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CODE-BREAKER

▶ I was very surprised and alarmed at Andrew Everett’s lack of understanding of the markings on the Saab/GM inlet manifolds. For around 30 years, plastic component manufacturers have had to mark moulded components with the composition of the plastics that are used to mould the component to aid recycling. This directive applies to all moulding not just automotive parts. PA66-GF35 is not a part number, it is the material used to mould the part. It is a polyamide 6.6 with 35% glass fibre reinforcement. A google search brings up many plastic manufacturers, as well as showing up people who share the same misunderstanding about material codes.

Chris Packer

Just reading Andrew Everett’s article on the non-swirl flap inlet manifold for the project Saab in CM January 2021 and observed he was having issues with the part number on the manifold. Just in case other readers come across strange markings on parts and to save them time chasing down ‘meaningless’ codes I can explain this one!

The PA66-GF35 code does actually have a meaning. It’s a recycling code for when the part comes to the end of its life and ends up in a recycling plant. In this example, PA66 refers to it being nylon (a polyamide plastic) in this case. The GF35 refers to

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