Nylon

Custom Nylon Machining Service

Providing perfect custom nylon CNC machining solutions for complex geometries at competitive prices, NOBLE has extensive experience in nylon CNC machining, get a quote in minutes and get unparalleled high-precision nylon CNC machined parts in days!

Our Nylon Machining Capabilities

NOBLE’s nylon CNC machining capabilities include precision milling, turning, drilling, and grinding for custom precision nylon parts. We specialize in producing nylon parts with tight tolerances,and complex geometries, and provide excellent surface finishing options. With expertise in the unique properties of nylon, you can be sure that you receive high-precision nylon parts with stable performance and durability to meet your various industry needs.

Price	$$$
Lead Time	<5 days
Wall Thickness	0.045 in. – 0.140 in. (1.143mm – 3.556mm)
Tolerances	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Max Part Size	18.9 in. x 29.6 in. x 8 in. (480mm x 751mm x 203mm)
Available Nylon at NOBLE	PA 6, PA66, PA11, PA12, Glass-Filled PA

Characteristics of Nylon Machining Materials

NOBLE provides customers with customized nylon CNC machining solutions at competitive prices, allowing you to obtain stable and high-precision nylon parts within a few days. These are due to the high strength, durability, chemical resistance, flexibility, and easy machining of nylon, which is an ideal choice for machining automotive, aerospace, and industrial parts.

Features	Info
Subtypes	PA6, PA66, PA12…
Process	CNC milling, turning, drilling, laser cutting
Tolerance	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Applications	Automotive parts, gears, bearings, aerospace parts, electrical insulators
Finishing Options	Sanding, sand blasting, painting, bushing…

Pros and Cons of Nylon for CNC Machining

Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is widely used in CNC machining for manufacturing parts due to its combination of mechanical properties, wear resistance, and versatility. It is commonly used for applications where strength, durability, and chemical resistance are important.

High Strength and Toughness

Nylon exhibits high tensile strength, making it ideal for applications that require strong, load-bearing parts. It is also known for its toughness, meaning it can withstand impact and stress without cracking or breaking, which is particularly beneficial in engineering and automotive components.

Good Wear Resistance

Nylon’s excellent wear resistance makes it suitable for parts that experience friction and contact with other materials. After CNC machining, it is often used in gears, bushings, and bearings because it reduces lubrication needs and maintains long-term performance.

Chemical Resistance

Nylon shows good resistance to oils, greases, and a range of chemicals. This makes it a preferred material for manufacturing parts used in environments exposed to harsh chemicals or lubricants, such as in automotive, manufacturing, and industrial applications.

Low Coefficient of Friction

Nylon has a naturally low coefficient of friction, which reduces the wear on both the material itself and the surfaces it contacts. This is especially valuable in high-performance applications like bearings and gears, where reduced friction improves efficiency and extends the lifespan of the components.

Impact Resistance

Nylon is highly resistant to impact and can absorb shocks and stresses better than many other plastics. This makes it suitable for use in environments where parts may experience sudden impacts or loads.

Lightweight

Despite its strength, Nylon is relatively lightweight compared to metals. This makes it advantageous in applications where weight is a concern, such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting equipment.

Ease of Machining

Nylon can be easily machined using standard CNC tools, which allows for the production of complex and precise parts. The material also offers excellent dimensional stability during CNC machining, leading to high-quality, accurate finished products.

Versatility in Grades

Nylon is available in various grades, such as nylon 6, nylon 66, and filled nylons (e.g., glass-filled or carbon fiber-filled nylons), which offer different properties. This versatility allows manufacturers to select the right material for specific performance requirements, such as increased strength, stiffness, or thermal stability.

Good Thermal Stability

Some nylon grades (e.g., nylon 6/6) exhibit good thermal stability and can maintain their mechanical properties in temperatures up to around 150°C (302°F), making them suitable for moderate temperature applications.

Moisture Absorption

One of the biggest drawbacks of Nylon is its ability to absorb moisture from the environment. This can lead to dimensional changes, reduced strength, and altered mechanical properties. In applications requiring high dimensional stability, moisture absorption can be problematic, especially in humid conditions.

Low Heat Resistance

Nylon has relatively low heat resistance compared to other engineering plastics or metals. When exposed to temperatures above 150°C (300°F), its mechanical properties begin to degrade, limiting its use in high-temperature environments.

Susceptibility to UV Degradation

While Nylon is chemically resistant, prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade its structure, causing it to become brittle and lose its strength. This makes it less suitable for outdoor applications unless UV stabilizers are added during CNC machining.

Limited Load-Bearing Capacity

While Nylon is strong and tough, it still has limitations in terms of load-bearing capacity compared to metals like steel or aluminum. For heavy-duty structural applications, nylon may not provide the necessary strength or durability, especially when exposed to continuous or high-impact stresses.

Surface Finish Quality

Although Nylon can be CNC machined with ease, the surface finish quality may not always meet the aesthetic or functional requirements for certain applications. Parts often need additional Finish treatment, such as polishing or coating, to achieve the desired finish.

