Nylon casting differs from injection moulding or extrusion in that it produces a product by polymerization right in the mould, whereas the other processes simply reshape a pre-polymerized resin.

CHARACTERISTICS

Polymerizing in the Mould produces a material with higher molecular weight and crystallinity, and therefore, better dimensional stability, easier machining, and higher compressive and tensile strengths than those achieved by extruding or moulding.

SPECIAL GRADES

Additives such as plasticizers, lubricants and heat stabilisers can be used to modify or improve the material’s performance.

Internal lubricants as used in materials such as Ertalon LFX to reduce the material’s coefficient of friction and allow materials to perform at PV (pressure/velocity) levels five times higher than unlubricated nylons, without the use of additional oils or greases in application.

MACHINING

Cast nylons, including Ertalons and Nylatrons, allow free machining on conventional machine shop equipment without the use of coolants. Drilling operations, however, must use coolant and all tools must be properly ground with low rake and high clearance angles.
Tools must be kept sharp to prevent grabbing, which produces chatter or rubbing, causing overheating, dimensional instability and possible part failure problems. Machining tolerances in general are higher than those used for metal parts.

Typical Machined Parts:

• Rollers & guides
• Bushings & bearings
• Gears & sprockets
• Sheaves & idlers
• Wear pads, load pads & slap blocks