What is Nylon?

Nylon is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyamide family, widely valued in the plastics industry for its excellent technical properties. First developed in the 1930s, it quickly became one of the most versatile and durable thermoplastic materials for industrial applications, especially in injection molding.

Chemically, nylon is produced through a condensation polymerization process in which monomers containing amide groups are combined. This molecular structure gives the material high mechanical strength, good thermal stability, and remarkable wear and abrasion resistance—making it ideal for manufacturing technical parts and components subject to constant stress.

In the plastic injection industry, nylon is commonly used to produce parts that must endure loads, friction, or high temperatures. Typical examples include gears, bushings, bearings, structural supports, electrical connectors, and components for the automotive and industrial sectors. Its rigidity, toughness, impact resistance, and low coefficient of friction make it an efficient solution for demanding environments.

The most commonly used types of nylon in industrial applications are PA6 and PA66. PA6 (polyamide 6) offers better impact resistance and easier processability. It is ideal for parts requiring some flexibility and good fatigue resistance. PA66 has higher thermal resistance and greater rigidity, making it more suitable for structural components or those requiring dimensional stability under thermal stress.

One important characteristic of nylon is its hygroscopic nature—it absorbs moisture from the environment. This can affect the material’s mechanical and dimensional properties, so proper drying is essential before injection molding. Under normal conditions, nylon must be dried at specific temperatures for a defined period to ensure optimal moisture content. If not properly dried, the final part may show defects such as bubbles, weak flow lines, or a loss of structural integrity.

Nylon can also be modified with reinforcements or additives to improve performance. One of the most common combinations is glass fiber-reinforced nylon, which significantly increases stiffness, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability. There are also formulations with mineral fillers, internal lubricants, or UV stabilizers, allowing customization based on specific operating conditions such as prolonged sun exposure, aggressive environments, or electrical insulation requirements.

In terms of chemical resistance, nylon performs well against oils, greases, and many solvents, though it can be affected by strong acids. It also has excellent fatigue resistance and behaves reliably under repetitive load cycles, making it a trusted material for long-term applications.

Additionally, nylon stands out for its excellent moldability, enabling the production of complex parts with high precision and tight tolerances. This makes it particularly competitive in both high-volume and medium-run production, especially in industries that demand consistent quality and efficient cycle times.

Thanks to its balance of performance, cost, and adaptability, nylon has become a benchmark thermoplastic across multiple industrial sectors. In injection molding, it remains a constant and evolving presence, with increasingly specialized formulations that meet the latest market demands.