CNC Machining Nylon(PA): A Complete Guide

Nylon also referred to as Polyamide is a thermoplastic that is opted in multiple applications for its excellent mechanical properties and resistance against chemicals. CNC machining nylon helps manufacture multiple components with fine details and high precision. If you are searching for some information about machining nylon, the guide below is your go-to choice. So let's delve into it and learn everything about machining nylon.

What is Nylon?

Nylon was developed in the 1930s and was used as an alternative to silk. It is a thermoplastic polymer that has various properties like chemical resistance, heat resistance, strength, durability, and wear resistance.

Nylon is used in multiple applications which consist of engineering parts, automobile parts, packing, and textiles.

Different Nylon Grades

Nylon has multiple grades and each grade has distinct properties and applications, some of the commonly opted grades of nylon are as follows:

Nylon 6/6

Nylon 6/6 is a very commonly used grade that comprises glass fibers reinforced in polyamide polymer. It has high stiffness and offers excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance. It is used in electrical, automobile, and consumer products.

Nylon 6

Nylon 6 is manufactured in two variations, one of the variations is used for textile purposes and the other one is for industrial applications that need high strength. Nylon 6 has low mold shrinkage and also offers low heat deflection temperature. It can also withstand high impact and stress and is versatile to color consisting of a lustrous appearance. It is used in rope fabrication and parachutes.

Nylon 12

Nylon 12 is also called PA12 and it comprises ω-aminolauric acid monomers and laurolactam with 12 atoms of carbon. It offers hardness, abrasion resistance, and high tensile strength. It doesn't crack due to stress and has excellent chemical resistance and a low rate of absorption. It is used in applications like cable sheathing, flexible tubing, and automobile fuel lines.

Glass Filled Nylon

Glass-filled nylon is known for its excellent strength and thermal endurance and is manufactured by blending nylon resin with powdered glass fibers. The addition of glass in this type of nylon adds rigidity, hardness, and strength to the material and offers dimensional stability and wear resistance. It is used in manufacturing structural components in different industries.

Nylon 6/12

The nylon  6/12 offers dimensional stability and moisture absorption which makes it suitable for environments that are exposed to moisture. Hence, this type of nylon is used in fluid handling systems, hoses, and tubing.

Properties of Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is used in industries because of the diverse properties it has and some of the properties of nylon are given below.

High Tensile Strength: Nylon offers a high tensile strength which makes it suitable for withstanding strain and stress.

Elasticity: Nylon fibers offer elasticity which makes them return back to their original state after they are stretched.

Abrasion Resistance: Nylon offers high resistance against abrasion and applications where wear and tear and friction are a concern, nylon offers suitability.

Resistance Against Heat and Chemicals: Nylon can resist various chemicals like grease, oil, and solvents and also has a good thermal resistance with a melting point of 256 degrees centigrade.

Durable and Light in Weight: Nylon is light in weight and hence suitable for use in textile-based applications also it offers toughness and durability which adds resistance against environmental factors.

Electric Insulation: It is a very good electrical insulator and hence it is suitable for various electronic applications.

Benefits of CNC Machining Nylon

There are multiple nylon parts used in different applications because of the ample benefits offered by CNC machining nylon and some of these benefits are as follows:

High Precision: Nylon machining offers high accuracy and precision which allows creating shapes with complex geometries and tight tolerance.

Quick Turnaround: CNC machining is an efficient process of producing nylon parts. It saves a lot of time and cost compared to the traditional methods and in a very quick way, a high volume of nylon components can easily be manufactured.

Consistent Components: CNC machining allows producing large volumes of components that are repeatable and consistent. In the entire batch of CNC machined nylon components you will find each and every part having the same precision and quality.

Cost-Effectivenes: CNC machining nylon offers affordability, especially when the volume of production is low the setup costs are also low and since it offers automation, the need for manual labor is also eliminated.

