Cast Nylon

Gears and gear blanks (high wear resistance, low friction) Bearings and bushings (excellent load capacity and self-lubricating grades available) Rollers and pulleys for conveyors, cranes, and material handling equipment Wear pads and wear strips used in sliding and guiding applications Sheaves and rope pulleys in lifting machinery Machined components replacing bronze, brass, and aluminum Sprockets and chain guides in industrial machines Valve seats, seals, and insulators Hammer heads, impact plates, and shock-resistant parts Automotive and textile machinery components Food processing equipment parts (special FDA-approved grades) Hydro and wind power turbine components (lightweight and strong) Pump parts and impellers

Cast Nylon exhibits a high hardness level, making it suitable for load-bearing and wear-resistant applications. Its hardness varies slightly depending on whether it is unfilled, MoS₂-filled, or oil-filled. Cast Nylon typically has a hardness in the range of Shore D 75–85, with standard grades around 80–82 Shore D. Filled grades such as MoS₂-reinforced nylon may exhibit slightly higher hardness, while oil-filled grades may be slightly lower but offer better lubrication.

Cast Nylon is a thermoplastic polymer, and its “heat treatment” involves controlled heating to reduce internal stresses created during casting or machining. Annealing is typically performed between 80°C and 120°C, which is below its melting point (~220°C). This process enhances crystallinity, improves stability, and reduces warping during service. Proper heat conditioning also improves toughness and reduces the chances of cracking in thick sections. Cast Nylon should not be overheated, as excessive temperatures can cause thermal degradation or oxidation.

Cast Nylon’s hardness is controlled during polymerization and formulation, not afterward. The material naturally gains hardness through the formation of crystalline regions within the polymer chain. Although no true “hardening process” exists for nylon, certain methods can increase or influence hardness indirectly: Annealing: Mild heat exposure (80–120°C) increases crystallinity, slightly improving hardness and dimensional stability. Adding Fillers: Incorporation of MoS₂, glass fibers, or mineral fillers increases hardness and stiffness. Higher Crystallinity Grades: Special casting processes can yield higher hardness variants. Post-conditioning: Controlled cooling and moisture regulation can influence hardness consistency. However, Cast Nylon does not harden through quenching, tempering, or surface treatments like steels.

Although nylon is technically a thermoplastic, Cast Nylon (PA6G) is produced through a casting process that creates a highly crystalline and crosslinked structure, making it poorly suited for conventional welding methods. When heated, Cast Nylon tends to decompose or burn before forming a clean melt layer required for welding. For this reason, welding is generally not recommended. Instead, joining is typically achieved through: Industrial adhesives (epoxy, polyurethane, or cyanoacrylate) Mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, clamps) Thermal staking or inserts (for thin sections) Solvent bonding is NOT effective, as nylon has very low solubility Note: Some extruded nylon (PA6 Extruded) grades can be hot-gas welded, but cast nylon does not respond well to these methods due to its casting-formed structure.

Cast Nylon has excellent machinability, making it one of the most preferred engineering plastics for producing precision components. Its toughness, dimensional stability, and ability to hold tight tolerances make it easy to work with standard machine tools. Cast Nylon machines very well using conventional equipment such as lathes, milling machines, saws, drills, and grinders. Harder than many other plastics, it cuts cleanly without excessive melting, provided proper speeds and feeds are used. Sharp tools are essential to avoid tearing, especially in softer or oil-filled grades. Cast Nylon also has good chip formation and low tool wear. Key machining characteristics: Easy to turn, mill, drill, bore, and saw Low friction helps smooth cutting Requires sharp cutting tools (HSS or carbide) Low heat generation, but avoid overheating to prevent softening Dimensional stability allows tight tolerances Thicker parts may require annealing before machining to prevent internal stress cracking Overall, Cast Nylon is considered to have very good machinability, especially compared to other engineering plastics like UHMWPE or PTFE.

We supply high-quality Cast Nylon sheets, rods, bushes, and custom-machined components in various grades such as Natural, Blue, Oil-Filled, MoS₂-Filled, and Enhanced Wear-Resistant types. Material is available in standard and customized sizes, ensuring reliable performance for industrial, mechanical, and engineering applications. Bulk orders and tailored solutions can be arranged based on customer requirements.