23 Apr Not All Nylons Are the Same
Nylon might seem simple, but materials like PA6 and PA66—two of the most widely used polyamides—have layers of complexity. Found in films, fibers, and molded parts, their massive use has created a large secondary market for wide-spec, off-grade, recycled, and regrind materials.
Some companies can turn this material into high-value products, but here’s the catch: not all nylon performs the same. When you feed a mix of nylon, glass fiber, pigments, and mineral fillers into an extruder, the result can be inconsistent.
Hard pigments and minerals can damage glass fiber, creating micro-cracks that weaken performance. Add moisture, and you have another problem: it breaks down the polymer chains, lowering molecular weight and mechanical strength. Regrind that hasn’t been dried properly? That’s a recipe for underperformance.
The bottom line: Know your material. Work with your supplier to define quality standards that match your part’s performance needs—and always ask for test data.
Understanding Nylon Grades
Not all nylon is created equal. Here’s a simplified guide to the most common types:
- Prime Resin (from Producers)
Made to spec with certified test data. May include a small amount of second-quality material from grade changes. - Prime Compound (from Compounders)
Similar to producer resin, made to spec with test data. Can include limited change-over material. - Industrial Grade
A mix of wide-spec and prime resin, reinforced with virgin glass. Expect more property variation and darker natural colors. - Utility Grade
Includes wide-spec and possibly regrind. May contain recycled glass fiber. Only available in black; wider variability. - Reprocessed
Made entirely from regrind. Cost-effective but best for non-critical parts due to high variability.
Ready to get the performance you expect from your nylon?
Whether you’re navigating grade options or troubleshooting material inconsistencies, our team is here to help you find the right solution for your application.
Reach out today—and let’s make sure what’s going into your parts delivers the results you need.