Nylon (Polyamide)

PA6 is slightly tougher and more impact-resistant; PA66 is slightly stiffer and holds a higher continuous temperature. The differences are small in most fabrication work. Cast nylon is typically PA6; extruded nylon is typically PA66. We will recommend the right one for the application.

Yes; nylon is hygroscopic. In typical indoor air (23°C, 50% RH) cast PA6 and extruded PA66 reach about 2.2 to 2.6 percent moisture at equilibrium, which is the figure quoted on most supplier datasheets. Under continuous full immersion in water at 23°C they climb to roughly 6.5 percent (cast PA6) up to 8 to 9 percent (extruded PA6/PA66) per Quadrant Ertalon ISO 62 data, with dimensional growth in the order of 0.2 to 0.3 percent per 1 percent moisture absorbed. For tight-tolerance parts in wet environments, specify a glass-filled grade (Ertalon 66 GF30 saturates around 5.5 percent) or switch to acetal, which absorbs around 0.2 percent and stays dimensionally stable.

Oil-filled nylon (MC901, blue) is the standard pick for wear parts because it self-lubricates and cuts friction by around half compared to unfilled nylon. MoS2-filled nylon (MC907, green) gives slightly better dry-running performance and is preferred in high-load slide service such as mining pads.

Food-grade nylon certified to FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 is available and is used for food processing parts, conveyor guides and packaging line components. Specify food-grade at quote time, since most industrial nylon sheet and rod is not food certified.

Uncoloured nylon will yellow and become slightly brittle after long UV exposure. Heat-stabilised black grades and UV-stabilised grades are available for outdoor exposure; we use them as standard for any nylon part that lives outside or on agricultural equipment.

In most cases yes. We turn and mill nylon to the same drawings as a metal part. Common metal-to-nylon swaps include bushings, sliders, sprockets, idlers and chain guides. The benefits are weight reduction, corrosion resistance, quieter running and self-lubricating service. Send us the drawing and we will confirm whether nylon (or acetal or UHMWPE) is the better pick.

Yes. Send us a DXF, DWG, STEP or PDF and we will quote machined nylon parts to your tolerances. Most nylon parts ship within 5 to 10 working days from order, depending on quantity and complexity.