Sheet in PPA 1000x610x20 mm natural

The sheet in PPA belongs in the top segment of the nylon family. The polyphthalamide is built from aromatic diacid components, which gives the material considerably higher heat deflection resistance and better chemical resistance than PA6 or PA6.6, while water absorption stays limited. For designers who have previously stepped up to PA6.6 GF or PEEK without finding the right level between cost and performance, PPA is often the one that clicks.

Density and temperature follow the nylon family at base, but with a higher continuous service temperature and better stability in humid heat. Fire rating HB. The friction picture resembles PA6.6, with the advantage that hardness and creep resistance rise markedly under long term load. Water absorption is clearly lower than in ordinary PA, which keeps the dimensions stable in industrial environments where PA6 or PA6.6 would otherwise swell and lose stiffness.

The sheet is used where heat, chemicals and dimensional stability meet:

electronic housings and carriers that have to take soldering temperatures

structural parts in automotive and hydraulics

plain bearings and wear parts in environments where PA6 has failed because of moisture or heat

insulators and contact elements where the electrical properties have to stay stable

Machining works well with ordinary metal cutting tools, preferably with a sharp cutting angle and moderate feed. The chips run off as long spirals; plan for chip removal. The sheet can be thermoformed at raised temperature, but needs drying before machining since even the low moisture uptake is enough to give bubbles in thicker work. Bonding requires primer or mechanical fastening; welding works with the right equipment.

The natural color is often off-white to slightly yellow. Reinforced grades with glass fiber or carbon fiber exist and are used where stiffness and dimensional stability have to be pushed further; the unreinforced sheet has better impact strength and friction properties, while the fiber reinforcement gives stiffness and creep resistance at the cost of toughness and more wear on the mating surface.

As supplied, the sheet comes in thicknesses from a few millimeters up to over 50 mm, usually 1000 x 500 mm or larger. Keep storage dry and preferably leave the packaging sealed right up to machining. Milled parts should be conditioned before the final dimensional check if tight tolerances are required.

Are you weighing up whether PPA is the right step up from PA6.6 GF, or whether PEEK is worth the price tag? Send us a line about temperature, chemistry and load, and we will work backward together. This product, PPA 1000x610x20 mm natural, has the format 1000x610x20 mm, which makes it easy to fit into an existing design.