Nylon chips, also referred to as nylon granules or pellets, are small, solid pieces of nylon, a synthetic polymer belonging to the family of polyamides. They are produced from raw nylon resin, which is typically derived from petroleum-based products. These chips undergo a variety of processing techniques, such as extrusion, which transforms the raw material into a moldable form that can be used in manufacturing processes like injection molding or extrusion.
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Nylon chips are available in different grades and compositions, depending on the intended use. Some variants are reinforced with additives or fibers to enhance their mechanical properties, such as increased strength or resistance to high temperatures. The chemical structure of nylon provides excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and wear, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
Nylon chips are used in numerous industries due to their exceptional properties. Here are a few key applications:
Automotive Industry: Nylon chips are used to produce components such as fuel tanks, under-the-hood parts, and interior trims. Their strength and heat resistance make them ideal for high-performance automotive applications.
Consumer Electronics: Many electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and appliances, incorporate parts made from nylon chips. This includes casings, connectors, and various internal components.
Textile Industry: Nylon chips are a core material for producing fibers and fabrics used in clothing, carpeting, and upholstery. Their resilience and ability to withstand wear and tear make them perfect for textiles.
Packaging: The packaging industry utilizes nylon chips to produce flexible and durable films, ensuring that products are securely packaged and protected.
Industrial Equipment: From gears to bearings, nylon chips are used in the production of mechanical parts that require high strength, low friction, and long-lasting durability.
As a high-frequency modifier, nylon granules are added to products to enhance specific characteristics, such as improving the material’s mechanical strength, wear resistance, and chemical stability.
The use of nylon granules in manufacturing offers a multitude of benefits, which contribute to the overall performance and longevity of products. Here are some key advantages:
Enhanced Durability: Nylon granules are known for their high tensile strength and resistance to wear. This makes them ideal for applications where durability is paramount, such as in automotive parts or industrial equipment.
Heat Resistance: Nylon’s ability to withstand elevated temperatures without degrading makes it a preferred material in industries like automotive and electronics, where heat exposure is a concern.
Chemical Resistance: Nylon is highly resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents, ensuring that products made from nylon granules maintain their structural integrity even in harsh environments.
Lightweight: Despite their strength, products made from nylon granules are relatively lightweight, which is especially beneficial in industries such as automotive, where weight reduction is important for fuel efficiency.
Versatility: Nylon granules can be customized to meet the specific needs of various applications, whether that means modifying the chemical composition or reinforcing the chips with additional materials to enhance specific properties.
When it comes to high-frequency modifiers, nylon chips stand out in comparison to other materials like polypropylene, polycarbonate, and PVC. Here’s a breakdown of why nylon chips are preferred in certain applications:
Nylon vs. Polypropylene: While both nylon and polypropylene are lightweight and durable, nylon has superior strength and heat resistance. This makes it better suited for high-stress applications like automotive parts or industrial equipment.
Nylon vs. Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is known for its transparency and impact resistance, but nylon offers better abrasion resistance and is more suitable for applications that require flexibility and durability under mechanical stress.
Nylon vs. PVC: PVC is a more cost-effective material but lacks the mechanical strength and heat resistance that nylon provides. Nylon chips are often chosen for more demanding applications where performance is a priority.
While other materials may be suitable for specific uses, nylon chips are often the best choice when strength, heat resistance, and durability are critical factors.
Selecting the right nylon chips for your manufacturing needs involves several considerations:
Application Requirements: Determine the specific properties required for your product, such as tensile strength, heat resistance, or chemical stability. Nylon chips come in various grades, and selecting the right one ensures the product’s performance meets your standards.
Additives and Reinforcements: Some nylon chips are reinforced with additives like glass fibers or carbon black to enhance certain properties. Consider whether your product needs additional strength, UV resistance, or conductivity.
Processing Conditions: Consider the processing method used to mold or extrude the nylon chips. Some grades of nylon are better suited for high-pressure injection molding, while others may be more appropriate for extrusion processes.
Environmental Considerations: Ensure that the nylon chips comply with environmental regulations and are suitable for recycling if sustainability is a concern.
By assessing these factors, manufacturers can select the nylon granules that best fit their specific production needs.
1.What are the different types of nylon granules available?
There are various grades of nylon granules available, such as standard grades for general use, as well as reinforced grades that offer enhanced strength, heat resistance, and other specialized properties. Some common types include nylon 6, nylon 66, and glass-filled nylon.
