Types of Polymer for Nylon Fasteners: PA6.6, Glass-Filled Nylon, PP, PE, PC, PVDF and Acetal

Key things to remember

The essentials from this document in plain words. Check the full document before you rely on a figure.

• ✓PA6.6 polyamide nylon is the standard polymer in the range. It moulds easily, even into long shapes such as threaded rod, and has good toughness, tensile strength and creep resistance.
• ✓Nylon wears well, has low friction, and has exceptional chemical resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons, greases and oils.
• ✓Nylon absorbs moisture from its surroundings. Absorbed water lowers its tensile strength and stiffness, and raises elongation and impact strength.
• ✓Adding carbon black improves outdoor weathering. Natural nylon ranges from bright white to dull off white or light grey, so slight colour differences are normal.
• ✓Glass fibre reinforced PA6.6 has the same properties as PA6.6 with better tensile, fatigue and impact strength, and better friction and abrasion resistance.
• ✓PVDF is highly non-reactive with excellent resistance to solvents and acids. PP resists fatigue and complies with food standards. Polycarbonate is durable, transparent and impact resistant, but scratches easily.
• ✓Acetal (POM) is odourless, tasteless and non-toxic, and is used widely in automotive, electrical and machinery work.

Who it helps: Anyone deciding between nylon and another plastic for a fastener.