Nylatron® - The versatile choice for mechanical machine parts

What is Nylatron?

Nylatron is the brand name for a group of nylon-based plastics specifically designed for use in engineering applications. It is a family of polyamide copolymers that can be modified with various additives to improve their physical properties.

Nylatron plastics are characterized by high strength, rigidity, toughness and abrasion resistance. They are also resistant to many chemicals and have high dimensional stability. Due to their excellent mechanical properties, Nylatron resins are often used in applications that involve high loads, such as gears, bearings, rollers and guide rails.

Nylatron is a registered trademark of Quadrant EPP, one of the world's leading manufacturers of thermoplastics.

What types of Nylatron are there?

There are several Nylatron grades designed for different applications:

• Nylatron® GS (extruded nylon) is a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) filled nylon that offers improved strength and stiffness. Due to the lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion than Nylon 101, Nylatron® GS retains its fit and has less tendency to freeze as a bearing.
• Nylatron® GSM (Cast Nylon) contains finely divided molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) particles to enhance its load carrying capacity while retaining the impact strength inherent in nylon.
• Nylatron® GSM Blue is the first cast nylon that combines both molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and oil for Nylatron® GSM nylon's load capacity and improved friction properties. It is particularly useful for higher pressure, low speed applications down to 40 fpm.
• Nylatron® LIG combines the toughness of cast PA6 with an oil-based lubricant encapsulated in the nylon matrix. Nylatron® LIG improves the material's load carrying capacity compared to unfilled nylons and reduces the coefficient of friction.
• Nylatron® LFG has the performance of Nylatron® LIG and adds FDA compliance for food contact applications. Food packaging and processing equipment users can now reap the benefits of this material.
• Nylatron® MD is a metal discoverable grade of nylon that offers enhanced strength and stiffness. Due to the lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion than Nylon 101, Nylatron® MD retains its fit and has less tendency to freeze as a bearing.
• Nylatron® NSM far outperforms all other "premium" wear grade materials. Ideal for bearings and wear plates, Nylatron® NSM offers benefits beyond superior wear resistance at an affordable price. It offers weight and noise reduction, corrosion resistance and easy machinability.
• Nylatron® WP Designed specifically for wear plates, it outperforms its competition in a wide range of applications and industries. Nylatron WP offers an economical solution for superior performance, weight and noise reduction, corrosion resistance and ease of machinability.

How is Nylatron processed?

Nylatron can be processed in a number of ways depending on the specific application and desired properties. In general, Nylatron is manufactured using injection molding, extrusion or casting processes.

In injection molding, the molten Nylatron is injected into a mold where it hardens to form the desired shape. This process is often used to manufacture small, complex parts.

Extrusion is a process where molten Nylatron is forced through a die to create a continuous shape. This process is often used to make tubes, rods and other elongated shapes.

The casting process is used to produce large, complex shapes. This involves pouring the molten nylatron into a mold that is the desired shape and size. This process is often used to manufacture large bearings, gears and other industrial parts.

Depending on the processing method and the composition of the Nylatron grade, specific processing conditions such as temperature, pressure and cooling may be required to ensure high quality and optimal properties of the end product.

How are Nylatron finished parts made?

Nylatron finished parts can be manufactured in a number of ways depending on the specific application and desired properties.

A common method is to machine Nylatron materials using CNC milling or turning. The material is formed into a specific shape by gradually removing it from a piece of material. This process makes it possible to produce very precise parts with complex shapes.

Another method is to pour Nylatron into a mold to create a finished part. This process is often used to manufacture large, complex parts such as gears or bearings.

In addition, Nylatron can also be injection molded to produce complex shapes to very tight tolerances. In injection molding, the molten Nylatron is injected into a mold where it hardens to form the desired shape.

Manufacturing finished parts from Nylatron often requires specific processing conditions such as temperature, pressure and cooling to ensure high quality and optimal properties of the end product.

Where is Nylatron used?

Nylatron is used in a variety of applications where high mechanical loads and abrasion resistance are required. Some examples are:

• Mechanical engineering: Nylatron is widely used in gears, bearings, bushings, gears, guide rails and other components used in machinery and equipment.
• Automotive Industry: Nylatron is used in the automotive industry for applications such as bearings, bushings, guides, gear and camshafts.
• Aerospace Industry: Nylatron is used in the aerospace industry for components such as bearings, bushings and guide rails.
• Food and Beverage Industry: Nylatron is used in the food and beverage industry for applications such as gear parts, conveyor belts and bottling lines.
• Construction: Nylatron is used in the construction industry for applications such as window and door rollers, slide rails and roof tile supports.

Overall, Nylatron is a versatile plastic used in many industries that require high mechanical loads and abrasion resistance.