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Read moreNylon Rods — Grades, Sizes and Applications
07 October, 2026 | Admin
Nylon rods are among the most versatile engineering plastic stock shapes. Tough, wear-resistant and economical, nylon is machined into bushes, gears, rollers, wheels, pulleys and wear pads across manufacturing, material handling, mining and oil and gas maintenance. Choosing the right nylon grade, and allowing for moisture absorption, makes the difference between a long-lasting part and one that seizes or wears early.
Main Nylon Grades
Extruded PA6
A general-purpose grade with good toughness and impact strength. It is easy to machine and economical for bushes, spacers and wear parts.
Extruded PA66
Slightly stiffer and harder than PA6, with somewhat higher heat resistance and better wear resistance. It suits precision bushes and parts running warmer.
Cast Nylon (PA6G)
Produced by casting rather than extrusion, which allows very large diameters, thick plates and tubes. Cast nylon has high crystallinity, good wear resistance and low internal stress, making it popular for large wheels, sheaves, gears and heavy-duty bushes.
Modified Grades
- Oil-filled nylon: self-lubricating, which reduces friction and wear in bearings and slides.
- MoS2-filled nylon: molybdenum disulfide improves wear and gives a black colour, suited to gears and slideways.
- Heat-stabilised grades: for higher continuous temperatures.
Key Properties
- High toughness and impact resistance, even at low temperatures
- Good abrasion and wear resistance
- Good fatigue strength and vibration damping
- Resistance to oils, greases, fuels and many solvents
- Lighter than metals, which reduces the weight of moving parts
Moisture Absorption: The Key Design Factor
Nylon absorbs water from humidity or direct contact. As it does, it becomes tougher but swells slightly and loses some stiffness. For bushes and close-fitting parts, allow extra clearance, or choose POM where tight tolerances must be held in wet or humid conditions. Cast nylon and oil-filled grades generally absorb somewhat less moisture than standard extruded PA6.
Limits
- Attacked by strong acids and some oxidising agents
- Moderate continuous temperature, typically below about 100°C for standard grades
- UV exposure degrades natural grades outdoors, so black or stabilised grades are preferred
Typical Applications
- Bushes, sleeve bearings and thrust washers
- Gears, sprockets and pulleys
- Wheels, rollers and sheaves for cranes and conveyors
- Wear pads, slide strips and guide blocks
- Pump and valve components for oils and neutral fluids
- Insulators and machine spacers
Sizes
Nylon rods are available in a wide range of diameters, from small rods for bushes to very large cast rods for wheels and sheaves, along with sheets and tubes. Stock varies, so send the diameter and length you need and we will confirm availability.
Machining Tips
- Use sharp tools and remove chips efficiently; nylon produces stringy swarf.
- Machine close-tolerance parts after the material has reached ambient moisture where possible.
- Annealed or cast material reduces distortion when heavy stock removal is needed.
Compare with other materials in our POM vs Nylon vs UHMWPE vs PTFE guide. Related products: Nylon (PA) Sheets & Rods and Engineering Plastics. Every order from Diode is supplied with a Material Test Certificate.
Choosing Between Extruded and Cast Nylon
For small and medium diameters and general bushes, extruded PA6 or PA66 is usually the most economical choice. For large wheels, sheaves and thick wear pads, cast nylon is often the only practical option and offers lower internal stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PA6 and cast nylon?
Cast nylon (PA6G) is made by casting, allowing large sizes with high crystallinity and low internal stress; extruded PA6 is economical for smaller diameters.
Does nylon swell in water?
Yes, slightly. Nylon absorbs moisture, so allow clearance on bushes or consider POM for tight-tolerance wet applications.
Which nylon grade is self-lubricating?
Oil-filled nylon is self-lubricating; MoS2-filled nylon also improves wear performance.
Can you supply large-diameter nylon rods?
Yes. Cast nylon is available in large diameters; send your size requirements for confirmation.
Request a Quotation
Send the grade, diameter, length and quantities you need to our Al Khobar team for a quotation on nylon rods, sheets and machined parts.
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