🧩 PA+R – Recycled Polyamide
(Technical polyamide obtained from recycled industrial or post-consumer waste, designed for cost reduction and lower carbon footprint while maintaining good mechanical strength. Used in secondary automotive parts, covers, supports, and clips.)
🔹 What is PA+R
PA+R is a polyamide (PA6 / PA66) obtained from recycled materials, such as technical scraps, covers, fibers, or old car parts. It can be 100% recycled or partially blended with virgin polyamide. Although it has slightly lower mechanical properties than pure polyamide, PA+R offers an excellent balance of cost, strength, and sustainability, becoming increasingly common in the modern automotive industry.
🔧 Composition
- Recycled Polyamide (PA6 / PA66): 70–100 %
- Additives: UV/thermal stabilizers, dyes, possibly 10–30 % glass fiber.
- Density: 1.10–1.35 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 250–260 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Good.
- Continuous Heat Resistance: 100–120 °C.
🚗 Where PA+R is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Technical Interior | Covers, frames, clips | Economic and stable solution |
| Engine Bay | Secondary parts, housings | Good resistance to moderate heat |
| Protected Exterior | Non-structural elements | Matte finish, medium rigidity |
| Accessories | Fastening parts, guides | Economic, recyclable material |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 250 – 270 °C | Easy melting, but variable depending on the blend |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 240 – 260 °C | Uniform joint, avoid overheating |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Ideal for thick or mixed parts |
🔩 What to Weld PA+R With (Material Compatibility)
Compatibility depends on the polyamide base — usually PA6 or PA66.
✅ Compatible with:
- PA+R ↔ PA6 / PA66 / PA610 / PA+GF / PA+BIO / PC+PA – very good.
- PA+R ↔ PBT / PC+PBT – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PVC, PS, ABS, ASA – different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use standard PA66 rods at 260 °C. Test the melting locally — recycled materials can have composition variations. Cool slowly to prevent cracking in mixed melting zones.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- BASF: Ultramid® Recycled
- DSM: Akulon® RePurposed
- DuPont: Zytel® ECO
- Radici: Renycle®
🧠 How to Identify PA+R
- Engraved marking: >PA6-R<, >PA66-R<, >Recycled<, >ECO<.
- Matte surface, slightly grainy. Colors: grey, black, anthracite.
- Blue flame, faint nylon smell.
- May contain small visible inclusions in the cross-section.
- ReplastMD practical test: If the part has a matte finish, slightly variable density, and is marked >R< / >ECO<, it is confirmed Recycled Polyamide.
🛠️ PA+R Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PA+R welding for covers and technical housings, ensuring a solid, clean finish with minimal environmental impact.