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Nylon

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer belonging to the polyamide family, first developed by DuPont in 1935. It is one of the most widely used engineering plastics known for its high strength, toughness, elasticity, and abrasion resistance.

Nylon is available in various types—such as Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Nylon 11, and Nylon 12—each differing slightly in chemical structure and performance characteristics.
It can be molded, extruded, or spun into fibers, making it suitable for applications in engineering components, textiles, and consumer goods.

Applications

1. Engineering & Industrial Applications Gears, bearings, bushings, rollers, and pulleys – due to low friction and high wear resistance Machine components and housings – lightweight and corrosion-resistant alternative to metal Seals, washers, spacers, and fasteners – excellent dimensional stability and strength Conveyor parts and guide rails – smooth operation and reduced maintenance Industrial wheels and castors – high load-bearing capacity and abrasion resistance 2. Automotive Applications Under-the-hood components – radiator end tanks, air intake manifolds, and fan blades Cable ties, clips, and fasteners – durable, flexible, and heat resistant Fuel system parts and fluid reservoirs – good chemical resistance to oils and fuels Engine covers and interior fittings – lightweight and impact-resistant 3. Textile & Fabric Applications Fibers and filaments – for ropes, nets, carpets, seat belts, and industrial fabrics Clothing and hosiery – due to elasticity, smooth texture, and abrasion resistance Parachutes and sportswear – lightweight, strong, and quick-drying 4. Electrical & Electronics Insulators and switch housings – excellent dielectric properties Cable sheathing and connectors – resistance to wear, oil, and heat Circuit board supports and components – good dimensional stability 5. Consumer Goods Toothbrush bristles, zippers, combs, and kitchen utensils – strong and easy to clean Sporting goods and power tool housings – lightweight yet durable Packaging and films – for flexible and strong wrapping materials 6. Construction & Furniture Fasteners, fittings, and anchors – corrosion-free and easy to install Sliding components in windows and doors – low friction, self-lubricating properties Decorative panels and handles – high strength with aesthetic finish

Chemical Composition

Element Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Nitrogen (N) Oxygen (O)
Percentage (%) 60 – 70% 10 – 12% 8 – 12% 10 – 15%

Hardness

Nylon exhibits medium to high hardness, providing an excellent balance between rigidity, strength, and impact resistance. It is hard enough to resist surface wear and indentation, yet tough and resilient under load. The hardness of Nylon depends on its type (such as Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, or Nylon 12), processing conditions, and moisture content. Since Nylon is hygroscopic, it absorbs a small amount of moisture from the environment, which slightly reduces its hardness but improves its flexibility and toughness. In general, Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are harder and more rigid, with typical hardness values ranging from Rockwell R110–R125 or Shore D 80–87. Nylon 11 and Nylon 12, on the other hand, are relatively softer and more flexible, with lower hardness values but better dimensional stability and impact strength. Nylon maintains good hardness up to around 100°C, after which it begins to soften gradually. The hardness can be further improved through reinforcement with glass fibers or mineral fillers, which significantly enhance surface strength, stiffness, and wear resistance.

Equivalent Grades

  • USA / ASTM PA6
  • Germany / DIN PA6
  • Italy / UNI PA6
  • Japan / JIS PA6
  • Other Trade Names PA11

Heat Treatment

Nylon, being a thermoplastic polymer, does not undergo traditional metallurgical heat treatment like metals. Instead, it is subjected to thermal processes to improve dimensional stability, mechanical performance, and relieve internal stresses. Annealing or stress-relieving is commonly performed by heating molded or extruded Nylon parts slightly below their melting point (typically 80–120°C for PA6/PA66). This reduces internal stresses, prevents warping, and enhances creep resistance. Before processing, Nylon is often dried or dehydrated (80–100°C for several hours) to remove absorbed moisture, which could otherwise cause bubbles, voids, or hydrolysis during molding or extrusion. For reinforced grades, such as glass-filled or mineral-filled Nylon, annealing temperatures may be slightly higher to effectively relieve internal stresses without affecting the material’s integrity. Overall, these thermal treatments ensure Nylon components retain dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and toughness, making them suitable for precision engineering, automotive, and industrial applications.

