PA66 Rod — Diameters, Lengths & Tolerances
PA66 rod is a round extruded stock form produced from Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66). Compared to PA6 rod, PA66 offers increased mechanical strength, higher stiffness, and improved resistance to elevated temperatures, making it the preferred grade when components must perform under greater loads or in warmer operating environments.
At a glance:
- Diameter range: 0.25" to 6.0"
- Standard lengths: 4 ft and 8 ft
- OD tolerance: +0.000" / −0.015" (typical for small diameters)
- Material: Polyamide 66 (PA66, Nylon 66) — extruded
- Color: Natural (off-white/ivory)
Standard Diameter Table
PA66 rod is stocked in the following standard diameters:
| Diameter | Standard Lengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25" | 4 ft & 8 ft | Precision standoffs, small bushings |
| 0.50" | 4 ft & 8 ft | Wear pins, guide components |
| 0.75" | 4 ft & 8 ft | Light bearings and spacers |
| 1.00" | 4 ft & 8 ft | General machining stock |
| 1.50" | 4 ft & 8 ft | Structural and load-bearing applications |
| 2.00" | 4 ft & 8 ft | Gears, rollers, larger bushings |
| 3.00" | 4 ft | Heavy machined components |
| 4.00" | 4 ft | Large structural parts |
Contact Ready Plastics for custom diameters or cut-to-length service.
Mechanical Properties
PA66 provides higher strength and stiffness than PA6. As a higher-performance nylon, it is selected for more demanding mechanical and thermal applications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Higher than PA6 — superior load-bearing in tight-tolerance components |
| Stiffness | Increased tensile modulus vs. PA6 |
| Heat resistance | Elevated thermal performance vs. PA6 |
| Wear resistance | Good; suitable for gears, cams, and wear surfaces |
| Density | Similar to PA6 (~0.042 lb/in³) |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Specific numeric values are provided in the PA66 material datasheet. All machining and application decisions should reference current datasheet values.
PA66 is an extruded grade well suited for small to medium diameters. For very large diameter rod (above 6"), consider monomer-cast alternatives. PA66 provides higher temperature performance than PA6, and for even further elevated-temperature capability, see PPA rod.
Typical Applications
PA66 rod is machined into:
- High-strength gears and sprockets — greater stiffness handles higher torque than PA6
- Bushings and plain bearings — wear-resistant with good dimensional stability
- Structural components — elevated mechanical strength supports load-bearing roles
- Roller and conveyor components — good abrasion resistance in material-handling systems
- Automation equipment parts — thermal performance suits proximity to heat sources
Machining PA66 Rod
PA66 machines cleanly with carbide tooling. It is slightly harder than PA6 and produces consistent chips. Use sharp tools and moderate speeds; excessive heat can cause surface melting. PA66 has lower moisture absorption rate than PA6 at saturation, but dimensional conditioning is still advisable for precision applications in humid environments.
Related
- PA66 Material Line Card
- PA66 Sheet — flat plate for structural panels and wear surfaces
- PA66 Tube — hollow stock for sleeves and bearing liners