A Guide to the Properties and Applications of Nylon Resin

Nylon resin, also known as polyamide, is a versatile family of thermoplastic materials commonly used in injection molding. Available in a wide variety of grades and formulations, such as Nylon 6/6 and glass-filled, nylon resins are well-known for having superior mechanical properties, as well as good heat and chemical resistance. As a result, nylon is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in every industry from consumer goods and electronics to medical devices and aerospace applications. To find out whether nylon resin is a good option for your application, let’s dig a little deeper into this particular thermoplastic.

Notable Properties of Nylon Resin

Strength and Durability

One of the biggest advantages to nylon resin is the superior tensile strength and impact resistance of the material. Highly capable of withstanding significant loads without breaking, nylon resin is ideal for parts that are subjected to high levels of mechanical stress, such as gears and structural components.

Nylon resin is also well-known for its durability even under harsh conditions. This makes it a good choice for parts where longevity is important, such as automotive components.

Heat and Chemical Resistance

Many nylon grades have a high melting point, which enables them to maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures. This property is important for parts that must operate in hot environments without deforming or losing strength. Think of some of the equipment needed for oil and gas operations.

Similarly, nylon resins are also resistant to a wide range of oils, chemicals, and solvents. This ensures that the parts remain stable and functional even when exposed to potentially corrosive substances, and helps ensure long-term performance.

Dimensional Stability

When it comes to dimensional stability, nylon resin exhibits two major advantages. First, it has low moisture absorption compared to some other plastics. Even when exposed to changing humidity levels, nylon parts tend to maintain shape and size, which is critical in precision applications.

Second, nylon is not overly susceptible to creep, meaning nylon parts resist gradual deformation or sagging even when placed under constant loads over long periods of time. For structural components, few characteristics are more important.

Lubricity and Low Friction

Nylon resins also have excellent lubricity, which means they have a low coefficient of friction. This reduces wear and tear in parts made from nylon resin and allows for smooth sliding or rotating motions. This makes nylon invaluable for applications like bearings and bushings.

Lightweight 

Due to its low density, nylon is much lighter weight than some other alternative materials. In applications where weight reduction is a concern, such as automotive components, nylon parts can enhance the performance of the end-use products without compromising strength. 

Nylon Resin: Different Grades and Formulations

Because of the versatility in nylon resin materials, it’s easy to tailor them to unique and specific applications. Some of the common types of nylon resins include:

• Nylon 6 (PA 6) — Known for having an excellent balance of mechanical strength, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. It also has a relatively low melting point, making it easier to process.
• Nylon 6/6 (PA 6/6) — Offers enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability compared to Nylon 6. A higher melting point also makes it more suitable for higher-temperature applications.
• Nylon 6/12 (PA 6/12) — This grade has a lower moisture absorption rate than other nylons, making it more dimensionally stable in humid conditions. It also has good resistance to chemicals and oils.
• Nylon 11 (PA 11) and Nylon 12 (PA 12) — Both have excellent resistance to chemicals and are often used in applications that require high flexibility and low moisture absorption.
• Glass-Filled Nylon — Reinforced with glass fibers to enhance strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. The percentage of glass fiber reinforcement can vary.
• Nylon Copolymers — Examples include Nylon/66 and Nylon 6/12. They are blends of two or more nylon types that combine the strengths and properties of each component.
• Specialty Nylons — Can include electrically conductive nylons, flame-retardant nylons, and lubricated nylons, among others, that are designed to meet specific application requirements. 

Which Applications Does Nylon Resin Work Well For?

While nylon resins are suitable for an extensive range of applications, a few examples include: 

Automotive industry — Commonly used for engine parts, intake manifolds, wheel covers, and interior components.

Consumer Goods — Gears and bearings in appliances, luggage, kitchen utensils, sporting goods, and toys.

Industrial Applications — Components for machinery such as gears, pulleys, rollers, and conveyor system parts.

Electronics — Connectors, cable ties, insulating components, and other electrical parts.

Plumbing — Used in plumbing and fluid handling parts for its chemical resistance and ability to withstand exposure to water and chemicals.

Medical — Some grades are suitable for medical device components due to biocompatibility and resistance to the sterilization process.   

Get Expertly Crafted Nylon Resin Parts with Thogus

At Thogus, we specialize in mid- to high-volume injection molding services for a wide range of critical applications. Our facilities in Avon Lake, Ohio are equipped with the latest in advanced manufacturing technology and automations, enabling us to provide you with fully customized manufacturing solutions to fit your specific needs. Our team of dedicated experts is fully committed to delivering the highest quality plastic components for your applications, whether you need durable parts for consumer goods or precision components for automotive purposes. 

Are you looking to partner with a manufacturer who is dedicated to being your partner throughout the injection molding process? Get in touch with us today to get started on your next project.