Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic linear polyamide (a large molecule whose components are bound by a particular type of bond) initially developed by DuPont in 1935. Since its first commercial appearance as the bristles of a toothbrush in 1938, it has been a popular material for all sorts of manufacturing and product needs. Combining a host of beneficial physical properties and relatively low cost, nylon has become one of the most common general-purpose members of the engineering plastics family. It’s tough, resistant to wear, and boasts a tensile strength that makes it ideal for a wide variety of machined parts. Nylon is also light in weight, exhibits a low coefficient of friction, and is chemically and thermally resistant.
Piedmont Plastics offers extruded nylon in sheet and rod form and white cast nylon sheet.
Extruded Nylon
The combined properties of extruded nylon make it a preferred material for self-lubricating or slide-type applications. In addition, because it is easily machinable, it is the perfect solution for many automotive, food processing, fluid handling, electronics, and mining applications. It is also FDA, USDA, NSF, and 3-A Dairy compliant so that it can be used for multiple packaging needs.
Cast Nylon Sheet
Cast nylon sheet is a versatile thermoplastic resin noted for its ability to aid in weight and noise reduction, lubrication savings, and gear life extension. In addition, it is highly resistant to impact, wear, and vibration as an engineering material. With these physical properties, cast nylon’s price point also makes it an excellent option over metal and rubber for many applications.
Cast nylon has almost limitless production possibilities. It’s simple to machine and can be fabricated into nearly any part size and thickness without suffering material degradation. It also allows for glass, oil, or Kevlar® fiber additives for strengthening purposes. Cast nylon comes in various colors, including black, blue, dark gray, green, natural, and custom-colored to match any brand need. Because it meets FDA standards, it can be used in the foodservice industry and medical devices.
Main Benefits Of Nylon
There are multiple advantages to using nylon, no matter what type of product it’s for.
Durable – Nylon is famous for its strength and durability. That’s why, throughout World War II, it was used heavily for the war effort and was difficult for civilians to acquire. In addition, it has excellent wear, corrosion, and abrasion resistance possesses high tensile and compressive strength, can operate without lubrication and is fire-retardant. As a result, nylon today remains one of the most durable polymers on the market.
Lightweight – Because nylon is essentially a plastic, it’s very lightweight to produce—a mere seventh the weight of most other materials. This makes it perfect for applications that require dependable strength and have strict weight restrictions.
Simple to make – Nylon is an easy material to produce. It can be made in any color required and enjoys low moisture absorbency. This makes for a straightforward, efficient production process.
Cost-efficient – Because nylon is an artificial product and not farmed or harvested, overall production costs are generally low. It’s also versatile in that it can be made to mimic many high-cost materials at much less expense.
Waterproof – Nylon draws moisture to the surface, evaporating quickly. Because it doesn’t retain water, it is less likely to grow mold and require extensive cleaning costs. As a result, you’ll find nylon a popular material for outdoor equipment, sports equipment, and other products that need to repel water.
Easy to care for – Due to its waterproof nature, nylon is simple to wash and care for. In addition, nylon plastic sheet can often be simply wiped clean.
Popular Uses for Nylon Plastic Sheet
With nylon’s exceptional strength, resistance to chemicals, corrosion, abrasion, and high melting temperature, it’s an ideal substitute for metals in high-temperature applications. You’ll find nylon used for automotive manifolds and other parts, machine screws, bushings, bearings, sprockets, gears, electrical connectors, and insulators.
Cast nylon can be found in nearly every industry, including construction, material handling, agriculture, food processing, marine, oil and gas, and wastewater industries. Any industry that calls for inexpensive, solid, and durable components that can withstand harsh conditions will benefit from nylon materials.
Extruded and Cast Nylon At Piedmont Plastics
For more information on size and color availability for nylon material at Piedmont Plastics, feel free to contact us at any time. We will put you in touch with our plastics experts, who can help you find the best materials for your project from our nationwide network of over 40 branch locations
