What is PA?

PA is probably best known by its trade name, nylon, and is often associated with the textile industry. However, at Induflex, we use the material as an engineering plastic. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties for industrial applications.

 

Its optimal combination of properties also makes it ideal for replacing metal, steel, and wood in machine parts. At Induflex, we have extensive experience in converting machine parts and other components.

 

Several companies produce PA, and it is known under various brand names such as TECAMID®, Nylantron®, and Ertalon®.

Five various machine parts made from white nylon

Properties and advantages

 

Nylon is widely used in the industry due to its high impact strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making it well-suited for mechanical applications involving intense wear and pressure.

 

Additionally, it offers strong chemical resistance to weak bases and acids, as well as to most oils, fats, and various solvents.

 

However, nylon has a high moisture absorption rate, which can affect dimensional stability, so tolerance requirements should be carefully considered.

 

As a standard, polyamide (PA) is an FKM-approved material, meaning it is certified for food contact applications.

Stock with off-cuts of plastic rods and pipes.

Cast vs. Extruded Nylon

Cast nylon is produced by pouring liquid nylon into a mold, where it hardens. This method allows for the production of larger, thicker parts with fewer internal stresses.

 

It is more brittle and harder than extruded nylon, enabling it to withstand higher surface pressure, making it ideal for applications like gears and bearings where wear resistance and low friction are crucial. However, cast nylon may be more prone to brittleness under impact.

 

Extruded nylon is made by melting and pressing nylon through a die, forming uniform, long shapes like rods or sheets. It has a better surface quality and is easier to machine.

 

Compared to cast nylon, extruded nylon offers higher mechanical strength, stiffness, and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring resistance to mechanical stress. Extruded nylon also has better shrink resistance and retains its shape more effectively under varying temperatures.

Cast vs. Extruded Nylon

Cast nylon is produced by pouring liquid nylon into a mold, where it hardens. This method allows for the production of larger, thicker parts with fewer internal stresses.

 

It is more brittle and harder than extruded nylon, enabling it to withstand higher surface pressure, making it ideal for applications like gears and bearings where wear resistance and low friction are crucial. However, cast nylon may be more prone to brittleness under impact.

 

Extruded nylon is made by melting and pressing nylon through a die, forming uniform, long shapes like rods or sheets. It has a better surface quality and is easier to machine.

 

Compared to cast nylon, extruded nylon offers higher mechanical strength, stiffness, and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring resistance to mechanical stress. Extruded nylon also has better shrink resistance and retains its shape more effectively under varying temperatures.

Rods in blue nylon for processing at Induflex

Types of PA

Polyamide, or nylon as it is commonly known, comes in several types: PA 6, PA 6.6, and PA 12. PA 6 is the standard variant of this plastic.

 

  • PA 6.6 (Polyamide 6.6): This type has similar properties to PA 6 but offers better resistance to moisture absorption, higher heat resistance, and improved insulating qualities. It is often used in demanding environments such as the automotive industry and electronics manufacturing.

 

  • PA 12 (Polyamide 12): Like PA 6 and PA 6.6, this polyamide has good impact strength and low density. However, it provides superior chemical resistance to acids, solvents, and oils, and shows better resistance to water and moisture absorption. Its mechanical strength is lower than the other types, as this variant is more flexible.

Sheets of black technical plastics on a shelf at Induflex's inventory in Støvring

What is PA used for?

Due to its excellent mechanical and chemical-resistant properties, PA thermoplastic is commonly used for machine parts and products such as:

 

  • Bushings
  • Bearings
  • Gears
  • Knife guides
  • Wear parts
  • Support washers
  • Rollers

 

And much more.

Machine parts made from nylon in the colour nature

Alternative
materials
to nylon

Do you need similar properties but with additional features?

 

PEHD (Polyethylene) is a great alternative. It offers excellent sliding properties and greater mechanical strength, making it ideal for use in mechanical applications.

 

Additionally, it has a broader service temperature range and significantly lower moisture absorption.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Alternative
materials
to nylon

Do you need similar properties but with additional features?

 

PEHD (Polyethylene) is a great alternative. It offers excellent sliding properties and greater mechanical strength, making it ideal for use in mechanical applications.

 

Additionally, it has a broader service temperature range and significantly lower moisture absorption.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue
Have any questions?
At Induflex, we are specialists in plastics. We are ready to help you identify your needs so you can choose the right material for your project. Contact us today for personalized advice regarding your project.
Spørgsmål og svar
  • We have a large stock of plastic materials, allowing us to fulfill requests for items made from standard materials within 8-14 working days, depending on the complexity of your components.

     

    If your project requires more specialized plastics, such as nylon with additives, our delivery time is within a month.

     

    We collaborate exclusively with European suppliers, ensuring we can quickly source the materials to meet your needs.

  • Nylon (PA) is available in sheets, round bars, and hollow rods in natural color.

     

    PA 6.6, however, is available in both sheet and round bar form in colors like natural, blue, and black.

     

    PA 12 is only available in natural color.

     

    Polyamide is offered in sheets, rods, and hollow rods.

     

    Below are examples of sheets and rods we either have in stock or can source:

     

    Nylon Sheets, PA 6 XT and ST, 2000 x 1000 mm:

    • Natural: Thickness from 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm up to 130 mm
    • Black MOS 2: Thickness from 1, 2, and 3 mm up to 130 mm

     

    Nylon Rods:

    • PA 6 XT or ST, Natural: Diameter from 6 mm to 800 mm
    • PA 6 XT or ST, Black MOS 2: Diameter from 10 mm to 800 mm
    • PA 6.6 XT, Black MO: Diameter from 10 mm to 100 mm
    • PA 6.6 XT, Natural: Diameter from 4 mm to 200 mm

     

    Nylon Hollow Rods, PA 6 in Natural (XT and ST):

     

    • 45/25 mm – 90/50 mm
    • 50/25 mm – 100/50 mm
    • 56/30 mm – 120/50 mm
    • 60/30 mm – 120/80 mm
    • 60/50 mm – 150/100 mm
    • 70/35 mm, 72 mm – 180/120 mm
    • 80/40 mm – 200/150 mm
    • 80/50 mm – 250/200 mm
    • 80/60 mm – 300/200 mm
  • At Induflex, we can achieve even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will, as standard, comply with Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium). We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you prefer.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly assist in determining whether POM is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify which machining method is best suited for your item.

Technical plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Technical plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have a question? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.