Hey there! I'm a supplier of custom nylon parts made through CNC milling. Today, I wanna chat about the chemical resistance properties of these custom nylon parts after CNC milling.
First off, let's understand what nylon is. Nylon is a synthetic polymer that's known for its toughness, abrasion resistance, and good mechanical properties. When we use CNC milling to create custom nylon parts, we're shaping this versatile material into exactly what our customers need.
Now, chemical resistance is super important. It determines how well a material can withstand exposure to different chemicals without getting damaged or losing its properties. For custom nylon parts, their chemical resistance can vary depending on a few factors, like the type of nylon used and the specific chemicals they come into contact with.
There are different types of nylon, such as Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, and Nylon 12. Each type has its own unique chemical resistance profile. For example, Nylon 6/6 is generally more resistant to hydrocarbons, like oils and greases, compared to some other types of nylon. This makes it a great choice for parts that will be used in automotive or industrial applications where they might come into contact with these substances.
When it comes to acids and bases, nylon's performance can be a bit more complicated. In general, nylon has decent resistance to weak acids and bases. However, strong acids and bases can cause problems. Strong acids can hydrolyze the amide bonds in nylon, breaking down the polymer chains and weakening the material. On the other hand, strong bases can also attack the nylon, causing swelling and loss of mechanical properties.
Let's take a look at some common chemicals and how custom nylon parts made through CNC milling might react to them.
Solvents
- Alcohols: Nylon usually has good resistance to low - molecular - weight alcohols like ethanol and methanol. These solvents typically don't cause significant swelling or degradation of nylon parts. So, if your custom nylon parts are going to be in an environment where they might come into contact with these alcohols, they should hold up well.
- Ketones: Solvents like acetone can be a bit more of a problem. Acetone can cause nylon to swell and lose its dimensional stability. This is because acetone can disrupt the intermolecular forces in the nylon polymer. So, if your parts need to be in an acetone - rich environment, you might need to consider a different material or take some extra protective measures.
Oils and Greases
As I mentioned earlier, Nylon 6/6 is quite resistant to oils and greases. This makes it suitable for applications in the automotive and machinery industries. For example, custom nylon gears or bushings used in engines or transmissions can withstand the lubricating oils and greases present in those systems without significant degradation.
Salts
Nylon generally has good resistance to many salts. In fact, it can be used in applications where it might come into contact with saltwater or salt - containing solutions. However, some highly concentrated or corrosive salts can still have an impact on nylon over time. For instance, salts with strong oxidizing properties might cause some surface degradation of the nylon parts.
Now, the CNC milling process itself can also have an impact on the chemical resistance of nylon parts. During CNC milling, the surface of the nylon part is machined, which can create a new surface finish. A smooth surface finish can sometimes improve the chemical resistance of the part because it reduces the surface area available for chemical attack. However, if the milling process generates heat, it can cause some localized changes in the nylon's structure, which might affect its chemical resistance.

To enhance the chemical resistance of our custom nylon parts, we can take a few steps. One option is to apply a protective coating. There are various coatings available that can provide an extra layer of protection against chemicals. Another approach is to choose the right type of nylon for the specific chemical environment. If we know that the parts will be exposed to a particular chemical, we can select a nylon type that has better resistance to that chemical.
If you're in the market for custom nylon parts made through CNC milling, you can check out our Custom Nylon Parts CNC Milling service. We have the expertise and experience to create high - quality custom nylon parts with the right chemical resistance properties for your application. Whether you need parts for the automotive, aerospace, or any other industry, we can work with you to meet your specific requirements.
So, if you're interested in our custom nylon parts, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you get the best - fitting parts for your project, with the chemical resistance you need to ensure long - term performance.
References
- “Engineering Plastics Handbook” by Donald V. Rosato.
- Various technical datasheets from nylon material manufacturers.
