Material Guide & Selection
Nylon Material: Properties, Grades & How to Choose
Nylon material is one of the most versatile engineering plastics you can spec. Also called polyamide, it is tough, wear-resistant, and naturally self-lubricating, which is why it shows up in gears, bushings, bearings, and any part that takes repeated impact or friction. It is strong for its weight, resists oils and solvents, and machines into complex shapes with ease.
This guide covers nylon properties, the difference between common grades, and how nylon compares to other plastics like Delrin, ABS, and PEEK. It is written by the team at Baetro that makes nylon parts two ways, by CNC machining and by 3D printing, so it goes beyond the data sheet to help you pick the right grade and the right process.
Self-lubricating
Naturally low friction
Wear-resistant
Ideal for moving parts
Various grades
PA6, PA66, filled variants
Engineer-written
Machining & 3D printing focus
Nylon Material Fundamentals
What Is Nylon?
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers called polyamides, first developed in the 1930s and now one of the most widely used engineering plastics. As Wikipedia's nylon reference notes, the material is built from repeating amide links, and that structure gives it a useful blend of strength, toughness, and chemical resistance. In manufacturing, nylon usually comes as a thermoplastic you can machine from bar stock or process into parts.
What makes nylon stand out is a rare combination. It is strong yet light, tough enough to absorb impact without cracking, and slippery enough to run against metal with little or no added lubrication. It also damps noise and vibration better than metal. These traits make it a go-to replacement for metal in moving and wear applications.
Strength & Toughness
Absorbs impact without cracking
Self-Lubricating
Runs against metal with minimal lubrication
Wear Resistance
Ideal for moving parts and bearing surfaces
Chemical Resistance
Resists oils, solvents, and many chemicals
Versatile Engineering Plastic
Strong, tough, and self-lubricating — a go-to replacement for metal in moving and wear applications.
Grades & forms
Grades and Forms of Nylon
Beyond 6 and 66, nylon comes in forms and filled grades that tune its behavior.
Manufacturing form
Cast vs. Extruded Nylon
Cast nylon has lower internal stress, so it machines more cleanly and warps less. Extruded is common for standard stock.
- Cast nylon: lower internal stress, cleaner machining, less warpage
- Extruded nylon: common stock form, cost-effective for standard shapes
- Best for: precision-machined parts where dimensional stability matters
- Recommendation: for most wear parts, standard cast nylon machines beautifully
Filled grade
Glass-Filled Nylon
Adding glass fiber increases stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability, at the cost of some toughness and more abrasive machining.
- Stiffness: significantly improved over unfilled grades
- Dimensional stability: reduced moisture-driven swelling
- Trade-off: more abrasive machining, reduced impact toughness
- Best for: parts that need rigidity and stability in humid environments
Lubricated grade
MoS₂-Filled Nylon
Molybdenum disulfide boosts lubricity and wear resistance, making it ideal for bearings and high-wear sliding parts.
- Lubricity: significantly reduced friction against metal
- Wear resistance: extends part life in sliding applications
- Best for: bearings, bushings, and high-wear sliding surfaces
- Upgrade: choose MoS₂-filled when wear life is the priority
Procurement confidence
Why Choose Baetro for This Nylon Material Guide
Engineers and procurement managers trust this guide because it is written by the people who machine and 3D print nylon every day — not a marketer rewriting a data sheet.
Engineer-Written, Not Marketing
This guide comes from the Baetro engineering team, the same people who quote, machine, and inspect nylon parts. No fluff, no recycled content — just practical information you can actually use.
Real-World Manufacturing Data
All property data is sourced from actual production experience and industry-recognized references. You get the same numbers we use for quoting and process planning.
Beyond the Data Sheet
We tell you what the data sheet does not: how each nylon grade machines, prints, wears, and absorbs moisture. That is the layer that separates a successful part from a headache.
