Nylon
Nylon (polyamide, PA) is a tough, wear-resistant engineering plastic used for bushes, gears, rollers, wear pads and sheaves where it replaces metal to cut weight, noise and lubrication. We supply nylon rods, sheets and parts machined or cast to drawing.
What it is
Nylon combines good strength, toughness and low friction with excellent abrasion resistance. Extruded PA6 and PA66 are common, and cast nylon (PA6G) is available in large sizes with low internal stress, ideal for big gears, rollers and liners.
Nylon absorbs some moisture, which increases toughness but changes dimensions slightly, so tolerances and clearances should allow for it.
Typical applications
- Bushes and bearings
- Gears, sprockets and pulleys
- Conveyor rollers and wear strips
- Crane sheaves and guide wheels
- Insulating and spacer parts
Materials & grades
- PA6 (extruded and cast)
- PA66
- Oil-filled and MoS2-filled nylon
- Glass-filled nylon
Points to consider
- Allow extra running clearance for moisture swelling and thermal expansion.
- Oil- or MoS2-filled grades improve self-lubrication for bushes.
- Cast nylon suits large parts and gears; extruded suits small precise parts.
- Not recommended for strong acids or continuous hot water.
Frequently asked questions
What is nylon used for in machinery?
Bushes, gears, rollers, wear pads and sheaves, where it replaces metal to reduce weight, noise and lubrication.
Does nylon absorb water?
Yes, up to about 2–3%, which slightly increases dimensions; clearances should allow for this.
What is cast nylon?
Nylon polymerised in moulds to make large rods and plates with low stress, ideal for big machined parts.