Nylon vs ABS: Difference, Processes and Applications

Among the different parts used in different applications, nylon and ABS are the two most common materials, which are types of thermoplastics. The uses of nylon and ABS can be observed in many applications, and when it comes to choosing them, understanding their differences is crucial.

The guide below discusses in detail the differences between nylon vs ABS, so let's read it.

¿Qué es el nailon?

Nylon is a synthetic polymer that belongs to the polyamide family and has versatile mechanical properties. The process of manufacturing nylon consists of polymerizing, and it results in a durable material. There are many types of nylon, among which nylon 66 and nylon 6 are quite common.

Nylon 6 is a flexible material that is processed easily and is used in applications that need toughness and strength. On the other hand, nylon 66 offers thermal stability and tensile strength.

What is ABS Plastic?

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is composed of three components: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. These three components, after combining, offer high toughness and strength and can be processed easily.

ABS is suitable for products that need high resistance against mechanical stress. It is also easy to process and can offer uniform thickness.

Nylon vs ABS: Pros and Cons

ABS plastic vs nylon pros and cons are discussed below.

Nylon

Pros

• Nylon offers high tensile strength, which makes it robust.
• It is strong and offers vibration absorption.
• The heat resistance of nylon is very good.
• Nylon resists corrosion and can also offer resistance against alkalis and most salt solutions.

Contras

• Nylon is difficult to print as it offers moisture absorption.
• It is expensive compared to ABS.
• Nylon tends to shrink a little during the cooling process.

ABS

Pros

• ABS is easy to print and offers improved layer adhesion.
• ABS is cheaper compared to nylon
• It has enhanced impact resistance.
• The color options in ABS are versatile.
• It offers enhanced dimensional stability.

Contras

• ABS cannot withstand high temperatures.
• The tensile stress of ABS is low.
• It offers low resistance against chemicals and also warps if not cooled during printing.

Differences Between Nylon and ABS

The comparison between nylon vs ABS is given below.

Appearance

Nylon is opaque and offers flexibility, whereas ABS is also opaque but is tough.

Densidad

Nylon has a low density, which is around 1.14 g/cm3, and hence is opted for in manufacturing lightweight parts. ABS, on the other hand, has a high density, which is around 1.04g/cm3.

Shrink Rate

Nylon has a high shrink rate and needs a mold design that is carefully drafted for high precision. The shrink rate of ABS, on the other hand, is low, and hence, it helps to achieve the accuracy of dimensions in molded parts.

Punto de fusión

Nylon has a high melting point, which ranges between 190 and 350 degrees Celsius, and hence, it is suitable for high-temperature applications. ABS, on the other hand, has a low melting point of around 200 degrees Celsius, which makes it unsuitable for use in high-heat environments.

Durabilidad

Nylon is highly durable and resistant to fatigue and wear, and hence, it is suitable for movable parts. ABS is also durable when subjected to impact, but doesn't offer wear resistance.

Resistencia a la tracción

Nylon has a high tensile strength, which is around 65 to 75 MPa, and is suitable for load-bearing applications. ABS has a moderate tensile strength, which is between 40 and 50 MPa.

Resistencia a los impactos

Nylon has a high impact resistance, but the impact resistance of ABS is superior to nylon.

Resistencia al calor

Nylon offers high heat resistance and thermal stability. Whereas the heat resistance of ABS is moderate.

Thermal Stability

Nylon offers stability over a broader range of temperatures but does absorb moisture. Whereas ABS offers stability under different temperatures, but due to prolonged heat exposure, it degrades.

Heat Deflection Temperature

Nylon has a high heat deflection temperature, which is between 180 and 200 degrees Celsius. ABS has a low heat deflection temperature, which is between 85 and 105 degrees Celsius.

Resistencia química

Nylon offers high resistance against chemicals like solvents, grease, and oils. ABS has a modern chemical resistance, and when subjected to strong acids, it can be damaged.

Cost Comparison

Nylon is expensive, whereas ABS is highly affordable. Whereas nylon has a high fabrication cost as it offers machining challenges. ABS has a low cost of fabrication, which makes it easier to mold and process.

Propiedades mecánicas

3 Main Processes of Nylon vs ABS

The three main processes of nylon vs ABS are discussed below.

Nylon vs ABS: Injection Molding

Moldeo por inyección is a very common process of manufacturing that consists of feeding resin pellets, melting them, and injecting them into a model. Nylon requires drying resins when injection molded, as it absorbs water and offers dimensional instability.

Nylon vs ABS: 3D Printing

ABS is chosen for 3D printing because it offers easier printing compared to nylon; it is suitable for producing parts that are strong and heat resistant.

Nylon vs ABS: CNC Machining

Nylon is not as machinable as ABS. It absorbs moisture, and hence, the dimensional stability is affected. ABS offers high machinability, improved dimensional stability, and surface finish.

Applications of Nylon vs ABS

The applications of nylon vs ABS are discussed below.

Nylon's Applications

Automobile Industry: Nylon is used for making tanks, radiators, gears, and other parts for the automobile sector as it offers high heat resistance and strength.

Electrical Industry: The electrical components, like housings and connectors, are made using nylon due to their resistance against chemicals.

Medical Industry: Medical applications like catheter shafts and balloon tubing are manufactured using nylon as it offers high strength and biocompatibility.

ABS Applications

Electrónica: ABS is used in electronic applications for manufacturing housings of televisions, computers, and smartphones.

Juguetes: ABS is used for producing toys like LEGO, as it offers safety and durability.

Automobile Parts: Components like interior and exterior parts and dashboards that need high resistance against impact are manufactured using ABS.

Appliances: Appliances like kitchen gadgets and vacuum cleaners need strength and are made using ABS.

Conclusion: Nylon vs ABS, Which One is Best For Your Project?

It is important to understand the differences between the two types of thermoplastics, nylon vs ABS, so that you can decide which one is suitable for your application. The guide above has highlighted the differences really well.

Nosotros en DEK can design and manufacture components for your applications. We can also provide you with guidance as to which of these materials will suit your parts.