Nylon vs. Delrin: Comparing the differences and applications

Nylon vs. Delrin is a common comparison topic in machining and injection molding projects. Additionally, nylon (polyamide) and Delrin (an acetal homopolymer) offer incredible properties such as long-lasting strength and wear resistance. Both are resistant to UV and chemicals and have a low coefficient of friction.

However, you will need to choose a material whose properties best meet the needs of your project. That's why in this article we've put together a clear comparison of Delrin nylon, where we examine the features, differences, pros and cons.

What is nylon?

Nylon is a plastic made from polyamide and belongs to the group of condensation polymers due to its synthesis technology. The manufacturing process is condensation polymerization and the monomers used are dicarboxylic acids and diamines.

Nylon is a robust material by all standards and also has reliable chemical and thermal resistance. However, its function deteriorates and becomes unstable when it absorbs moisture from the environment. Fortunately, these disappointments can be avoided with pre-treatment.

What is Delrin?

Delrin is an acetal polymer also known as polyoxymethylene (POM). It is a very important and useful material in manufacturing processes such as Delrin machining and injection molding. Thanks to its desirable properties, it is one of the most important materials in the manufacturing industry.

The polymer contains a highly crystalline composition, making it mostly opaque and white. Since the first manufacturers used it in the 1960s, many others have produced it in a wide variety of colors. Due to its structural integrity, reduced friction, and improved rigidity, Delrin is very useful in manufacturing precision parts.

Nylon and delrin properties

Delrin and nylon are important materials for manufacturing precision items because they have high-quality properties. Let's look at some of the properties of nylon and Delrin.

Nylon Properties

Here are the excellent properties of nylon that make it the first choice for most manufacturers.

• Chemical resistant
• High melting point
• Greater tensile strength
• Low coefficient of friction
• High wear resistance
• Good machinability

Delrin Properties

Some of Delrin's amazing features that put it at the top of every manufacturer's list include:

• Reduced moisture absorption
• Greater resistance to fatigue
• High tensile strength and stiffness
• Resistant to chemicals and solvents
• Good dimensional stability
• High resistance to abrasion and wear
• Stability at low temperatures
• Extremely shockproof
• Excellent machinability

What is the difference between Nylon and Delrin?

Despite the common properties, there are certain special characteristics to consider when it comes to nylon and Delrin. We will cover that in this part.

The friction

Compared to other plastics, Delrin and nylon have low contact resistance. There are no significant variables in the contact between nylon and Delrin. Both can be used to create moving and sliding elements that require little to no maintenance.

tensile strength

Its tensile strength defines the maximum load that can irreversibly deform a material. While Delrin has a tensile strength of 10,000 psi, nylon has a higher tensile strength of 12,000 psi.

Machinability

Although Delrin is generally considered the most machinable material, nylon is generally considered to be easily machinable. Delrin can be freely cut for plastic processing, has excellent dimensional stability and is a very easy material to process.

This makes it much easier to get precise and accurate specifications. It is ideal for the production of various medical devices, as well as technical and industrial parts, electrical components and other elements.

Wear resistance

In dry environments, nylon typically has greater surface roughness than Delrin. Delrin without fillers has slightly lower wear resistance than nylon. As a result, it presents a lower wear rate under constant conditions, especially under tension.

3D printing capability of any technology

The main difference between Delrin and Nylon is in their 3D printing capabilities. Various methods such as FDM, selective laser control, and MultiJet Fusion are ideal for nylon 3D printing.

Compared to nylon, most Delrin materials require additional work when 3D printed. In most applications, elevated components such as bearings and gears are used.

Moisture resistance

Ordinary plastic nylon can absorb up to 8% moisture. Under the same circumstances, Delrin can only absorb about 0.2% moisture. It's important to remember that full nylon absorbs less moisture than unfilled options.

Temperature tolerance

Delrin generally works in temperatures between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. This is between 20 and 30 degrees cooler than standard 6.6 nylon. Therefore, nylon is more temperature resistant than Delrin.

Delrin vs. Nylon: direct comparison in the diagram

Nylon vs. Delrin: pros and cons

Since nylon and Delrin are the two most sought-after materials in the manufacturing market, they certainly have different benefits. Below we highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of nylon and Delrin.

Advantages and disadvantages of Delrin

Advantages of Delrin

Due to its mechanical properties, Delrin offers several advantages. Below are the benefits.

1. Light

Compared to other materials, Delrin is one of the lightest. However, do not confuse it with weakness, as it also has high tensile strength. Therefore, it can withstand frequent shock loads as well as strong impacts.

2. High tensile strength

Delrin is highly resistant to fatigue due to its greater mechanical strength and rigidity as a polymer. It is suitable for producing high-performance items that require a robust material with a long service life.

3. Good machinability

Delrin's special properties facilitate its use in the production process – whether a traditional or state-of-the-art process. Its higher flow rates, which allow for more uniform filling of thin mold walls, differentiate it from other materials.