Flexibility: CNC machining nylon parts allows the production of a wide range of nylon components which may have varied shapes and sizes. Hence customized components of nylon can easily be manufactured to meet the application requirement.

Recyclable: Nylon offers recyclability which makes it a suitable and environmentally friendly material. Hence, the CNC machined components made using nylon can easily be recycled when compared to other materials.

Applications of Nylon CNC Machining

The CNC machined nylon parts are widely used in many industries and some of the applications of these components are given below:

Automotive

In the automobile industry, nylon components manufactured using CNC machining are used due to the resistance to wear and durability they offer. The automobile industry requires components that are long-lasting, efficient, and have low friction, nylon possesses all these properties. Hence, components like bearings, gears, spacers, bushings, seals, and gaskets are manufactured using nylon.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry requires lightweight components that offer a high strength-to-weight ratio. Nylon CNC machining helps manufacture such parts which helps to improve fuel efficiency in aircraft and also helps reduce the overall weight which enhances the performance. The aircraft’s moving parts, wear pads, contact points, and strips are manufactured using nylon machined components.

Medical

Nylon parts are also used in the medical industry for the durability and biocompatibility they offer, nylon helps to create components that are lightweight and can withstand sterilization processes without degrading.  Surgical instruments, orthotics, and prosthetics are manufactured through nylon, and also various medical devices have their connectors and housings made using CNC-machined nylon.

Electronics

Nylon components are known as the best insulators and hence they can be used in various electronics for the purpose of ensuring safety and prevention of short circuits. The nylon ties, clips, holders, and other cable management systems add robust and non-conductive properties to the appliances and protect them against mechanical stress and environmental factors.

Tips for CNC Machining Nylon

CNC machining nylon requires some essential consideration which if followed provide optimal results. Some of these tips associated with machining nylon are given below which may prove helpful for the machining process.

• Tool selection needs to be appropriate and must comprise either high-speed steel or a sharp carbide which cuts the nylon precisely and accurately.
• The efficiency and heat management must be balanced by choosing the appropriate feed rate and speed, a low speed for cutting with a high feed rate is suitable for nylon and also helps to reduce the melting risks ensuring a smooth component turnout.
• In order to prevent heat during the process of machining and prevent the material from melting the right coolant is very important so that the cutting area is kept cool and the dimensional stability of the components is maintained.
• Avoid making deep cuts in a single go and use multiple passes with shallow cuts so that the heat generated during the cutting process can be reduced. It helps to achieve accurate surface finishing and better dimensional stability.
• The prevention of chips from accumulation and remelting into the workpiece is very important and for this pressure vacuum systems should be in place to keep the cutting area clear.
• Inspect the cutting tools regularly and ensure replacing them from time to time so that the sharpness is maintained, dull tools may cause poor surface finishing of the nylon components.

Conclusion

Custom nylon components can easily be manufactured through CNC machining when you have a detailed insight into the machining process. The guide above provides a very depth-oriented explanation covering the pros, applications, and types of CNC machining nylon.

If you are searching for custom nylon parts, DEK can be your go-to manufacturer. You can specify your requirements and applications and we will design the finest nylon component for you with excellent quality, high-tensile strength, and precision at affordable prices. So, get in touch with our sales team to get a quote today.

FAQs

Which grade of nylon is the strongest?

Nylon 6/6 is the strongest grade of nylon which retains its strength through variation of temperature and even in harsh moisture conditions.

Is nylon a non-metal?

Yes, nylon is a non-metal, it is a synthetic polymer which is a type of plastic that offers durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear.

What is nylon used for in CNC machining?

In CNC machining, nylon is used for producing components that are durable and wear-resistant which includes bearings, gears, and bushings. It also helps manufacture electrical insulators, wear pads, and fasteners.

What are the drawbacks of nylon parts?

Nylon can easily melt being fire-resistant and also may react with moisture and sometimes end up shrinking. It may also swell upon getting wet as it can absorb water from the air as well.