210 | 250 | 240 | ≈210–215 * |
| HDT/B 0.45 MPa, °C | 220 | 250 | — | — |
| Continuous service, °C | 80–160 (short-term up to 200) | 130–160 (short-term 180) | up to 182 | ≈80–120 * |
| Flammability UL-94 | HB | HB | HB | HB |
| Processing | ||||
| MFR / MVR (275 °C) | 8 g/10min | 10 cm³/10min | 12 g/10min | low (LGF) |
| Shrinkage along / across flow, % | 0.2 / 0.6 | 0.35 / 0.95 | 0.1 / 0.5 | ≈0.3 / 0.7 * |
| Melt temp. (molding), °C | ≈260–290 | 290–310 | ≈280–300 | ≈270–290 * |
| Positioning | ||||
| Maximum stiffness | high | high | highest | medium |
| Heat resistance | medium | high | high | medium |
| Impact resistance | good | moderate | brittle | best |
| Moldability at 50% | yes | yes | yes (CF30) | no (40% ceiling) |
* Values marked with an asterisk are typical for the polymer class (for reference), not from the TDS of a specific MW batch. PA6 LGF40 (long glass fiber) is sourced by MW on request; at ~50% content long fiber loses flowability, so the practical LGF limit is 40%. A dash "—" means the value is not given in the published TDS.
Download the Technical Data Sheet (PDF)
Full TDS for Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 — density, modulus, HDT, ISO test methods, molding conditions.
📄 Get the PA6 GF50 R10 TDSPA6 GF50 Grade Selection for Your Application
Answer 3 questions to get a preliminary recommendation. This is an initial screening; the final decision comes after analysis of the drawing and operating conditions.
PA6 GF50 versus PA6 GF30
They belong to one family, but offer different reinforcement levels for different tasks.
PA6 GF30 (30% glass fiber, modulus ≈8 800 MPa) — easier to process, lower in cost, less abrasive. The baseline structural grade for series parts under moderate loads.
PA6 GF50 (50% glass fiber, modulus ≈16 500 MPa) — almost twice as stiff and strong. For metal replacement and highly loaded parts. The trade-offs are a more abrasive melt (wear of the screw, nozzle and mold), stronger shrinkage anisotropy and somewhat more demanding molding.
Switching from GF30 to GF50 often requires recalculating the runner system and monitoring tooling wear, not merely changing the pellets. More about PA6 GF30 →
PA6 GF50 or PA66 GF50
Their stiffness is nearly identical (≈16 500 versus ≈16 800 MPa). The difference lies in heat, moisture and processing.
When to choose PA6 GF50
- continuous operating conditions up to ~80 °C (short-term up to 200);
- series economics and a wider processing window matter (lower melt temperature of ≈260–290 °C);
- the part is not under critical continuous thermal load.
When to choose PA66 GF50
- continuous service at 130–160 °C, HDT 250 °C;
- creep resistance under heat (creep modulus ≈7 800 MPa at 1000 h);
- lower water absorption and more stable geometry under heat.
PA66 GF50 is more expensive and requires higher molding temperatures (290–310 °C) and tighter process control. Examid® PA66 GF50 →
PA6 GF60 and GF70 — Stiffness Concentrates for Blends
In addition to the injection-moldable PA6 GF50, Material Wizard supplies the highly filled grades PA6 GF60 (60% glass fiber) and PA6 GF70 (70%). We position them not as standalone injection molding materials but as stiffness concentrates — an additive for virgin or recycled PA6.
The idea is simple: a dosed fraction of GF60 or GF70 is blended (dry-blend) into the base pellets right at the press — raising the glass fiber content and the modulus of the blend without separate compounding. It is a flexible way to reach the required stiffness on site without ordering a new compound.
- For recycled PA6 (recyclate): raise the stiffness and glass fiber content of reprocessed feedstock without re-compounding — a more economical route than buying a fresh GF compound.
- For virgin PA6: flexibly tune the target GF% of the blend for a specific part by changing only the additive ratio.
- The ratio is selected to match the target glass fiber content. As concentrates, GF60/GF70 are optimized for blending, so the final properties of the blend (surface, impact performance, shrinkage) are confirmed by testing on your geometry.
Blending is part of our focus on recycled polyamides and recycled feedstock: boosting recyclate stiffness without additional compounding. MW selects the ratio and compatibility for your base material.
Compare PA6 GF50 with related materials
Select 2–3 materials to see a normalized property profile. This is a preliminary selection tool, not a substitute for the TDS.
