Extruded nylon, specifically nylon 6 and nylon 6/6, is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer with excellent mechanical properties that are ideal for a variety of industrial 

and consumer applications. The extrusion process involves melting the raw nylon resin and passing it through a die to form different shapes and profiles such as rods, sheets and 

tubes. Below is a breakdown of the key properties, benefits, applications and variants of extruded nylon:

Key Characteristics

1.Mechanical strength and durability:

Nylon has high tensile strength, which means it can withstand considerable force without breaking.

It has excellent abrasion and impact resistance for applications where durability is critical.

2.Chemical Resistance:

Extruded nylon is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, fuels and various solvents, but it can be affected by strong acids or bases.

3.Low Friction and Wear Properties:

Nylon has a naturally low coefficient of friction, which helps reduce wear on nylon parts and their contact surfaces.

This self-lubricating property makes it ideal for applications involving moving parts and machinery.

4.Lightweight:

It is much lighter than metals and other materials with similar strengths, resulting in reduced mechanical loads and lower energy costs.

Thermal stability:

Nylon retains its properties at moderately high temperatures, typically up to 100-120°C (212-248°F) in continuous use, but it can temporarily withstand higher temperatures.

6.Absorption of moisture:

Nylon is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the environment. This can alter its mechanical properties, such as dimensional stability and tensile strength, and may 

need to be considered in applications with high moisture exposure.

Types of Extruded Nylon:

The main types of nylon commonly used in extrusion are Nylon 6 and Nylon 6/6, each with slightly different properties:

1.Nylon 6:

• Has better impact resistance and flexibility than Nylon 6/6.

• It has a lower melting point of about 428°F (220°C), which makes it easier to extrude.

• Better suited for applications where bending or flexing occurs frequently, such as conveyor belts and tubing.

2.Nylon 6/6:

• Typically stiffer and more abrasion-resistant than Nylon 6.

• Higher melting point of about 509°F (265°C) makes it better at high temperatures and stresses.

• Suitable for parts requiring high stiffness and dimensional stability, such as gears, bushings and structural components.

Applications of Extruded Nylon

Due to its unique properties, extruded nylon is used in a variety of industries:

1.Automotive:

Because it is strong, lightweight and resistant to automotive chemicals, it is used in gears, bushings, fuel lines and cable ties.

2.Industrial Machinery:

Commonly used in bearings, rollers, wear strips and conveyor systems, where its low friction and abrasion resistance improves performance and reduces maintenance.

3.Electronics and Electrical:

Suitable for insulators, connectors and housings due to its excellent dielectric properties and dimensional stability.

4.Consumer products:

Thanks to its toughness, ease of fabrication and aesthetics, it can be used in products such as kitchen utensils, casters and a variety of appliances.

5.Building and Construction:

Used in handrails, cable clips and fasteners where strength and weight are important.

6.Textiles:

Extruded in a fine form, nylon fibres are used in fabrics, ropes and outdoor equipment.

Advantages of Extruded Nylon

• Customisability: Nylon can be extruded into a wide range of shapes, sizes and thicknesses to meet specific design requirements.

• Cost-effective: Extruded nylon is typically less costly than metal while providing adequate performance, especially in lightweight and low-load applications.

• Longer life: Nylon's wear resistance extends the life of parts, reducing machinery downtime and replacement costs.

Limitations of Extruded Nylon

• Moisture sensitivity: Nylon's tendency to absorb moisture alters its mechanical and dimensional properties and may result in swelling or changes in tolerance.

• Temperature Limitations: Although thermally stable at moderate temperatures, nylon may not be suitable for very high temperature applications compared to some

  engineering polymers.

• Chemical Sensitivity: Nylon may degrade in contact with certain strong acids or bases, making it unsuitable for all chemical exposure environments.

Modifications and additives

To improve certain properties, manufacturers may add fillers or reinforcements to extruded nylon, such as

• Glass fibres: To improve hardness, strength and heat resistance.

• Lubricants: Internal lubricants (such as oil-filled nylon) further reduce friction in high wear applications.

• UV stabilisers

Extruded nylon is an excellent material choice for many industries because of its balance of strength, abrasion resistance and versatility. Each nylon grade and modification offers 

unique benefits, allowing users to select the formulation that best meets the specific needs of their application.