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 industry standard for structural parts that must endure high stress, impact, and wear. Whether your design requires a load-bearing gear that won’t snap under torque or a fastener that must survive constant vibration, Nylon is the backbone of industrial performance.
- High Mechanical Strength: PA exhibits excellent tensile strength and rigidity, making it ideal for structural replacements where metal was previously used.
- Exceptional Wear & Abrasion Resistance: Due to its low coefficient of friction, Nylon is the premier choice for gears, bearings, cams, and rollers.
- Hygroscopic Nature: The "Achilles' heel" of Nylon is its affinity for moisture. Nylon absorbs water from the atmosphere, which acts as a plasticizer. This increases ductility and impact resistance but reduces stiffness and causes dimensional swelling. Managing this moisture content is the core of our engineering process.
At Manterra, we treat Nylon not as a single commodity, but as a diverse family of materials. The primary variants we process—PA6 and PA66—each offer distinct mechanical profiles. We provide the expertise to guide you through this selection, ensuring that your parts are engineered for the specific humidity and thermal environments they will face.
- Automotive: Engine covers, intake manifolds, radiator end tanks, and oil pans.
- Industrial: Heavy-duty gears, conveyor belt links, bushings, rollers, and slides.
- Hardware: Structural clips, cable ties, heavy-duty fasteners, and power tool housings.
- Sporting Goods: Ski bindings, bicycle components, and high-strength fasteners.