A Guide to PA (Polyamide, nylon) CNC Machining

Key Takeaways

• PA (nylon) combines high mechanical strength, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties for demanding mechanical applications.

• Available in multiple grades, including Nylon 6, Nylon 66, and reinforced variants, to meet different performance requirements.

• PA absorbs moisture and has limited UV resistance, making environmental conditions an important factor in material selection.

Overview

PA (polyamide, nylon) is a crystalline thermoplastic with excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength. Its strong sliding performance and wear resistance, combined with good resistance to organic solvents, oils, and gasoline, make it a natural fit for sliding components and similar applications. With a well-rounded performance profile, PA is one of the most frequently selected engineering plastics.

The most common PA grades used in machined parts are extruded Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, along with cast Nylon 6. Cast products have lower internal stress than extruded ones, making them better suited for large parts or geometries prone to warping and distortion. Nylon 66 costs more than Nylon 6 but delivers superior heat resistance and mechanical strength.

Key Characteristics

• Excellent mechanical strength

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Excellent heat resistance

• Electrical insulation

• Self-lubricating

• Excellent wear resistance

• Compliant with food sanitation regulations

Types of PA

In addition to standard grades, PA6 and PA66 are available in specialty grades with enhanced performance characteristics.

• Standard grade

• Glass-fiber-reinforced grade

Material Selection Notes

Like other nylon-based materials, PA has a high moisture absorption rate. This can cause dimensional changes over time, so it may not be suitable depending on the operating environment. PA also has poor weather resistance and will degrade with prolonged UV exposure.

• High moisture absorption

• Poor weather resistance

PA CNC Machining at Yumoto Electric

Yumoto Electric manufactures custom PA machined parts starting from a single piece. We have experience with over 200 materials, including metals such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, molybdenum, and titanium; and engineering plastics including PEEK, POM, and MC Nylon.

If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.