Nylon (PA)
Tough, wear-resistant and self-lubricating — ideal for gears, bushings and bearings.
Nylon (polyamide) is a tough, wear-resistant engineering plastic with a low coefficient of friction, making it excellent for moving parts such as gears, rollers and bearings. It is strong and durable but absorbs moisture, which must be considered for tight-tolerance parts.
Material properties
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70–85 MPa |
| Max service temp | ~120 °C |
| Wear resistance | Excellent |
| Friction | Low (self-lubricating) |
| Water absorption | High (dimensional effect) |
| Machinability | Good |
Typical values for reference; exact properties depend on grade, temper and heat treatment. Full material certification is provided on every order.
Machinability
Nylon machines well but its moisture absorption and thermal expansion mean dimensions shift with humidity and temperature — critical parts are often stress-relieved and toleranced with this in mind. Sharp tooling prevents grabbing.
Typical applications
Related engineering guides
Frequently asked questions
Why does nylon absorb moisture?
Nylon is hygroscopic — it absorbs water from the air, which slightly swells the part and changes dimensions. Account for this in tolerancing or choose a lower-absorption grade like PA12.
Is nylon self-lubricating?
Yes. Nylon has a naturally low coefficient of friction, and filled grades (oil- or MoS2-filled) improve it further for bearings and gears.