Materials
Nylon
Nylon is a strong, stiff engineering plastic with outstanding bearing and wears properties. Nylon is frequently used to replace metal bearings and bushings often eliminating the need for external lubrication. Other benefits include a reduction in part weight, less operating noise, and decreased wear on mating parts.
Properties & Materials 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 commonly 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 colours and formulations that are engineered to meet specific application requirements. For Nylon 6 chemical resistance view our chart.
Nylon 6 – is generally manufactured into the sheet, rod, and tube via a liquid casting process. Casting is often the most cost-effective method for producing large diameter rods, tubes, and thick sheets. 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 rods, tubes, and thin sheets. 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 – 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 and for enhanced strength and stiffness, nylon is available in glass-filled grades. 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.
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