Nylon Plastic (Polyamide, PA) Selection Guide

Features of Nylon

Advantages

•  High Strength: Nylon is known for its exceptional tensile strength, making it suitable for load-bearing applications.

• Toughness: Nylon is highly resistant to impact and offers excellent toughness, even at low temperatures.

• Wear Resistance: Nylon exhibits excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for components subjected to friction and abrasion.

• Chemical Resistance: Nylon is resistant to many chemicals, oils, and solvents, ensuring its stability in various industrial environments.

• Low Friction: Nylon has a low coefficient of friction, reducing wear and enhancing its performance in sliding applications.

• Electrical Insulation: Nylon is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for electrical and electronic applications.

• Self-Lubricating: Some nylon formulations contain internal lubricants, reducing the need for external lubrication in certain applications.

Disadvantages

• Moisture Absorption: Nylon absorbs moisture from the environment, which can affect its mechanical properties. This property should be considered in certain applications.

• High Processing Temperature: The high melting point of nylon may require specialized equipment for processing.

• UV Sensitivity: Nylon is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and may degrade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. UV stabilizers can be added to mitigate this issue.

Common Applications of Nylon

• ​Medical Devices: Nylon is used in medical devices such as surgical sutures, catheters, and orthopedic implants due to its biocompatibility.

• Aerospace: Nylon can be used in aerospace applications for interior components, fasteners, and mechanical parts due to its lightweight and mechanical properties.

• Automotive: Nylon is used in automotive components such as gears, bushings, engine parts, and fuel lines due to its strength, wear resistance, and heat resistance.

• Textiles: Nylon is a key material in the textile industry, used to create fabrics for clothing, upholstery, and industrial applications.

• Electrical and Electronics: Nylon is used for electrical connectors, cable insulation, and circuit board hardware due to its electrical insulating properties.

• Machinery and Bearings: Nylon is used for manufacturing bearing and wear components, as well as gears and rollers in industrial machinery.

• Oil and Gas: Nylon is employed in oil and gas applications for tubing, seals, and connectors due to its resistance to oil and chemicals.

• Consumer Goods: Nylon is used in various consumer products, including sports equipment, kitchen appliances, and luggage due to its strength and durability.