Grade Comparison Made Simple
We cut through the confusion by grouping grades by family and application. You learn which grades are similar, which are different, and where those differences actually matter.
Moisture & Processing Insights
Nylon's moisture absorption and machining behavior are critical to part performance. We include practical guidance on drying, swelling, and designing for real-world use.
Free DFM Review for Your Application
Reading a guide is one thing. Applying it to your specific part is another. Upload your CAD file and our engineers will recommend the right grade, review your design, and quote the part — all in under 60 seconds.
Material library
Materials We Mill
We machine 50+ materials across metals and plastics, with full material certifications and traceability available for every project.
Metals
Aluminum Alloys: 6061-T6 general-purpose, excellent machinability, weldable; 7075-T6 high-strength aerospace-grade; 2024-T3 high fatigue resistance; 5052 corrosion-resistant and marine applications.
Learn more about aluminum CNC machining
Stainless Steel: 304 general-purpose, corrosion-resistant, food-grade; 316 marine-grade, chemical-resistant, medical applications; 17-4 PH precipitation-hardened, high strength with corrosion resistance; 303 free-machining grade for faster production.
Learn more about stainless steel CNC machining
Other Metals: Carbon steel (1018, 1045, 4140), Brass (C360), Titanium (Grade 2, 5), Copper (C110), Tool steel (O1, A2, D2).
Plastics
PEEK: High-temperature, medical-grade, chemical-resistant polymer.
Learn more about PEEK CNC machining
ABS: Impact-resistant, cost-effective prototyping material.
Nylon (PA6, PA66): Wear-resistant, low friction, suitable for bearings and bushings.
POM (Delrin/Acetal): Excellent dimensional stability for precision mechanical parts.
Polycarbonate: Transparent, high-impact strength.
Acrylic (PMMA): Optical clarity, decorative applications.
Material
Stainless Steel
304, 316, 17-4 PH, and 303 grades for corrosion resistance and high strength applications.
Material
Titanium
Grade 2 and 5 for aerospace and medical applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios.
Material
PEEK
High-performance plastic for demanding thermal, chemical, and biocompatible applications.
Material properties
Nylon Material Properties
Nylon properties vary by grade and by moisture content, but the table below gives typical values for unfilled nylon 6/6, based on reference data from AZoM and polymer databases.
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70–90 MPa | Strong for a plastic, good load capacity |
| Density | ~1.14 g/cm³ | Much lighter than metal |
| Impact resistance | High | Absorbs shock without cracking |
| Coefficient of friction | 0.3–0.4 vs steel | Self-lubricating, low wear |
| Continuous use temp | up to ~120°C | Handles warm environments |
| Moisture absorption | up to ~8% | Causes swelling; plan for it |
The headline traits are toughness and wear resistance. Nylon handles repeated impact and sliding contact better than most plastics, which is exactly what gears, bearings, and bushings demand. The trade-off, moisture absorption, is important enough to get its own section below.
Engineering data
Nylon 6 vs Nylon 66
The two most common nylon grades look similar but behave a little differently. Both are polyamides; the numbers refer to the carbon atoms in their building blocks.
Grade Comparison
| Trait | Nylon 6 | Nylon 66 |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | ~220°C | ~265°C |
| Moisture absorption | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Stiffness | Good | Slightly higher |
| Impact toughness | Slightly higher | Good |
| Typical use | General purpose, cast parts | Higher-heat, stiffer parts |
In short, nylon 66 handles higher temperatures and is a touch stiffer, while nylon 6 absorbs a bit more moisture but offers slightly better impact toughness and is common in cast form.
How to Choose
- Choose Nylon 6 when: you need general-purpose cast parts, cost is a factor, and impact toughness matters more than heat resistance.
- Choose Nylon 66 when: the part runs at higher temperatures, you need slightly more stiffness, or lower moisture absorption is beneficial.
- Both work well for: most wear parts, gears, and bushings — the choice often comes down to availability and operating temperature.
