Nylon/PA CNC machining
Overview:
Nylon CNC machining is widely used for producing lightweight, wear-resistant, and cost-effective engineering plastic components. As a polyamide (PA) material, nylon offers an excellent balance of mechanical strength, machinability, and price, making it a popular choice for industrial, medical, and automation applications.
Tolerance : up to 0.002 inch
MOQ : prototype welcomed
Price: 10-200 USD/PCs
Delivery time: 1-5 days
Application: For gears, bushings, rollers, insulators, and lightweight structural components where wear resistance, low friction, and cost efficiency are required.
What Is Nylon in CNC Machining?
In CNC machining, nylon refers to polyamide (PA) materials commonly processed from solid plastic stock. Nylon machining produces precision components with tight tolerances and smooth surfaces.
Common nylon grades used in CNC machining:
PA6 (Nylon 6)
PA66 (Nylon 66)
Glass-filled nylon (PA-GF)
Each grade affects machinability, strength, and cost.
Nylon Material Properties for CNC Machining
Understanding material properties is essential for successful nylon machining.
Mechanical Properties of Nylon
Density: ~1.13–1.15 g/cm³
Tensile strength: ~60–90 MPa
Good fatigue resistance
High impact strength
Excellent wear resistance
These properties make nylon CNC machining ideal for moving and load-bearing plastic components.
PA6 vs PA66 in Nylon CNC Machining
PA6 CNC Machining
Better toughness and flexibility
Lower material cost
Slightly higher moisture absorption
PA6 is commonly used for general-purpose nylon machined parts.
PA66 CNC Machining
Higher stiffness and wear resistance
Better dimensional stability
Higher strength at elevated temperatures
PA66 is preferred when tighter tolerances and higher mechanical performance are required.
Design Considerations for Nylon CNC Machining
Design directly impacts the success and cost of nylon CNC machining.
Key design guidelines:
Avoid overly thin walls to prevent deformation
Allow for moisture-related dimensional changes
Use generous internal radii
Specify realistic tolerances
Proper DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review improves part quality and reduces CNC machining cost.
Nylon CNC Machining Cost Factors
The cost of nylon CNC machining depends on several variables.
Primary cost drivers include:
Part size and geometry
Machining time
Tolerance requirements
Order quantity
Compared to metal parts, nylon machining typically offers 30–60% lower total machining cost.
Typical Nylon CNC Machining Cost Range (USD)
For reference purposes only:
Simple nylon CNC machined parts: USD 25–80 / part
Medium complexity nylon parts: USD 40–120 / part
High-precision nylon CNC components: USD 80–180 / part
Larger production volumes significantly reduce unit cost.
Surface Finish Options in Nylon CNC Machining
Surface finish selection affects both performance and appearance in nylon machining part.
Unlike metals, nylon machining usually requires minimal post-processing, helping control cost.
Machined finish
The prototype processed by the machine tool retains traces of tool machining.
Anodizing
Anodizing enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of metals and enables coloring and coating, suitable for metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.
Polish
Polishing enhances surface finish and aesthetic appeal, suitable for materials such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and PMMA.
Sand blasting
Sandblasting involves propelling abrasive material at high pressure or mechanically onto a workpiece to achieve a clean, roughened, and matte finish.
Brushed finish
Brushed finish creates a textured pattern on metal surfaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal. Suitable for aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and other materials.
Powder coating
Powder coating is applied to the workpiece surface via electrostatic adhesion, then cured at high temperatures to form a dense coating, enhancing the corrosion resistance of metal and plastic surfaces.
Electroplating finish
Metal plating is deposited onto material surfaces through electrolytic processes to enhance corrosion resistance and wear resistance. This technique is suitable for metals and certain plastics.
Black oxidize
A black oxide coating is formed on metal surfaces through chemical oxidation, offering low cost, a simple process, and reduced light reflection.
Electropolish
Removes microscopic protrusions from metal surfaces through electrochemical anodic dissolution, creating a smooth, dense surface free of residual stress and highly corrosion-resistant. Capable of processing complex metals and conductive materials.
Alodine
Forms a protective coating on surfaces through chemical conversion, enhancing corrosion resistance and adhesion. Environmentally friendly with excellent conductivity, suitable for aluminum and magnesium alloys.
Heat treatment
By altering the internal microstructure of metallic materials through heating, this process enhances hardness, strength, toughness, and wear resistance. It is suitable for metals such as steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and titanium alloys.
Nylon CNC Machining vs Metal CNC Machining
Nylon CNC is often chosen over metal when:
Weight reduction is critical
Corrosion resistance is required
Electrical insulation is needed
Lower machining cost is desired
In many applications, nylon CNC replaces aluminum or steel without compromising function.
Typical Applications of Nylon CNC Machining
Nylon CNC machining is widely used across industries.
Common applications include:
Gears and bushings
Rollers and wear pads
Spacers and insulators
Mechanical housings
Automation and robotics components
These applications benefit from nylon’s wear resistance and low friction.
Quality Control in Nylon CNC Machining
Precision nylon CNC machining requires proper inspection and process control.
Quality measures include:
Dimensional inspection
Surface finish verification
Material traceability
Moisture control during machining
Professional CNC suppliers ensure consistent quality across batches.
Why Choose Weldo Machining for Nylon CNC Machining
Weldo Machining specializes in nylon machining and other engineering plastic solutions. We help customers select the right nylon grade, optimize designs, and control machining cost.
Our capabilities include:
PA6 and PA66 CNC machining
Tight tolerance plastic machining
Prototype and production support
Competitive pricing and fast lead times
Conclusion: When Nylon CNC Machining Is the Right Choice
Nylon CNC machining offers a cost-effective, lightweight, and durable solution for a wide range of industrial applications. By choosing the correct nylon grade and working with an experienced CNC supplier, manufacturers can achieve reliable performance at a lower cost than metal alternatives. Contact Weldo Machining to discuss your CNC machining project and receive a detailed quotation.