4. High resilience

Compared to metals, Delrin has impressive resilience, allowing it to recover slightly when impacted. It also has good resilience, making it ideal for snap and buckle applications.

5. Moisture resistance

Delrin does not absorb moisture, making it a suitable material option for items used in humid environments. Furthermore, it does not rust, as it is resistant to chemicals and organic solvents, which makes it perfect for various production processes.

Disadvantages of Delrin

Disadvantages of Delrin include:

1. No abrasion resistance

Delrin material does not withstand intense wear and tear, making it unsuitable for some items used in the construction industry.

2. Low temperature tolerance

Due to its low temperature tolerance, Delrin is not suitable for high temperature production processes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nylon

Nylon is available as a molded part in many qualities and offers different properties as well as advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of nylon as a material.

Benefits of Nylon

1. Durability and resistance

One of the reasons nylon is so popular is its tremendous strength and durability. The enormous tensile strength guarantees long durability, even under adverse operating conditions. These properties make it suitable for various production processes and applications.

2. Easy to do

Nylon material dries quickly when dyed or dyed in any way. Therefore, you can easily make it any color you want. This property also makes it suitable for the production of precision parts.

3. 3D Printing Capability

You can use nylon in 3D printing as it offers no limitations for complex shapes. It also offers freedom for any design and flexibility to introduce geometries.

Disadvantages of nylon

Here are the biggest disadvantages of nylon material.

1. Poor machinability

Compared with other high-performance materials, nylon is not as easy to process. While it can still be offered as a viable material, there are better alternatives.

2. Low moisture resistance

Nylon has moderate moisture resistance, but its function deteriorates and becomes unstable when absorbing moisture from the environment.

Nylon vs. Nylon Applications Delrin

The use of nylon or Delrin by manufacturers around the world is driven by several factors. Due to their relative advantages, different production methods may favor one material over another. Some uses for nylon and Delrin are listed below.

Delrin Applications

Due to its many surprising properties, Delrin is a preferred material among manufacturers and designers in many areas. Well-known companies use Delrin components around the world to produce a variety of devices, such as:

• Auto parts include: window and wiper gears, grille parts, seat belt accessories, etc.
• Industrial machines, such as agricultural equipment, engine components, bearings and gears.
• Medical supplies such as delivery systems.
• Products for everyday use include, for example, zippers, handles, valves and door system parts.
• Switches, device boxes, cartridge frames, circuit boards and other electrical parts.

Nylon Applications

Nylon has a variety of beneficial properties that make it useful for a variety of applications. This information can be found across multiple sectors, including construction, agriculture, automotive, sports and food production. Products made from nylon include the following.

• Plastic Accessories
• Automotive components
• kitchen utensils
• screws
• Sound
• streaming

Delrin vs Nylon: Which is better?

After thoroughly examining both materials, Nylon and Delrin, the fact remains that the best material is the one that best suits your needs. As both have incredible properties that make them suitable for a variety of applications, you can hardly go wrong with your choice.

Delrin offers high dimensional stability with improved impact resistance, chemical resistance and creep resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring low moisture absorption and products for humid areas.

Nylon is best suited for applications in high temperatures and highly abrasive areas. This abrasion-resistant property makes it suitable for printing parts such as interlocking gears. Additionally, nylon does not wear out easily, even under pressure. This wear resistance can be attributed to the tensile strength of both materials, as nylon has a tensile strength of 12,000 psi as opposed to Delrin's 10,000 psi.

Although Delrin has good temperature tolerance, nylon's temperature tolerance is better. This makes nylon the ideal material for processes that use higher temperatures.

Additionally, nylon is absolutely perfect for the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process due to its flexibility and durability. This process involves repeatedly bending the material, which can cause wear and tear if it is not flexible or durable.

However, Delrin is superior to nylon in terms of machinability because it is a freely cuttable plastic with excellent dimensional stability. Delrin's stability makes it easier for manufacturers to achieve machining precision. Furthermore, this plastic is ideal for the manufacture of mechanical, electrical and industrial parts.

Concluding

With this detailed comparison you have determined your needs and decided between nylon and Delrin. With this detailed comparison you have determined your needs and decided between nylon and Delrin. Both materials have the best properties and are good materials in their resistance. We highlighted these areas above and discussed some of their disadvantages. However, remember that the best material is the one that best meets your needs.

Common questions

How to distinguish nylon from Delrin?

Nylon can take on various 3D shapes and desired colors due to its high color absorption capacity. Delrin, on the other hand, has a characteristic opaque color.

Which is stronger nylon or delrin?

Nylon has higher tensile strength than Delrin, but both are very strong, durable and suitable for most high production processes.

Can nylon and Delrin be 3D printed?

Nylon and Delrin can be manufactured by 3D printing, with nylon being the most suitable for this manufacturing process.