Glass Filled Nylon: Complex Nylon (PA) Parts Manufacturing Methods
The strength and mechanical qualities of glass are combined with the adaptability of nylon, a thermoplastic used in CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing, to create glass filled nylon, an engineering plastic. Strength, stiffness, and durability are increased when glass fibers are included into the nylon matrix; however, there are certain trade-offs to take into account.
We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of Glass Filled nylon in this post so you can decide if it’s right for your parts. With each quote, Sungplastic offers free design for manufacturing (DFM) comments and assists part designers in choosing materials.
Please read the information below if it interests you.
What is Glass Filled Nylon?
Glass Filled nylon, also known as glass-reinforced nylon, is a composite material derived from nylon, a synthetic polyamide sourced from petroleum. Nylon is esteemed for its robustness, resistance to chemicals, and tolerance for varying temperatures. It finds utility in various forms, including textiles as fibers, food packaging films, and manufacturing resins. In the case of Glass Filled nylon, nylon serves as the foundational material, augmented by the incorporation of short glass fibers to enhance its properties.
These short glass fibers play a pivotal role in substantially elevating the strength and resilience of this synthetic plastic. The ratio of glass fibers can vary, contingent upon the desired characteristics of the end product, typically ranging from 10% to 40% by weight. Moreover, Glass Filled nylon is available in diverse grades and may be based on either nylon 6 or nylon 66 formulations. The infusion of glass can be achieved through various methods, such as blending powdered glass particles into nylon resin, integrating small spherical glass beads into nylon powder, or incorporating small glass fibers into nylon pellets or filaments during the extrusion process. Blends like 30% Glass Filled nylon 66 are commonly employed in plastic extrusion applications.
How Strong is Glass Filled Nylon?
The strength of Glass Filled nylon exhibits variability based on the specific formulation of the nylon and the percentage of incorporated glass fibers. It is also influenced by the type and length of the glass fibers, the distribution of these fibers within the nylon matrix, and the overall ratio of fiber to resin. In general, higher proportions of glass fibers yield increased tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance.
Depending on the precise material composition, Glass Filled nylon can exhibit tensile strengths ranging from 50–200 MPa. Flexural strengths may vary from 50–300 MPa or even higher. To ascertain the precise strength characteristics of a particular grade or type, reference to the material’s technical data sheet and testing with sample parts is recommended.
Distinction Between Nylon 12 and Glass Filled Nylon
Nylon 12 (PA 12)
- Composition: Unfilled thermoplastic polymer within the nylon family.
- Properties:
- High mechanical strength and impact resistance.
- Excellent chemical resistance.
- Low moisture absorption, suitable for humid environments.
- Good dimensional stability and low friction properties.
- Applications: Automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods industries.
Glass Filled Nylon
- Composition: Nylon matrix reinforced with short glass fibers.
- Properties:
- Enhanced strength and rigidity compared to unfilled nylon.
- Improved dimensional stability and heat resistance.
- Greater impact resistance and chemical resistance.
- Higher weight due to glass fiber content.
- Applications: Automotive components, industrial elements, consumer products requiring high strength and durability.
Benefits of Glass Filled Nylon
Glass Filled Nylon offers several advantages over unfilled nylon and other materials:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Strength and Rigidity | Superior tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, ideal for structural and load-bearing applications. |
| Improved Dimensional Stability | Reduced thermal expansion, minimizing warping, shrinking, or expanding with temperature changes. |
| Increased Heat Resistance | Elevated heat distortion temperature (HDT), allowing usage in higher temperature environments without deformation. |
| Enhanced Impact Resistance | Greater resilience to impacts, reducing the likelihood of cracking or fracturing under dynamic loads. |
| Good Chemical Resistance | Withstands a broader range of chemicals, oils, and solvents, enhancing durability in harsh environments. |
| Excellent Moldability | Easily injection-molded, supporting the creation of intricate shapes and cost-effective production. |
| Electrical Insulation Properties | Maintains electrical insulating properties, suitable for products containing electrical or electronic components. |
Drawbacks of Glass Filled Nylon
Despite its numerous benefits, Glass Filled Nylon has some disadvantages:
| Drawback | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Abrasiveness | More abrasive than unfilled nylon, leading to faster wear on 3D printer nozzles, injection molds, and CNC tools. |
| Higher Cost | Generally more expensive due to enhanced strength and performance, making it less cost-effective for certain applications. |
| Increased Brittleness | More brittle than unfilled nylon, making it prone to cracking or fracturing under sudden impacts or high stress. |
| Added Weight | Can weigh up to 15% more than unfilled nylon, which may be a drawback for applications prioritizing lightweight components. |
| Anisotropic Properties | Mechanical properties vary based on the direction of loading, depending on fiber alignment during manufacturing. |
| Moisture Absorption | Tends to absorb moisture, potentially leading to dimensional or structural weaknesses in wet or humid environments. |
How is Glass Filled Nylon Utilized in Part Manufacturing?
Glass-filled nylon materials find application in part production through various manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC machining.
3D Printing
Glass-filled nylon can be employed in 3D printing, with three common methods for this purpose:
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Due to the abrasiveness of glass-filled nylon, it is advisable to use hardened steel nozzles for 3D printing with this material. In SLS, the most frequently used nylon grade is PA 12, which can be reinforced with up to 40% glass fibers. Another option is the use of nylon 3200 glass-filled material. In FDM 3D printing, glass-filled nylon filaments, such as nylon 6 (PA 6) with 30% filler, are commonly employed.
CNC Machining
Glass-filled nylon can also be machined, although the material’s abrasiveness poses machining challenges. Like injection molds and 3D printer nozzles, the CNC machining process tends to wear more rapidly when dealing with glass-filled nylon. To achieve optimal results, it is advisable to use carbide or ceramic tools for machining glass-filled polymers. Reducing cutting speed can also help mitigate tool wear.
Injection Molding
Various grades of glass-filled nylon materials are suitable for plastic injection molding. These materials can include glass-filled nylon 66 with fiber reinforcement ratios ranging from 10% to 50%. Given the abrasiveness of glass-filled nylon, it is recommended to use tools made of harder steels in injection molding to prolong the life of the molds.
Applications of Glass-Filled Nylon Parts
Glass-filled nylon parts serve a range of applications in the automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries due to their electrical insulation properties, resistance to high temperatures, strength, and durability. Despite its higher weight compared to unfilled nylon, glass-filled nylon still offers weight advantages over metal, making it suitable for weight reduction initiatives.
Examples of glass-filled nylon automotive components encompass speedometer gears, engine covers, brake fluid reservoirs, windshield wiper parts, connectors, and wire housings. In the realm of consumer goods, glass-filled nylon is used in appliance manufacturing and various other applications.
Succeeding With Glass Filled Nylon Parts
Glass filled nylon is a flexible material that works well for injection molding, CNC machining and 3D printing. However, while choosing a material, designers must measure the benefits and drawbacks; in addition to strength, other important considerations are cost, weight, and moisture exposure.
When you engage with Sungplastic, you may obtain advice on material selection and design for manufacturing (DFM) support to make sure your components function as required. You can also access experts in all three manufacturing processes.
For you, we can create intricate, high-quality glass filled nylon parts. Reach out to us now!
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