Delrin Vs. Nylon: What’s The Difference?

Delrin vs. nylon

Delrin vs. nylon, what’s the difference do you know? Delrin and nylon are both manufactured plastics that have different properties. Each has its advantages, which is why they are both used in a variety of industries. 

Understanding the difference between these two plastics can help you select the suitable material for your needs.

In this blog, we will take a deep look at the differences between Delrin and nylon, so you can better determine which material is best for your needs.

Delrin Vs. Nylon: Mechanical Properties

Delrin and nylon are thermoplastic polymers that can be melted and reformed multiple times. CNC machining can produce nylon parts and Delrin parts.

The significant difference between the two lies in their method of creation. Delrin is created through a process known as polymerization, while nylon is created through a reaction between two chemicals.

Delrin is a polyoxymethylene, while nylon is a synthetic polymer made from a dicarboxylic acid and an amide.

Friction

Nylon and Delrin are both synthetic materials that are often used in a variety of applications. Though they have different uses, nylon, and Delrin share one key trait: They both have a high resistance to friction. This means they can be used in applications where friction needs to be minimized, such as in bearings or gears.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is the resistance of a material to breaking under tension. as shown in the form, the tensile strength of Delrin is 9800, and the minimum tensile strength of nylon is 10000. This reflects the lower tensile strength of Delrin relative to nylon

Wear Resistance

In dry environments, the surface of nylon is usually rougher than that of Delrin. Delrin without fillers is slightly less wear-resistant than nylon. Nylon material tends to show a low wear rate under constant conditions, especially when under tension.

Water Absorption

Nylon also can absorb moisture. Nylon can absorb up to 8% of its weight in moisture. This absorption rate is significantly higher than Delrin’s, which can only absorb about 0.2%. As a result, nylon is often used in applications where moisture resistance is significant, such as in food packaging or electrical insulation.

Temperature Tolerance

Nylon can withstand higher temperatures than Delrin, meaning it can resist heating better. The temperature range for Delrin is usually between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. While nylon can withstand 20 to 30 degrees higher temperatures than Delrin.

3d Printing Capability

Nylon and Delrin are two materials that are frequently used in 3d printing. Both nylon and Delrin have several advantages and disadvantages when it comes to 3d printing.

One of the most crucial advantages of nylon is that it is sturdy. This makes nylon ideal for applications where strength is essential. Also, nylon has a low melting point, which makes it easy to print.

Nylon is also very brittle, meaning that it can break easily if it is not printed correctly. Delrin is much less brittle than nylon which has a higher melting point, making it more challenging to print.

Different Types Of Nylon

Nylon 66

The name “Nylon66” Refers to the fact that it is made up of two monomers, hexamethylenediamine, and adipic acid. These two monomers are joined together by an amide bond. Nylon66 is also known by its generic name, polyamide 66. It is typically white or off-white.

nylon parts

Nylon 6

Nylon6 is a synthetic polymer made from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid. The name “Nylon6” Comes from the fact that it contains six carbon atoms in the repeating unit of its backbone.

Nylon 510

The ‘510’ in its name refers to the fact that it has a 5% carbon content, which gives it additional strength and rigidity. Unlike some other types of nylon, nylon510 can be printed without support, making it easier to use and giving you more freedom in your design.

Nylon 1,6

Nylon 1,6 is called nylon 1,6 because it is a polyamide with the molecular formula c12h22n2o2. The “1,6” In the name refers to the fact that there are two monomers (units) of caprolactam (a six-carbon ring) joined by an amide bond.

Delrin Vs. Nylon: Application Field

Nylon and Delrin are two materials that have a wide range of applications:

Nylon is a rigid, lightweight material resistant to abrasion and chemicals. It is often used to manufacture automotive parts, machine parts, and other items that require durability.

Delrin is another type of plastic known for its strength and rigidity. It is often used to produce bearings, gears, and other mechanical components.

Delrin parts

Both nylon and Delrin are easy to work with and can be produced in various colors.

Delrin is an excellent material for various applications requiring low moisture absorption. It is dimensionally stable, meaning it holds its shape well under stress. This makes it ideal for products that will be used in wet areas, or that will be subject to heavy wear and tear.

Nylon is a robust and durable plastic often used in high-temperature applications. Unlike other plastics, nylon can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit without melting or softening. This makes it an ideal material for objects exposed to extreme heat, such as car engine parts or cooking utensils.

Nylon is engineering plastic with properties similar to Delrin, but it is not as easily machined. It tends to chip and snag on cutting tools, and the resulting surface finish is often poor. For these reasons, Delrin has generally been considered the superior material for applications requiring good machinability.

Delrin VS. Nylon: How to Choose The Right Materials for Your Machining Needs?

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your machining needs, Delrin and nylon are two popular options. Both nylon and Delrin have a low friction coefficient and are resistant to chemicals and UV light. Here are some key factors to consider:

Strength: Acetal is stronger than nylon, making it a better choice for applications that require high strength and stiffness.

Wear resistance: Nylon has better wear resistance than Delrin, which makes it more suitable for applications where parts will be subjected to friction or rubbing.

Chemical resistance: Both materials have good chemical resistance, but Delrin is more resistant to solvents and fuels.

Machinability: Acetal is easier to machine than nylon, which means it can be machined faster and with less tool wear.

Cost: Delrin is generally more expensive than nylon.

Ultimately, the choice between Delrin and nylon will depend on the specific requirements of your application. Consider the factors above and consult with a materials expert to determine which material is best suited for your needs.

Our Plastic Machining Capability

We can produce high-quality nylon and Delrin parts with precision and accuracy. And we ensure that every part meets the exact specifications required by our clients.

We understand that each project is unique and requires a different approach. That’s why we offer a range of machining capabilities including CNC milling, turning, drilling, and tapping. This allows us to work with a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from simple parts to complex components.

plastic CNC milling

In addition to our machining services, we also provide injection molding services for both nylon and Delrin materials. Injection molding is a cost-effective way to produce large quantities of parts with consistent quality and accuracy. Our experienced team ensures that every step of the injection molding process is carefully monitored to deliver parts that meet your exact specifications.

Whether you need a small batch of custom nylon or Delrin parts or require high-volume production through injection molding, we are dedicated to delivering the highest level of quality and service. Contact us today to learn more about our machining and injection molding capabilities for nylon and Delrin materials.

How To Recognize Delrin And Nylon?

A: Recognizing Delrin and nylon by their color can be a quick and easy way to identify these two common types of plastics. Delrin is typically opaque or translucent white, while nylon is usually colorful.

Conclusion

Delrin vs. nylon, are both excellent materials for various mechanical applications. They each have their unique properties that can be beneficial in different ways.

By understanding the differences between nylon and Delrin, you can make a more informed decision about which material satisfy for your needs.

If you’re looking for more information about these materials or need help selecting the right one for your project, visit our homepage today. We have a considerable range of products available, and we would be happy to help you find the perfect solution.