2.How are nylon granules used in the automotive industry?
In the automotive industry, nylon granules are used to produce parts such as gears, fuel tanks, bumpers, and interior components. Their durability, heat resistance, and lightweight nature make them ideal for automotive applications.
3.Are there any environmental concerns related to the production of nylon granules?
Like many synthetic materials, nylon granules are derived from petroleum-based resources, which raises concerns about their environmental impact. However, efforts are being made to develop more sustainable and recyclable nylon products, including bio-based nylons and improved recycling techniques.
Nylon chips play a critical role in a wide range of industries, providing the necessary durability, strength, and heat resistance to a variety of products. Their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to modify the properties of other materials make them an essential part of modern manufacturing. By understanding their applications, benefits, and the factors to consider when choosing the right nylon granules, manufacturers can optimize their production processes and create high-quality, long-lasting products. Whether you’re in the automotive, electronics, or packaging industry, nylon chips offer a reliable solution for enhancing performance and ensuring product longevity.
Polyamide and nylon are terms often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Polyamide refers to a broader family of polymers that contain repeating amide bonds. These materials can be either natural (like proteins) or synthetic. Nylon, by contrast, is a specific type of synthetic polyamide first developed by DuPont in the s.[1]
In other words, all nylons are polyamides, but not all polyamides are nylons. Nylon was originally created as a substitute for silk in textiles—rummage through a closet in the s and you’d find yourself swimming in the stuff—but today it’s widely used in everything from clothing and carpets to mechanical components and 3D printing filaments. Other types of polyamides, like aramids, can offer different properties such as high heat resistance or added strength.
Knowing the difference between nylon and (other) polyamides helps in choosing the right material for the job. This guide looks at the main differences between nylon and other polyamides, helping you decide which material is best for a given application or manufacturing process.
Polyamides are a broad class of polymers defined by amide linkages (-CONH-) in their molecular backbone.[2] Nylon is a specific subset of synthetic aliphatic polyamides. As we mentioned in the introduction, all nylons are polyamides, but not all polyamides are nylons. Other types of polyamide include high-performance materials like aramids (e.g. Kevlar) and semi-aromatic polyphthalamides (PPA), which offer enhanced thermal and mechanical properties for demanding applications.[3]
All polyamides share a backbone of repeating amide units formed through condensation polymerization, but the specific “R” group in their structure affects traits like flexibility and strength. Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, the most common types of nylon, are synthesized differently and show distinct mechanical behavior. Nylons typically exhibit moderate crystallinity, balancing toughness and flexibility. On the other hand, aramids, with much higher levels of crystallinity, provide better heat resistance and strength. Moisture absorption differs, too: nylons can absorb up to 8.5% water, while aramids absorb less than 1%, making them better for high-precision or high-temperature uses.
The table below shows some of the more common polyamides used by engineers, including several nylons.
Polyamide
Common Name
Type
Key Properties
Typical Applications
PA6
Nylon 6
Aliphatic
Good toughness, flexibility, moderate water uptake
Textiles, gears, automotive parts
PA66
Nylon 66
Aliphatic
Higher strength and heat resistance than PA6
Electrical connectors, structural components
PA11
Bio-based Nylon 11
Aliphatic
Good flexibility, low water absorption
Pneumatic tubing, sports equipment
PPA
Polyphthalamide
Semi-aromatic
High heat resistance, dimensional stability
Automotive under-hood parts, electronics
PA6T/6I
Nylon 6T/6I
Semi-aromatic
Excellent heat resistance, stiffness
High-temp connectors, appliance components
Aramid
Kevlar®, Nomex®
Aromatic
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Very high strength, flame and abrasion resistance
Body armor, aerospace, protective clothing
PA12
Nylon 12
Aliphatic
Excellent chemical resistance, low moisture uptake
Fuel lines, medical devices, 3D printing
Picking the right polyamide—whether it’s a standard nylon or a more specialized type—depends on your project’s performance needs, budget, and environment. Engineers can follow a simple step-by-step process to match the material with the job. This involves checking strength, temperature range, exposure to moisture or chemicals, and how easy the material is to work with during manufacturing.
Quick selection checklist:
Nylon is a versatile synthetic polymer widely used across industries due to its strength, flexibility, abrasion resistance, and chemical stability.[4] Its ability to perform well under mechanical stress and varying environmental conditions makes it suitable for both consumer products and engineering applications. Believe it or not, your bathing suit could be made from the same material as the gears in your swimming pool pump system.
