Polyamide (PA), commonly known as Nylon, is a widely used, low-cost thermoplastic with remarkable mechanical properties and high chemical stability. CNC machining nylon can produce high compressive strength and better friction resistance, as well as parts with very tight machining tolerances, suitable for multiple industries. This article will explore the grades of nylon CNC machining, advantages and disadvantages, and the application industries of nylon machined parts.


What is Nylon CNC Machining
Nylon CNC machining is the process of accurately molding and manufacturing parts from nylon materials using computer numerical control (CNC) machines. In CNC machining, a CNC milling machine or lathe is programmed to cut and shape nylon into complex, customized parts with extreme precision, often for engineering and industrial applications.
The nylon CNC machining process involves removing material from a solid block of nylon using a rotary tool or cutting blade. This is done to create parts and prototypes of specific shapes. CNC machines can process a wide range of nylon grades and composites, increasing their use in high-performance, cost-effective manufacturing.
Common Different Nylon Grades
- Nylon 6/6
Nylon 6/6, also known as PA 6/6, is one of the most widely used grades in CNC machining of nylon because of its excellent balance of mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness and heat resistance. This grade has a high melting point and is particularly well suited for automotive parts, gears and electrical insulation, among others.
- Nylon 6 (PA 6)
Nylon 6 or PA 6 is made from a single monomer, caprolactam, which is what sets it apart from nylon 6/6. Nylon 6 has excellent impact resistance, flexibility and dimensional stability. It is commonly used in bushings, bearings and wear belts. Although Nylon 6 has a lower melting point than Nylon 6/6, it has better moldability and is also commonly used in extrusion and injection molding processes.
- Nylon 12 (PA 12)
Nylon 12, also known as PA 12, is a more flexible and lighter material than Nylon 6/6 and Nylon 6. It is known for its excellent chemical resistance, especially to oils, fuels and solvents. Nylon 12 is often used in applications such as hoses, fuel lines and electrical connectors.
- Glass Filled Nylon
Glass-filled nylon or glass-reinforced nylon combines nylon with glass fibers to increase its strength, stiffness and heat resistance. The addition of glass fibers enhances the mechanical properties of the nylon matrix, making it suitable for high-stress applications such as structural components, automotive parts and industrial machinery. Although it is more brittle than unreinforced nylon, it can withstand higher temperatures and load-bearing applications.
- Nylon 6/12
Nylon 6/12 is a unique variant of nylon with low moisture absorption and high dimensional stability. It is produced by polymerizing hexamethylene diamine and dodecanedioic acid. Nylon 6/12 has excellent chemical resistance and low friction properties for use in bearing systems, fuel systems and high performance automotive components.
- Nylon 11 (PA 11)
Nylon 11, also known as PA 11, is derived from renewable resources and is an environmentally friendly alternative to other types of nylon, offering flexibility and impact resistance. Nylon 11 is commonly used in applications such as fuel tanks, hoses and aircraft components.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nylon Grade
- Mechanical Properties:The strength, stiffness and impact resistance of a nylon grade are critical when selecting the right material for an application. For example, glass-filled nylon provides increased strength and stiffness, while nylon 6/6 offers excellent abrasion resistance.
- Chemical resistance: Different grades of nylon have varying degrees of resistance to chemicals such as oils, fuels and solvents. If the part will be exposed to harsh environments, it is important to select a grade with high chemical resistance such as Nylon 12 or Nylon 11.
- Moisture absorption: Nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. For applications in wet environments, consider grades such as Nylon 6/12, which have lower hygroscopicity and better dimensional stability.
- Cost and Availability: The cost and availability of different nylon grades can also affect your choice. While more specialized grades such as Nylon 11 may offer performance advantages, they may cost more than more commonly used grades such as Nylon 6.
Properties of Nylon


