Common Materials for Automotive Parts Molded on Vertical Machines

The materials most often used for automotive parts on vertical injection molding machines are PA66+30% GF, PA66, PBT, PP and POM.

PA66+30% GF

Urea (DEF) tank components, for example, are mainly molded in PA66+30% GF. PA66 stands out in the polyamide family for its high melting point; as a semi-crystalline material it keeps high strength and stiffness even at elevated temperatures.

Nylon continues to absorb moisture after molding, and the amount depends on wall thickness and service conditions. When designing precision parts, account for the effect of moisture absorption. Because of the limitations of neat resin, fillers or additives are usually added to improve mechanical properties — most commonly glass-fiber reinforcement, which is why PA66+30% GF is so widely used for automotive parts.

Typical parts

Vertical machines mold a wide range of automotive and related parts, including fuse box housings, gears, watch cases, scanner housings and Bluetooth accessory housings.