Common applications of nylon include:
Automotive parts: engine covers, cable ties, air intake manifolds
Textiles: clothing, hosiery, backpacks, parachutes
Industrial components: gears, bushings, rollers, bearings
Consumer goods: toothbrush bristles, kitchen utensils, fishing lines
Electrical and electronics: wire insulation, connectors, housings
3D printing: functional prototypes and end-use parts (Nylon 12, Nylon CF)
Medical devices: surgical sutures, catheters (using biocompatible grades)
Beyond nylon, other polyamides—such as aramids, polyphthalamides (PPA), and bio-based variants—can serve in demanding applications where higher heat resistance, strength, or chemical stability is needed. These materials are commonly used in specialized fields like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where standard nylons may fall short in performance.
Applications of non-nylon polyamides include:
Aramids (e.g., Kevlar®, Nomex®): body armor, flame-resistant clothing, aerospace composites
Polyphthalamides (PPA): under-the-hood automotive parts, fuel system components, high-temperature connectors
PA6T/6I and similar semi-aromatic blends: electrical housings, appliance parts exposed to heat
Bio-based polyamides (e.g., PA11): pneumatic tubes, sports gear, flexible industrial hoses
PA46 and PA9T: high-load gears, precision mechanical components, brake systems
High-temperature polyamides: LED lighting components, turbocharger parts, electronic chip carriers
Nylon and other polyamides are widely used in manufacturing and prototyping thanks to their balance of strength, flexibility, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. These materials can be processed using a variety of methods, each suited to different scales of production (e.g., prototyping vs mass production) and application requirements.
Injection molding is the most common method for producing nylon and polyamide parts in high volumes. It involves melting granulated polymer and injecting it into a mold cavity under pressure. Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are widely used due to their excellent flow properties and mechanical strength.
Glass-filled variants can be used to enhance stiffness and heat resistance, although they increase tool wear and may require higher injection temperatures (typically 220–300°C for standard grades). For specialty polyamides like PPA or aramids, processing temperatures can exceed 350°C, requiring more robust equipment and tooling.
CNC machining is frequently used for low-volume production, prototypes, or applications that require tight tolerances. Nylon can be machined using standard carbide tools, although its softness compared to metals can lead to issues like material deformation or tool buildup. Dry machining can prevent some of these issues.
Machining aramids or glass-filled polyamides requires more care due to their abrasive nature, which can lead to increased tool wear. Common CNC applications include bushings, spacers, and precision housings.
Additive manufacturing with nylon—especially Nylon 12 and carbon-fiber-filled variants—is growing rapidly in prototyping and end-use parts. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is the dominant method for printing nylon, offering excellent resolution, good surface finish, support-free printing, and isotropic strength properties. Popular SLS materials include:
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 (by HP)
EOS PA (by EOS)
BASF Ultrasint® PA12 GF (by BASF Forward AM)
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF/FDM) is also common, though it typically results in weaker parts unless reinforced with materials like glass or carbon fiber. PA11, a bio-based polyamide, is used increasingly in 3D printing due to its flexibility and low moisture absorption. These materials are ideal for creating functional parts, jigs, fixtures, and housings. Example filament products include:
MatterHackers NylonX (by MatterHackers)
Polymaker PolyMide™ CoPA (by Polymaker)
BASF Ultrafuse® PA (by BASF Forward AM)
Extrusion is used for producing continuous profiles like tubing, films, and fibers. Nylon’s strength and wear resistance make it ideal for extruded products such as fishing lines, fuel lines, and pneumatic tubing. However, processing conditions need to be carefully controlled to minimize moisture uptake before extrusion, as absorbed water can cause foaming or surface defects.
Polyamides like PA11 and PA12 are often used in flexible tubing due to their better chemical resistance and lower water absorption compared to Nylon 6 or 66.
Recommended reading: Strongest 3D Printer Filament: Choosing Between PC, Nylon, TPU, and Others
Composites and blends are engineered to boost performance by combining the base material with reinforcing materials or additives. Glass fiber-reinforced nylon increases stiffness, strength, and thermal resistance, making it ideal for automotive parts, appliance housings, and structural components. Carbon fiber-reinforced nylon offers even greater strength-to-weight ratios and thermal stability, and you’ll find it used in aerospace, drones, and high-performance tools. These composites are valued where lightweight durability is essential.