Cost Considerations

Nylon, especially high-grade types like reinforced Nylon, can be more expensive than other common plastics like polypropylene or polyethylene. This cost factor can limit its use in low-cost or mass-production applications.

Thermal Expansion

Nylon’s coefficient of thermal expansion is higher than metals, which means it can expand and contract more with temperature fluctuations. This can be problematic in applications requiring tight tolerances or when parts need to maintain dimensional stability across a range of temperatures.

Flammability

Nylon is combustible and may burn if exposed to open flames or high heat sources. Though flame-retardant versions of nylon exist, the base material is not as flame-resistant as other polymers like PTFE or polycarbonate.

Tool Wear

Although nylon is generally easy to machine, its abrasive nature—particularly in reinforced grades (e.g., glass-filled nylon)—can lead to increased tool wear. Special carbide or coated tools may be required to maintain cutting efficiency and prevent premature tool damage.

Types of Nylon Machining Materials

In CNC machining, Nylon is available in various grades and formulations, each designed to meet specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements. These types are often differentiated by their reinforcement, additives, or specific variations in molecular structure. Below are the common types of Nylon materials used in CNC machining:

PA6

PA6 is easy to CNC machine, offering good balance between strength and flexibility. It’s commonly used in automotive, industrial, and consumer goods. However, moisture absorption can affect dimensional stability during machining, so proper storage and drying are recommended.

Tensile Modulus (MPa): 2500 – 3500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 7-10%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): R 80-95

Heat Deflection Temperature: 158 – 194°F

PA66

PA66 provides superior heat resistance and strength, ideal for high-performance parts. It’s harder to CNC machine than PA6 and requires slower speeds and cooling systems. Common applications include automotive, aerospace, and industrial components that need high stiffness and dimensional stability.

Tensile Modulus (MPa): 3,000 – 4,000 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 6-8%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): R 85-100

Heat Deflection Temperature: 212 – 248°F

PA11

PA11 offers high flexibility and impact resistance, making it suitable for parts exposed to stress. It’s easy to CNC machine and maintains dimensional stability better than PA6. It’s widely used in automotive, medical devices, and industrial components like hoses and flexible connectors.

Tensile Modulus (MPa): 2500-3000 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 20-40%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): R 75-90

Heat Deflection Temperature: 185 – 203°F

PA12

PA12 combines flexibility with chemical resistance, offering easy CNC machinability and good dimensional stability. It is often used in automotive, electronics, and medical applications, including flexible tubing and cable insulation. Its low moisture absorption helps maintain consistent performance.

Tensile Modulus (MPa): 2200-2800MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 15-30%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): R 70 – 90

Heat Deflection Temperature: 176 – 212°F

Glass-Filled PA

Glass-filled PA offers enhanced stiffness, strength, and heat resistance, making it ideal for structural and load-bearing components. It’s harder to CNC machine due to the abrasive fibers, requiring carbide tools. It’s commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications needing high rigidity.

Tensile Modulus (MPa): 4,000 – 7,000 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 3-5%

Rockwell Hardness (R-scale): R 95 – 110

Heat Deflection Temperature: 248 – 320°F

Surface Finishing Options for Nylon Machining

When CNC machining nylon, surface treatments can enhance the durability and aesthetics of custom nylon parts, providing additional protection against corrosion and wear. Considering the material’s properties, such as its natural roughness and tendency to absorb moisture, choosing the right surface treatment method can ensure increased durability, reduced friction, and improved overall performance.

Sand Blasting

Band blasting cleans the surface of any impurities and peels coating through the propelling of blast media streams over the parts.

Polishing

Working on metal and hard plastics, our polishing uses highly efficient machinery to get our parts between Ra 0.8~Ra0.1 for a cleaner surface.

Painting

Painting involves Spray droplets can be dispersed uniformly or in fine amounts to cover a wide surface area and bring out greater color to the part.

Laser Carving

Helpful in brand recognition or parts organization, we use laser carving that applies various printing methods during full-scale production to quickly embed barcodes, lettering and logos on the parts.

Powder coating

We apply a thin layer of protective polymer with the corona discharge phenomenon to give our part a lasting finish that protects from impacts and prevents wearing down.

Custom Nylon Machining Parts Display

Check out our over a decade of custom Nylon machining parts, including precision Nylon prototypes and parts from our valued customers.

Applications of Nylon CNC Machining

Nylon’s versatility in CNC machining spans a broad range of industries, from automotive to aerospace, industrial machinery, and medical devices. Its machinability, combined with excellent wear, chemical, and impact resistance, makes it a top choice for high-performance, precision-engineered parts in demanding applications.

If you are looking for a rapid prototyping manufacturer or a CNC machine shop to fabricate small, medium-volume, or mass-production products, NOBLE is an ideal choice.Our well-trained and experienced staff manufactures parts in line with drawings on modern CNC machines, with the highest accuracy and processing quality in all sizes.In addition, we provide professional design considerations for your CNC machining projects.

Want to get the most professional and fastest service for your CNC machining project? Upload your CAD files now and obtain a quote!