Nylon

Strong, stiff engineering plastic often used to replace metal bearings and bushings

About Nylon

stacked Nylon sheets, rods, and tubes in various colors and heights

Nylon is a strong, stiff engineering plastic with outstanding bearing and wear properties. It is frequently used to replace metal bearings and bushings, often eliminating the need for external lubrication. Other benefits of nylon plastic include a reduction in part weight, less operating noise, and decreased wear on mating parts.

Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, by manufacturer, brand, and grade. Custom sizes and colors available upon request. Tube is also available in standard outer diameter sizes from 5 in – 40 in, complete our Get a Quote form for more information.

Nylon Properties and Material Options

Nylons are typically described according to numbers (6, 66, 11, 12, etc.) which relate to their molecular structures. Although there are many types of Nylon, the two most common available in sheet, rod, and tube are Nylon 6 and Nylon 6/6.

Nylon 6 and Nylon 6/6– have very similar mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Both are available in a variety of colors and formulations that are engineered to meet specific application requirements. For Nylon 6 chemical resistance view our chart.

Nylon 6– is generally manufactured into sheet, rod, and tube via a liquid casting process. Casting is often the most cost effective method for producing large diameter rod, tube, and thick sheet. This process has the added advantage of allowing manufacturers to create custom near net (irregular) shapes. Near net shapes are useful in the construction of parts that would yield poorly from standard sheet, rod, or tube stock.

Nylon 6/6– sheet, rod, and tube are usually produced by melting solid pellets of the polymer and processing them through a thermoplastic extruder. Extrusion is a fast and economical method for making small diameter rod, tube, and thin sheet. Unlike cast Nylon 6 stock shapes, extruded Nylon 6/6 sheet, rod, and tubing can be manufactured to any length, which can be an advantage for cost effectively yielding finished parts.

Nylon Grades Specifications– Nylon is available in a variety of specialty formulas. Molybdenum disulphide-filled (MOS2) and oil-filled nylons have enhanced wear properties often eliminating the need for external lubrication. Heat-stabilized nylon withstands higher operating temperatures. Nylon is available in glass-filled grades for enhanced stiffness and strength. FDA compliant grades of nylon are available for direct food contact.

Nylon with Metal Core– Nylon billets can be manufactured into many different components including gears, rollers, sprockets and augers. In power transmission applications, NYMETAL® billets combine the performance advantages of nylon and metal into one cohesive unit.

Tech Tip– Nylon has relatively high moisture absorption compared with many other thermoplastics. Nylon parts that must perform in wet environments should be designed with tolerances that factor in dimensional changes due to moisture absorption.

Typical Nylon Material Properties

Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties of Nylon

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties

Optical Properties

Other Nylon Plastic Properties

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