Other polyamides—not just nylons—can also be reinforced. Polyphthalamides (PPA) and aramids are often combined with glass fibers, carbon fibers, or mineral fillers to push mechanical and thermal limits even further. These reinforced high-performance polyamides are used in electrical connectors, fuel systems, and under-the-hood automotive parts where extreme heat and stress are present.
Blended polyamides, such as nylon-PBT or nylon-polyolefin blends, are tailored to improve impact resistance, reduce moisture absorption, or enhance chemical compatibility. These blends find roles in electronics, plumbing, and consumer products.
Both reinforced nylons and other polyamides are compatible with injection molding and, increasingly, with 3D printing. Carbon fiber-filled nylon filaments are popular for creating strong, functional prototypes and low-volume end-use parts, allowing engineers to replace metals in lightweight, durable applications.
Recommended reading: Glass-Filled Nylon: The Properties and Benefits
Choosing the wrong type of polyamide can lead to costly redesigns and delayed timelines. These issues often arise from overlooked material behavior under real-world conditions. We’ve identified five common pitfalls that are responsible for many of the failures in polyamide and nylon manufacturing.
Top 5 polyamide/nylon pitfalls:
Moisture Absorption: Standard nylons can swell and weaken, so use low-absorption types like PA12 or specify dry-as-molded properties.
Temperature Limits: Always design below the material’s heat deflection point and account for humidity-related shifts in glass transition temperature.
Impact Misjudgment: Test materials at their minimum service temperature, not just at room temperature, to ensure toughness under all conditions.
UV Sensitivity: Nylons degrade in sunlight, so choose UV-stabilized grades or switch to aromatic polyamides for outdoor use.
Improper Drying: Residual moisture during processing causes polymer degradation; follow recommended drying times and temperatures.
In , polyamide and nylon material development is often focused on sustainability and advanced recycling methods. Significant investments are driving the development of bio-based polyamides, which aim to reduce carbon footprints by using renewable raw materials or recycled content. For example, BASF’s Ultramid LowPCF uses biomass balance approaches to lower environmental impact. Aquafil’s ECONYL process chemically recycles waste fishing nets into high-quality nylon.
Enzyme-based recycling technologies, like those developed by Samsara Eco, break down nylon into original monomers with high recovery rates, supporting circular economy goals. Meanwhile chemical recycling, unlike mechanical recycling, helps maintain virgin-like material properties even after multiple cycles.
Material enhancements are also advancing, with carbon nanotube reinforcement and nano-titanium dioxide additives improving strength, heat resistance, and weight savings. Production costs for nano-enhanced materials have also decreased, making them more competitive with imports.
In conclusion, while nylon is a well-known member of the polyamide family, especially in forms like polyamide 6 and nylon 66, it's just one part of a broader group of thermoplastic materials defined by amide groups and a shared chemical structure. Thanks to their strong tensile strength, high temperature resistance, and adaptable molecular structure, both nylon and other polyamides are widely used in engineering plastics, synthetic fibers, and industrial applications. Their versatility across various applications—from textiles to components exposed to heat, moisture, and solvents—continues to make them valuable materials in modern manufacturing.
What is the main difference between polyamide and nylon?
Polyamide is a broad family of polymers with amide bonds, while nylon specifically refers to aliphatic polyamides like PA6 and PA66. All nylons are polyamides, but not all polyamides are nylons.
Which material performs better for automotive applications?
PA66 usually performs better due to its higher melting point, improved chemical resistance, and lower moisture absorption compared to PA6, with similar costs.
How do testing standards differ for polyamides?
ASTM D classifies all polyamide types, while ISO 527-2 and ASTM D638 measure tensile properties. Differences mainly appear in heat and chemical resistance tests.
What are the costs and benefits of high-performance polyamides?
High-performance polyamides like PPA cost more but offer superior heat resistance and chemical durability, making them suitable for electronics and demanding uses.
[1] Morgan PW. Brief history of fibers from synthetic polymers. Journal of Macromolecular Science—Chemistry. Apr 1;15(6):-31.
[2] Ali MA, Kaneko T. Polyamide syntheses. Encyclopedia of polynanomeric materials. Springer, Berlin. :-62.
[3] Cheng M, Chen W, Weerasooriya T. Mechanical properties of Kevlar® KM2 single fiber. J. Eng. Mater. Technol.. Apr 1;127(2):197-203.