Understanding Nylon Types: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of custom plastic injection molding, plastic nylon stands out as a versatile, high-performance material used across a range of industries — from automotive and consumer goods to electronics and industrial applications. With over 70 years of experience, UGP Plastics has continually refined its understanding of nylon material types, leveraging this knowledge to deliver superior molded components tailored to customer needs across Canada and North America.

But not all nylons are created equal. Different types of nylon offer unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. Understanding how these nylon plastic types stack up can help you make informed decisions for your next plastic component or product.

A Comprehensive Guide to Nylon

Nylon is an artificial thermoplastic polymer usually appreciated for its toughness, long lastingness, and resistance to wear and chemicals. Because of its good mechanical properties, it is one of the most popular plastics used in injection molding. The molecular structure of the nylon is capable of high tensile strength, good wear resistance and flexibility in molding, and for this reason, it is the preferred grade for producing high-performance, complex parts.

Common Types of Nylon Used in Injection Molding

Let’s take a closer look at the most common nylon material types and how they compare in terms of performance, process ability, and suitability for injection molding.

1. Nylon 6

Nylon 6 is easy to process and cheap. It has good resistance to impact, flexibility and surface finish. Because of its lower melting point than the other nylon plastic types, it is used in injection molding operations that require precision and speed.
Applications: Gears, bearings, electrical components, automotive parts.

2. Nylon 6/6 (Nylon 66)

Nylon 66 has a high melting point and better stiffness and strength than this plastic nylon. Also, it offers better resistance to abrasion and chemicals than Nylon 6, which is why it is used in high-performance applications that require durability when pressed.
Applications: Structural components, industrial equipment, fasteners, automotive connectors.

3. Nylon 12

Nylon 12 has better flexibility and resistance to moisture, and is therefore very suitable for use in applications where the material needs to have low water absorption and good dimensional stability. It also has a low density that leads to the production of lightweight parts.

Applications: Fuel lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, sports equipment.

4. Nylon 4/6

Nylon 4/6 has better thermal performance and stiffness than Nylon 6 and 66. It is ideal for applications that need resistance to high temperatures and short processing cycles.

Applications: Under-the-hood automotive parts, industrial housings, high-temperature electrical connectors.

Why Nylon is Ideal for Injection Molding?

Nylon has a good flexibility and strength level and has a good flow for molding, thus it is used for making precise and delicate parts. Reinforced nylon material types, which include glass-filled nylon, also improve stiffness and heat resistance and thus can be used in a wider range of applications in aerospace, defense and heavy machinery industries.
Having had more than 70 years of experience, UGP Plastics has become a company that is known for providing excellent custom plastic injection molding services. Come talk to our team of experts today and let them help you select the right material for your Nylon 66 high-performance parts or your Nylon 12 flexible components.

Ready to explore the right nylon plastic type for your next project? Contact UGP Plastics today to learn how our expertise can bring your vision to life with precision and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What are the four types of nylon?

The most typical nylons used in injection molding are Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 12, and Nylon 4/6. Different are appropriate for different applications—from general purpose to high temperature.

How does nylon hold up?

Nylon holds up exceptionally well under mechanical stress, exposure to chemicals, and repeated wear. Its durability and resistance to abrasion make it a reliable material for both industrial and consumer applications.

What is the strongest type of nylon?

Nylon 66 and Nylon 4/6 are considered the strongest nylon material types, offering superior tensile strength, stiffness, and resistance to high temperatures and wear.

What holds nylon together?

The strength of nylon is based on the polymer chains, which are bonded by hydrogen bonding with amide groups. The molecular structure of this plastic nylon renders it tough, strong and quite versatile for use in different molding operations.