Hardening

Nylon, being a thermoplastic polymer, does not undergo conventional hardening like steel. Its hardness is influenced primarily by type, moisture content, and reinforcement. Moisture Content: Nylon is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the environment. Increased moisture slightly reduces hardness but improves toughness and impact resistance. Reinforcement: Hardness can be significantly improved by glass fiber, mineral, or carbon reinforcement. For example, glass-filled Nylon 6 or 6,6 achieves higher stiffness, surface hardness, and wear resistance compared to unfilled grades. Thermal Processing: Controlled annealing or heat stabilization can relieve internal stresses, slightly increasing surface hardness and dimensional stability. Surface Treatments: Certain surface modifications, such as plasma treatment or coating, can further enhance hardness and wear resistance for demanding applications.

Welding

Thermal Welding Methods: Hot Plate Welding: Surfaces are heated with a hot plate until softened, then pressed together to form a strong joint. Ultrasonic Welding: High-frequency vibrations generate localized heat at the interface, melting Nylon and forming a precise bond. Hot Gas or Hot Air Welding: Hot air is used to melt the surfaces or a filler rod, enabling seam or repair welding. 2. Adhesive Bonding: Special solvent-based or epoxy adhesives can bond Nylon parts when thermal methods are impractical. Surface preparation (cleaning, roughening) improves adhesion. Important Notes: Moisture content affects weld quality; Nylon should be dried before welding to avoid voids or weak bonds. Glass-filled or reinforced Nylon may require higher temperatures or modified techniques due to fillers affecting melt flow. Joints produced through proper thermal welding can approach the strength of the base material in most unreinforced Nylon types.

Machinability

1. Machining Characteristics: Easy to Cut: Nylon can be drilled, turned, milled, and sawed with standard tools designed for plastics or soft metals. Chip Formation: Produces long, stringy chips; proper chip evacuation and sharp tools are recommended. Surface Finish: Smooth surfaces can be achieved with low feed rates and sharp cutting edges. Thermal Sensitivity: Excessive heat from high cutting speeds can cause melting, scoring, or surface roughness. 2. Factors Affecting Machinability: Moisture Content: Nylon absorbs moisture; dry material machines cleaner, while wet Nylon may swell slightly. Reinforcement: Glass-filled or mineral-filled Nylons are more abrasive, requiring harder tools and slower feed rates. Tool Material: High-speed steel (HSS), carbide, or coated tools are recommended for better wear resistance and precision. Coolants: Air or water cooling is optional; excessive coolant may cause surface swelling. 3. Practical Tips: Pre-drill starter holes for threads or deep bores to prevent cracking. Use sharp tools and moderate speeds to minimize heat buildup. Consider post-machining annealing to relieve internal stresses in high-precision parts.

Physical Properties

Property Value
Density 1.13–1.15 g/cm³ (unfilled), 1.35–1.50 g/cm³ (glass-filled)
Melting Point PA6: 215–220°C, PA66: 255–265°C
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) 45–60°C
Thermal Conductivity ~0.25 W/m·K
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) 65–180°C, depending on type and reinforcement
Tensile Strength 70–90 MPa (unfilled), 130–180 MPa (glass-filled)
Elongation at Break 15–50% (unfilled), lower for reinforced grades
Flexural Modulus 2–3 GPa (unfilled), 5–7 GPa (glass-filled)
Impact Resistance Excellent, maintains toughness even at low temperatures
Hardness Shore D 70–87, depending on type and reinforcement
Moisture Absorption 2–4% for PA6/PA66; PA11/PA12 absorb less, improving dimensional stability

Chemical Properties

Property Value
Corrosion Resistance Resistant to oils, greases, fuels, and many organic solvents; poor resistance to strong acids, strong alkalis, and oxidizing agents.
Hydrolytic Behavior Absorbs moisture (2–4% for PA6/PA66; lower for PA11/PA12). Moisture slightly reduces hardness but improves toughness. Long-term exposure can cause dimensional changes.
Heat Resistance Stable under normal service temperatures up to ~100°C; prolonged exposure above 200°C may cause thermal degradation. Reinforced or stabilized grades offer improved high-temperature resistance.
Flammability Nylon is flammable; flame-retardant grades are available, some self-extinguishing (UL94 V-2 to V-0).
Wear and Toughness Excellent wear resistance, high toughness, and good impact performance.
Enhancements Fillers (glass, mineral) and stabilizers improve chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical durability.

Dealer

We are a trusted supplier and stockist of premium-grade Nylon (PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12), offering materials sourced from reputed domestic and international manufacturers. Our inventory includes unfilled, glass-filled, and mineral-filled Nylon in multiple forms such as rods, sheets, plates, tubes, and custom-cut components, ensuring suitability for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.