Cast polyamide

Cast polyamide, also known as cast polyamide (PA-G), is an engineering plastic that is produced by casting processes. It is characterised by high strength, excellent wear resistance and good dimensional stability. The casting process creates dense and homogeneous structures that are particularly suitable for industrial applications.

Properties of cast polyamide

Cast polyamide offers an impressive combination of mechanical strength, chemical resistance and thermal stability. Targeted modifications can further optimise the properties for specific applications.

Mechanical properties

• High tensile and compressive strength
• Excellent wear resistance
• Good sliding and damping properties
• High toughness and elasticity

Thermal properties

• High heat resistance up to approx. 100–120°C
• Good dimensional stability under temperature load
• Resistant to short-term temperature fluctuations

Chemical resistance

• High resistance to oils, greases and fuels
• Good resistance to many solvents
• Limited resistance to strong acids and bases

Production and composition

The casting process of polyamide enables the production of components with high density and outstanding mechanical quality. In contrast to extruded polyamide, which is shaped by melting processes, cast polyamide is cast directly into the desired shape by means of a chemical reaction. This produces components with lower internal stress and improved dimensional accuracy.

Advantages of cast polyamide

• Outstanding mechanical properties, particularly for highly loaded components
• Low internal stresses, which reduces distortion
• Great design freedom thanks to the casting process
• Good sliding properties, ideal for bearing and guide elements
• High resistance to abrasion, which extends the service life

Application areas of cast polyamide

Thanks to its versatile properties, cast polyamide is used in numerous industries:

Application area	Examples of products
Mechanical engineering	Gears, plain bearings, rollers
Conveyor technology	Chain guides, sliding profiles
Automotive industry	Bushes, bearing bushes, pump housings
Food industry	Transport rollers, cutting boards
Offshore & marine	Seals, shaft bearings

Comparison with other plastics

Cast polyamide is often compared with other engineering plastics such as POM, PE or PTFE:

• Cast polyamide vs. POM: POM has higher dimensional stability, but lower abrasion resistance.
• Cast polyamide vs. PE: PE is more flexible, but less resilient than cast polyamide.
• Cast polyamide vs. PTFE: PTFE has better sliding properties, but is softer and less mechanically resilient.

Recycling and sustainability

Cast polyamide is in principle recyclable, but recovering the material requires special processes. The use of regenerated polyamide granules and innovative production methods can reduce the environmental impact.

Conclusion

Cast polyamide is a high-performance engineering plastic that impresses with its high wear resistance, resilience and outstanding mechanical properties. It offers a reliable solution for demanding industrial applications, particularly in mechanical and plant engineering. Despite certain challenges in recycling, cast polyamide remains a proven choice for highly stressed components.