Radar chart for material comparison
How to read: 7 axes normalized 0–100 (stiffness, strength, heat resistance, impact, moisture stability, moldability, cost efficiency). This is a selection profile based on typical properties and positioning, not exact TDS values.
Show numerical properties of the selected materials
| Material | When to choose | Advantage | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA6 GF30 | moderate loads, price balance | processability, price | modulus half that of GF50 |
| PA6 GF50 R10 | maximum stiffness on PA6, metal replacement | modulus ≈16 500 MPa at a reasonable price, still moldable at 50% | heat up to ~80 °C continuous, moisture sensitivity, abrasiveness |
| PA66 GF50 | stiffness + heat/creep resistance | HDT 250 °C, 130–160 °C continuous | more expensive, molding at 290–310 °C |
| PA66 CF30 | stiffness + light weight + ESD | modulus up to 21 000 MPa, density 1,32, low moisture uptake | brittle (Charpy 7), the most expensive |
| PA6 LGF40 | impact, fatigue, part integrity on PA6 | long fiber — best impact and fatigue performance | 40% ceiling (50% does not mold), more demanding molding |
| PPA GF50 | PA6/PA66 cannot cope — engine bay, high T | continuous T 170–200 °C, low moisture uptake | expensive, processing at 290–330 °C |
Selection logic
- PA6 GF50 — maximum stiffness on a PA6 base at a reasonable price. The reference point for metal replacement in a moderate thermal regime.
- PA66 GF50 — the same stiffness plus heat and creep resistance.
- PA66 CF30 — when light weight and ESD are critical and there are no impact loads.
- PA6 LGF40 — when impact and fatigue matter more than ultimate modulus.
- PPA GF50 — when PA6/PA66 cannot handle the temperature or creep.
Material Wizard selects the material for the task, not by rating. All glass-filled polyamides · Carbon-filled · PPA.
Typical applications of PA6 GF50
Application areas where PA6 with 50% glass fiber has proven itself in series production:
- UAV and drone housings and frames — stiffness at minimum weight;
- load-bearing gears, rollers, bushings and guides;
- automotive brackets, engine covers, suspension components;
- replacement of aluminum/zinc die castings in loaded assembly parts;
- turnstile components, highly loaded mechanical hardware;
- electrical insulators, connectors, equipment housings;
- bicycle frames, ski components and sports equipment;
- industrial parts for pumps, gearboxes and ventilation systems.
Processing PA6 GF50 by injection molding
Molding PA6 GF50 requires accounting for three factors amplified by the high glass fiber content:
- Matrix hygroscopicity — PA6 absorbs moisture; drying before molding is mandatory;
- Abrasiveness of 50% glass fiber — increased wear of the screw, nozzle, hot runners and mold;
- Fiber orientation — at 50%, shrinkage anisotropy is more pronounced (flow ≈0,2% / cross-flow ≈0,6%).
Reference processing parameters
- Melt temperature: ≈260–290 °C (lower than for PA66 GF50);
- Mold temperature: 80–100 °C (crystallization and dimensional stability);
- Drying: to a moisture content < 0,1% per the TDS parameters of the grade;
- Tooling: at 50% GF — increased hardness of working surfaces, scheduled wear inspection.
Specific parameters (barrel and mold temperature, holding pressure) are given in the TDS of the grade and are refined by the process engineer for the specific part and geometry.
When PA6 GF50 is not the best choice
Honesty matters more than a sale. Scenarios where PA6 GF50 is not optimal:
- continuous service above ~100 °C — consider PA66 GF50 or PPA GF;
- critical dimensional accuracy in a humid environment — PA6 absorbs up to 4,8% water; PPA GF50 or PA610 are more stable;
- maximum stiffness at minimum weight is required — PA66 CF30 (carbon fiber);
- the part takes heavy impacts — GF50 is stiff but not the most impact-resistant; consider PA6 LGF40 (long fiber) or impact-modified grades;
- UL-94 V-0 requirement — the base GF50 is rated HB; a dedicated flame-retardant grade is needed;
- the mold is not adapted for abrasive compounds — 50% glass fiber wears tooling quickly.
Common mistakes when selecting PA6 GF50
- choosing by the “GF50” designation alone without considering the thermal regime (PA6 vs PA66 is a critical difference);
- ignoring drying — the most common cause of defects in glass-filled polyamides;
- underestimating the abrasiveness of 50% glass fiber — accelerated wear of the screw and mold;
- expecting metal-like impact resistance — GF50 is stiff but more brittle than unfilled PA6;
- replacing PA66 GF50 with PA6 GF50 “by modulus” without assessing the service temperature;
- deciding without trial shots on the actual mold — datasheet values do not replace a test.