- Engineering support: not sure which grade fits? Upload your CAD file and our engineers will recommend the right one based on your application environment.
Process comparison
Machining vs 3D Printing Nylon
Here is something most material guides skip: you can make nylon parts two very different ways, and the right route depends on your part.
Machine Nylon for Precision & Strength
Machine nylon when you need tight tolerances, smooth finishes, and maximum strength. CNC machining from solid nylon bar stock produces precise, durable parts like gears, bushings, and bearings.
- Tight tolerances and smooth surface finishes
- Maximum strength from solid bar stock
- Ideal for gears, bushings, and bearings
- Moisture and workholding care built into the process
- Full material traceability from bar stock to finished part
- Our nylon CNC machining service handles these with the moisture and workholding care nylon demands
3D Print Nylon for Complexity & Speed
3D print nylon when geometry is complex, volume is low, or you want to skip tooling. Processes like SLS and MJF build strong, functional nylon parts with good isotropic properties, ideal for prototypes, housings, and small production runs.
- Complex geometries without tooling commitments
- Low-volume production and rapid iteration
- SLS and MJF printing for functional parts
- Good isotropic properties for load-bearing parts
- Ideal for prototypes, housings, and small production runs
A Quick Rule of Thumb:
Machine for precision and strength, print for complexity and speed. Many teams prototype a nylon part in SLS, then move to machining for the final tight-tolerance version. Because Baetro offers both under one roof, you can run that whole workflow with a single supplier.
Applications
Common Applications
Nylon's blend of toughness, wear resistance, and self-lubrication makes it a staple across industries. Common uses include:
Application
Gears, Bushings & Bearings
Self-lubricating nylon gears and bushings that run with little or no added lubrication, reducing wear and maintenance in moving assemblies.
Application
Rollers, Pulleys & Wear Pads
Conveyor rollers, pulleys, and wear pads for material-handling systems that benefit from nylon's abrasion resistance and low friction.
Application
Latches, Clips & Fasteners
Flexible and snap-back latches, clips, and fasteners that take repeated flexing without cracking, ideal for automotive and consumer products.
Application
Fan Blades & Impact Parts
Fan blades and components that take repeated shock and vibration, where nylon's toughness and dampening properties outperform metal.
Application
Food-Processing Components
FDA-compliant nylon parts for food and beverage equipment, offering chemical resistance and easy cleaning without corrosion.
Industry
Automotive, Industrial & Consumer
You will find nylon in automotive, industrial equipment, food and beverage, electronics, and consumer products. Wherever a metal part is too heavy, too noisy, or too expensive, nylon is often the answer.
Prototypes & Production
Getting Nylon Parts Made
Knowing nylon material properties is the first step. Turning the material into a finished part is the next, and that is where we help.
Prototype & 3D Printing
Fast parts for design validation without tooling commitments.
- No minimum order quantity—order 1 piece
- SLS and MJF 3D printing for complex geometries
- Same engineering-grade nylon as machined parts
- Free DFM feedback for manufacturability issues
- Quick design iteration before production
CNC Machining & Low-Volume Production
10–1,000 parts with cost-effective machining from solid nylon stock.
- Economical for volumes up to 1,000+ parts depending on complexity
- Consistent quality across batches with documented processes
- Material traceability and grade verification
- Ideal for product launches, limited editions, and bridge production
High-Volume Production
Optimized programs and dedicated capacity for larger production runs.
- Cycle time optimization for high-volume efficiency
- In-process and final inspection routines
- Dedicated machines for consistent throughput
- Scale from printed prototype to machined production without changing suppliers
How it works
Getting Nylon Parts Made, Step by Step
From CAD file to finished nylon part — here is the straightforward process we use for both CNC machining and 3D printing.
Upload Your CAD File
Send your design in STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, or Parasolid format. Let us know your intended application and any load, wear, or environmental requirements.
