Nylon: Uses, Types and Properties
Nylon material is a versatile and popular engineering plastic that has been used in various applications since its development in the 1930s. It is widely recognised for its excellent mechanical properties, toughness and durability. Nylon material is a type of synthetic polymer that has found use in many industries, including textiles, consumer goods and engineering plastics.
To know more about nylon, here’s a brief discussion of the different types of nylon plastic, their unique features and the applications where they are most commonly used. Read on.
What Is Nylon Plastic?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that was created as a substitute for silk and has since been used in various applications. It is made by combining diamines and diacids or by polymerising lactams. The resulting material is a long-chain polymer that has excellent mechanical properties, toughness and durability.
The term nylon generally refers to a group of plastics known as polyamides (PA), which are commonly used as an engineering thermoplastic due to their outstanding mechanical properties. Nylon is widely utilised in computer numerical control (CNC) machining for various industries. Nylon polymers can be blended with a broad range of additives to achieve different variations, such as fibres, fabrics, shapes and films.
What Are the Types of Nylon Plastic?
Nylon plastic is a widely used engineering plastic that comes in different variations. Each type of nylon plastic has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. The common types of nylon plastic are:
Nylon 6: This type of nylon plastic is used in the textile industry due to its excellent elasticity and dyeability.
Nylon 66: This is the most widely used type of nylon plastic due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and heat resistance.
Nylon 12: A specialty nylon plastic used in applications that require high flexibility, such as tubing and cable insulation.
These types of nylon plastics are named based on the number of carbon atoms present in the diamine and acid components used to create them. For example, Nylon 6 is made from a single monomer, while Nylon 66 is made from multiple monomers.
What Properties Make Nylon Plastics Beneficial?
Nylon plastics have several beneficial properties that make them a popular choice in various industries. These properties include:
High Strength: Nylon plastics have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them stronger than many other plastics.
Toughness: Being tough and durable, this type of plastic is also ideal for use in applications that require resistance to wear and tear.
Chemical Resistance: Nylon plastics are resistant to many chemicals, including oils and solvents.
Heat Resistance: Nylon plastics can withstand high temperatures without melting or degrading.
Low Friction Coefficient: With a low coefficient of friction, nylon plastics are also used in bearings and other moving parts.
Electrical Insulation Properties: Nylon plastics have excellent electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for use in the electronics industry.
Machinability: Nylon plastics are easy to machine, which makes them a great option for manufacturing applications.
What Is Nylon Plastic Used For?
The various applications of nylon as an engineering plastic are as follows:
Textile Industry: Nylon material is used to make fabrics, hosiery,and sportswear due to its excellent elasticity, durability and moisture-wicking properties.
Automotive Industry: With its excellent mechanical and chemical properties, nylon is used to make gears, bearings and fuel tanks.
Electronics Industry: Nylon plastic is also used to make connectors and cable ties because of its excellent electrical insulation properties.
Other Applications: These applications include tubing, insulation and packaging.
McNeall Plastics: Helping Businesses Through Plastic Engineering and Manufacturing
Nylon material is a widely used engineering plastic that offers excellent properties for various applications. Its high strength, toughness, durability and chemical resistance make it an ideal choice for manufacturing applications. Whether you need a material for consumer goods or engineering plastics, nylon plastic is a reliable and beneficial choice.
At McNeall Plastics, we are committed to providing the highest quality plastic engineering and manufacturing services to businesses of all sizes. We have extensive experience in creating custom solutions using a variety of engineering plastics, including nylon material, for a wide range of applications. Our team of experts can work with you to design, prototype and produce custom plastic parts that meet your exact specifications.
Whether you need a one-of-a-kind prototype or a large production run, we, at McNeall Plastics, have the knowledge and resources to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in achieving your plastic manufacturing goals.