What is Injection Molding Glass-Filled Nylon?

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Nylon Polyamide or Nylon PA is a common synthetic thermoplastic polymer that is popular due to its high melting temperature, excellent tensile strength, low friction, and resistance to chemicals. Nylon is both durable and flexible. It can be combined with other thermoplastics to achieve increased strength. Nylon can also be combined with many additives, including glass,to create variants with different material properties.   

How Do You Manufacture Glass-Filled Nylon?

Glass-filled nylon is made by adding glass fibers to nylon or by extruding the Nylon resin with glass fibers. The result is a nylon product that has increased stiffness and strength. There are additional benefits that make glass-filled nylon an ideal material for specific projects.

Advantages of Injection Molding Glass-Filled Nylon 

Injection molding glass-filled nyloncan lead to many advantages for manufacturers. Some of these primary benefits of injection molding glass filled nylon include:  

  • Increased stiffness
  • Improved rigidity
  • Increased tensile strength
  • Increased creep strength
  • Increased stability during temperature fluctuations
  • Better dimensional stability
  • Increased hardness

Glass-filled nylon injection molding does have several limitations including brittleness, increased costs, abrasiveness, increased weight, and weaker weld lines. It is important to keep these advantages and disadvantages in mind when considering injection molding glass-filled nylon.

Injection Molding Glass-Filled Nylon Specifications

Nylon PA is made of a combination of different monomer types. It is produced through the distillation of crude oil or from biomass. Nylon is classified as a thermoplastic because of the way it responds to heat. Like other thermoplastics, nylon can be heated, cooled, and heated again without degradation. The glass powder is added to nylon to make glass-filled nylon. Products made by injection molding glass-filled nylon have increased hardness, dimensional stability, and weather resistance.

Generic Glass-Filled Nylon Properties:

  • Melting Point: 420 °F (215 °C)
  • Tensile Strength: ~5,800 psi
  • Hardness Level: R92
  • Color: Translucent
  • Good Resistance to Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Injection Molding Glass-filled Nylon Process

Nylon is first combined with glass fibers to increase its strength. During the injection molding process, nylon is heated into a liquid form. The Nylon is injected into the cavity of a double-sided mold to create the desired shape. Once the custom part has cooled, it is released into a bin and then moved into post–processing for finishing touches. The advantage of using injection molding for your Nylon parts is longevity and cost efficiency. Once the custom mold has been made, it can be used over and over again, resulting in a large volume of high-quality Nylon products.

What is Glass-Filled Nylon Used For?

Injection molding glass-filled nylon is ideal for making products that must withstand heat, chemicals, and other harsh conditions.  Some common uses of glass-filled nylon injection molding include:

  • Consumer Goods
  • Aerospace Parts
  • Automotive Parts
  • Communication Parts
  • Construction
  • Defense
  • Electrical Parts
  • Electronics
  • Firearms
  • Optical
  • Telecommunications

Glass Injection Molding 

Glass injection molding is possible with certain machines; however, it may be more cost effective to use a plastic. Certain plastic polymers, including Acrylics and polycarbonates can be manufactured to give a glass-like appearance and polish. These polymers will typically be more robust, easier to work with, and much cheaper than using actual glass. Speak with the experts at ICOMold by Fathom to learn more about available materials and material characteristics.  

Get a Quote on Injection Molding Glass-Filled Nylon Today 

ICOMold can work with you on the design and production of your next glass-filled nylon injection-molding project. Get an instant quote today.

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