Material & Process Review
Our engineers review your file and recommend the right nylon grade (PA6, PA66, glass-filled, MoS₂) and the best manufacturing route — CNC machining for precision and strength, or SLS/MJF 3D printing for complex geometry and speed.
Quote & DFM Feedback
In under 60 seconds, receive a transparent price, lead time, and actionable design feedback on wall thickness, radii, tolerances, and moisture compensation for your nylon part.
Production (Machine or Print)
We machine your part from solid nylon bar stock on our CNC equipment, or 3D print it using SLS or MJF — both backed by the same quality system and material traceability.
In-Process & Final Inspection
Critical dimensions are verified during production. Finished parts are inspected on CMM equipment, with checks for moisture-related swelling and surface finish as specified.
Ship with Full Documentation
Your nylon parts are packaged with inspection reports, material certifications, and any required compliance documents, then shipped worldwide by express carrier.
Design guidance
Design and Tolerance Tips for Nylon Parts
Nylon rewards a few practical design choices. Keep these in mind and your parts will be easier to make and more reliable in service.
- Set realistic tolerances: Nylon is less dimensionally stable than metal because of moisture uptake and flexibility. Plan on roughly ±0.005" for most features, and tighten only the dimensions that truly need it.
- Avoid thin, unsupported walls: Flexible sections can deflect under cutting pressure and in use. Add ribs or increase thickness where stiffness matters.
- Use generous inside radii: Sharp internal corners concentrate stress and are harder to machine cleanly in a tough material.
- Plan for deburring: Nylon's toughness leaves small burrs on drilled and milled edges, so allow a light deburring or sanding step.
- Account for moisture growth: For parts that will live in humid conditions, design critical fits slightly undersize or spec a glass-filled grade.
- Choose the right process: CNC machining for precision and strength; 3D printing for complex geometry and speed. Follow these and your nylon parts will quote faster, machine cleaner, and hold their dimensions in the field.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about nylon material properties, grades, moisture absorption, and material selection.
What is nylon material?
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers called polyamides. It is a tough, wear-resistant, self-lubricating engineering plastic used for gears, bushings, bearings, and other parts that face friction and impact. In manufacturing, it is commonly machined from bar stock or 3D printed.
What are the properties of nylon?
Nylon offers high toughness, excellent wear and impact resistance, low friction, and good strength-to-weight ratio, with continuous use temperatures around 120°C. Its main drawback is moisture absorption, which can cause dimensional swelling if not planned for.
What is the difference between nylon 6 and nylon 66?
Nylon 66 has a higher melting point and slightly greater stiffness, while nylon 6 absorbs a bit more moisture but offers marginally better impact toughness. For most wear and gear applications, both perform well, and the choice often comes down to cost, availability, and operating temperature.
Nylon vs Delrin: which is better?
Nylon wins on toughness, impact resistance, heat resistance in glass-filled grades, and cost. Delrin (POM) wins on dimensional stability, lower friction, and tighter tolerances because it absorbs almost no moisture. Choose nylon for impact and wear parts, and Delrin for precise, dimensionally stable components.
Does nylon absorb water?
Yes. Nylon is hygroscopic and can absorb several percent of its weight in water, causing it to swell and shift dimensions. Pre-drying before machining, designing for the swell, or using a glass-filled grade keeps this under control.
What is nylon used for?
Nylon is used for gears, bushings, bearings, rollers, wear pads, latches, and fan blades, among many other parts. Its toughness, self-lubrication, and wear resistance make it a common metal replacement in automotive, industrial, food-processing, and consumer applications.
Material selection guide
Explore Nylon for Your Next Part
Now that you understand nylon material and how the grades compare, the next step is putting it to work.
Whether you need a machined nylon gear or a complex 3D-printed housing, our team helps you pick the right grade and process, then makes the part to spec.
Material selection guidance included. No minimum order quantity. ISO 9001 certified.
Not ready to commit to a grade? Contact our engineers to discuss your application environment and get a recommendation for the right nylon grade.