A semi-crystalline plastic known for high strength and fatigue resistance. It is often the default choice for mechanical parts (gears, bushings).
Whether you are developing high-wear gears, fatigue-resistant automotive components, or structural clips, Nylon provides the mechanical toughness and low coefficient of friction that few other materials can match.
However, Nylon is also one of the most misunderstood materials on the manufacturing floor. In the hands of an amateur, it warps, suffers from “splay,” and fails prematurely. In the hands of Manterra, it is a precision-engineered solution that delivers consistent performance under the most grueling conditions.
When your design requires superior impact resistance and ease of processing for complex, intricate parts, we recommend PA6. Its wider processing window allows us to achieve high-quality surface finishes on intricate geometries.
Easier to process due to a wider processing window and a lower melting point (approx. 220°C). It generally offers slightly better impact resistance and easier mold flow.
Common Uses: Parts requiring good surface finish and toughness, such as consumer components and standard industrial clips.
For high-heat environments and load-bearing structural integrity, PA66 is our go-to. Its higher melting point and superior stiffness make it the industry standard for under-the-hood applications and high-stress industrial components.
Higher melting point (approx. 260°C) and superior rigidity/stiffness compared to PA6 means PA66 offers better heat deflection temperature and wear resistance.
Common Uses: High-performance structural parts, automotive engine components, and heavy-duty gears.
The most significant hurdle in molding Nylon is its hygroscopic nature, meaning it acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture from the ambient air. If processed while “wet,” the water turns to steam in the barrel, causing hydrolysis.
- The Impact: If moisture content exceeds 0.1%–0.2% (depending on the grade) before injection, it causes hydrolysis during the melting process.
- Processing Defect: This results in "splay" (silvery streaks on the surface), reduced viscosity, and a significant drop in mechanical strength.
- Requirement: You must use a desiccant dryer to bring moisture levels down to the resin manufacturer’s recommended range (typically <0.1%).
At Manterra, we don’t guess. We utilize precision desiccant drying systems to ensure the moisture content is exactly at the resin manufacturer’s specification (typically <0.1%) before the material ever enters the press. We guarantee that your parts are molded from dry, stable, and chemically intact resin, every time.
Whether you are replacing metal components to reduce weight or designing a new mechanism that requires self-lubricating properties, Manterra provides the technical oversight to ensure your Nylon components perform under pressure.