Strength and Durability
Known for its high strength and durability, nylon is ideal for parts that need to withstand abrasion, impact and heavy loads.
Heat Resistance
Nylon has good thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures without losing structural integrity.
Chemical Resistance
Nylon has a wide range of chemical resistance, including resistance to oils, fuels and solvents, especially in grades such as Nylon 12 and Nylon 11.
Moisture absorption
One of the challenges with nylon is its tendency to absorb moisture, which can affect its strength and dimensional stability. Grades such as Nylon 6/12 are designed to reduce moisture absorption and maintain more consistent performance.
What are the technologies for nylon machining?
CNC Milling
Nylon CNC milling is a machining process where a rotating cutter removes material from a nylon workpiece. This process is highly precise and allows for the creation of intricate shapes and details, making it ideal for complex parts in industries like automotive and electronics.
Nylon CNC Turning
Nylon CNC turning involves rotating a nylon workpiece against a fixed cutting tool to create cylindrical shapes. This technology is particularly useful for producing parts like bushings, shafts, and pins, offering high precision and smooth finishes for components with rotational symmetry.
Swiss Machining
Swiss machining is a precise and efficient method for machining small, intricate nylon parts. It uses a sliding headstock and guide bushing system, allowing for high-precision turning and drilling. This technology is ideal for high-volume production of small, detailed components, such as medical devices and micro parts.
Advantages of Nylon CNC Machining
High Precision
Nylon CNC machining offers extreme precision, allowing for the machining of complex geometries and parts with extremely tight tolerances.
Cost-Effective Prototyping
Nylon CNC machining is an affordable option for rapid prototyping. Designers can quickly create functional prototypes using durable materials to accelerate product development cycles and reduce costs.
Customization
With CNC machining, you can produce highly customized nylon parts to meet specific requirements. Whether you need a specific shape, size or function, CNC technology provides precise and unique solutions without the need for expensive molds or tooling.
Faster Turnaround
CNC machining is a fast and efficient process for producing nylon parts in small and large quantities, resulting in significant time and cost savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Flexibility
CNC machining can produce nylon parts in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing custom parts to be created to meet specific design requirements.
Recyclability
Nylon is a recyclable material, which adds to the sustainability of Nylon CNC machining. Used Nylon CNC machining parts can often be recycled, thus reducing the impact on the environment.
Disadvantages of Nylon CNC Machining
- Hygroscopicity: One of the main drawbacks of nylon is that it easily absorbs moisture, which can affect its dimensional stability and mechanical properties, especially in humid environments, which can lead to compromised precision and durability.
- Brittleness of certain grades: While nylon is generally durable, some grades, such as glass-filled nylon, can be more brittle than others.
- Geometry limitations: Nylon CNC machining has greater geometry limitations than nylon 3D printing.
- Heat sensitivity: While nylon is heat resistant, high-speed CNC machining can generate enough heat to cause the material to deform or melt, especially in less heat resistant grades, such as nylon 6.
Application of CNC Nylon Machining


Medical Devices
The biocompatible strength and chemical resistance of CNC machined nylon parts make them widely used in components such as surgical instruments, implants and medical catheters.
Electrical Applications
In electrical applications, nylon’s high dielectric strength and ability to resist current allow nylon CNC machining to produce insulation components, connectors and housing units.
Industrial Machinery
Nylon’s low friction and wear resistance make it ideal for high-stress mechanical environments, and nylon CNC machining can produce parts such as bearings, gears and wear-resistant components.
Automotive
Nylon’s resistance to high temperatures, chemical corrosion and mechanical stress allows it to CNC machine components such as gears, brackets and bushings in automotive engines and fuel systems.
Aerospace
In the aerospace industry, nylon is lightweight yet strong and thermally stable. Nylon CNC machining is used to make components such as fuel lines, fasteners, and seals, which help improve the fuel efficiency of aircraft.
Tips for CNC Machining Nylon
1. Use the right tools
Use carbide tools as they are durable and can handle the abrasive nature of nylon. Check tools regularly to prevent damage and ensure smooth cuts.
2. Control cutting speeds
Nylon tends to heat up quickly during machining, so cutting speeds need to be controlled. Too high a speed can lead to overheating, which can cause the material to deform.
3. Use coolant wisely
When machining nylon, using coolant can help prevent excessive heat buildup, which can cause warping or part failure.
4. Keep feed rates low
Keep feed rates low to ensure a smooth surface and reduce the risk of part deformation. High feed rates can result in a rough surface or affect the overall accuracy of the part.
5. Securely secure the material
Nylon is a relatively soft material, so proper fixturing is required to ensure it is securely held during machining.
Conclusion
Nylon CNC machining is a cost-effective technique for processing plastics. If you need customized nylon machined parts, EASIAHOME is your ideal partner. Choosing the right grade of nylon material is critical to finding the ideal balance between cost, performance and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is CNC Milling and CNC Turning?
A: CNC milling is the process of removing material from a nylon workpiece by rotating a tool to create complex shapes, while CNC turning is the process of rotating a nylon workpiece in conjunction with a stationary cutting tool to form a cylindrical part.
Q: How to optimize the process of nylon CNC machining?
A: Ways to optimize the process include using the right tools, controlling cutting speeds, using coolant wisely, keeping feed rates low, and making sure the material is firmly fixed.
Q: What are the design considerations for nylon parts?
A: When designing nylon parts, consider uniformity of wall thickness, avoidance of sharp edges, consideration of tolerances and fit requirements, and design of adequate support to prevent deformation during processing or use.
Q: What is the difference between nylon CNC machining and nylon 3D printing?
A: Nylon CNC machining is suitable for mass production of high-precision parts, while nylon 3D printing is better suited for rapid prototyping of complex geometries.CNC machining typically has better surface finish and mechanical properties.
Q: What are the surface treatment options for CNC machining of nylon?
A: Nylon machining can be followed by a variety of surface treatments such as painting, plating, and anodizing to improve appearance, increase abrasion resistance, and enhance chemical resistance.