Nylon is a versatile low-cost plastic, ideal for parts that require high compressive strength and friction resistance, while machining to very tight tolerances. It can be used in place of metal in some applications, allowing for longer-wearing parts that require lower maintenance than its metal counterpart. Nylon generally is stronger, withstands higher temperatures, and is more cost efficient than PTFE, PEEK, and UHMW.
Nylon has a machining cost factor of 0.8 when compared to steel 12L14.
Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plastics |
Good machining, high friction resistance
|
Nylon, extruded |
Insulator, bearing, short runs of products that will be converted to injection molding
|
Ground +/-.002 |
6.7 | .8 |
Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Steel |
Designed for excellent machinability. Case hard only
|
12L14 |
Endless commercial products; probably more pounds used in turned products than any other bar stock
|
Cold drawn 0 |
1 | 1 |
Stainless Steel |
Designed for machining, non-magnetic
|
303 |
Electronic hardware, automotive, aerospace, medical instruments, and many applications requiring corrosion resistance
|
Cold finished +/- .002 |
1.9 | 2.7 |
Brass |
Strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and excellent machinability
|
C35300 |
Well suited for parts with knurling or threading
|
+0015 | 3.5 | .07 |
Aluminum |
Designed for machining
|
2011 |
Electronic hardware, endless commercial products
|
Cold finish +/-.0015 |
3.8 | .6 |
Titanium |
High strength, light weight, good bio-compatibility
|
Ti-6Al-4VEli |
Medical implants
|
Ground & polished +/-.002 |
30.2 | 6 |
To review our Machining Materials Guide, please click here.
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