PA6 GF50 analogues from well-known producers
Material Wizard selects a functional PA6 GF50 analogue to replace imported grades based on service conditions, the part drawing or the current TDS. We do not position Examid® as a full chemical equivalent of any specific commercial grade.
- Replacement for AKROMID® B3 GF 50 (AKRO-PLASTIC) — the classic German PA6 GF50;
- Replacement for Ultramid® B3WG10 / B3EG10 and other PA6 GF50 grades from BASF;
- Replacement for Durethan® BKV50 from Envalior;
- Replacement for Akulon® K224-G10 from Envalior (formerly DSM);
- Replacement for Technyl® / Radilon® S PA6 GF50 grades;
- Replacement for local and Asian PA6 GF50 grades (nylon 6 GF50) — selection based on the TDS, drawing or molding defects.
All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. Material Wizard performs functional selection based on service conditions.
Frequently asked questions about PA6 GF50
What is PA6 GF50?
PA6 GF50 is polyamide 6 reinforced with 50 wt.% short glass fiber. This is the maximum reinforcement level in the PA6 class: tensile modulus ≈16 500 MPa, high stiffness and load-bearing capacity for metal replacement in molded parts.
How does PA6 GF50 differ from PA6 GF30?
GF50 contains twice as much glass fiber (50% vs 30%), so the tensile modulus is ≈16 500 MPa versus ≈8 800 for GF30. GF50 is stiffer and stronger, but more abrasive in processing and shows stronger shrinkage anisotropy.
PA6 GF50 or PA66 GF50 — which to choose?
Stiffness is nearly the same. PA6 GF50 is cheaper and easier to process for service up to ~80 °C. PA66 GF50 is chosen for continuous operation at 130–160 °C (HDT 250 °C) and better creep resistance.
Why is PA6 LGF50 not used, and why is LGF limited to 40%?
Long glass fiber (LGF) provides higher impact and fatigue performance, but at ~50% content the melt loses flowability and no longer fills the mold. The practical LGF limit is therefore 40%. When 50% reinforcement is required, short glass fiber (GF50) is used, which still molds.
Where is PA6 GF50 used?
UAV and drone housings, gears, rollers, bushings, guides, automotive brackets and covers, replacement of aluminum castings, sports equipment, electrical components.
Can PA6 GF50 replace metal?
Yes, in moderately loaded parts. PA6 GF50 delivers a share of the specific stiffness of aluminum at a much lower weight, with corrosion resistance and geometric freedom in a single molding cycle. Load-bearing capacity is confirmed by calculation and part testing.
Does PA6 GF50 need drying before molding?
Yes. Polyamide 6 is hygroscopic; moisture in the melt causes hydrolysis, bubbles and loss of strength. Drying to a moisture content < 0,1% per the TDS parameters is mandatory.
Can you match an analogue of Akromid B3 GF50 or Ultramid?
Yes. Material Wizard selects a functional PA6 GF50 analogue (AKROMID B3 GF50, Ultramid B3WG10, Durethan BKV50, Akulon) based on the TDS, drawing, service conditions or molding defects.
Is there PA6 with more than 50% glass fiber?
Yes — PA6 GF60 (60%) and PA6 GF70 (70%). Material Wizard offers them as stiffness concentrates (an additive) for blending into virgin or recycled PA6 without separate compounding. The ratio is selected for the target glass fiber content and confirmed by testing.
PA6 GF50 selection for your production
Send the name of your current material, the part drawing or a description of the service conditions. Material Wizard will select Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 or an analogue — or recommend PA66 GF50, PA66 CF30 or PA6 LGF40 based on the part, the mold, molding parameters and series economics.
Send a PA6 GF50 selection request MW glass-filled polyamides
PA6 GF50 / glass-filled nylon 6 GF50
PA6 GF50 is a 50% glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 — also referred to as PA6-GF50, polyamide 6 with 50% glass fiber, or glass-filled nylon 6 GF50. The 50 wt.% short glass reinforcement raises the tensile modulus to about 16,500 MPa and the tensile strength to 220 MPa, making PA6 GF50 a metal-replacement material for stiff, load-bearing injection-molded parts such as UAV frames, gears, rollers and brackets.
Material Wizard supplies Examid® PA6 GF50 R10 and selects grades or analogues (AKROMID B3 GF50, Ultramid B3WG10, Durethan BKV50) against the part geometry, mold layout, processing window and series economics. For higher heat use PA66 GF50 (HDT 250 °C); for lightweight stiffness with ESD use PA66 CF30; for impact and fatigue on a PA6 base use PA6 LGF40.