The pros and cons of nylon fasteners
Nylon is one of the most popular plastics for some manufacturers. As a fastener, this material is especially suited for electronics. It offers high-tensile strength and higher wear resistance than aluminium. Nylon fasteners also have excellent resistance to some chemicals and hydrocarbons, while providing a high amount of insulation. It’s also half the weight of aluminium.
Advantages of nylon
Manufacturers like nylon fasteners because they don’t burn – they melt – which makes them desirable when producing fire-resistant products.
You can also add flame retardants while manufacturing nylon fasteners. In fact, nylon fasteners can be manufactured using different plastics. Acetal can enhance durability and help minimise water absorption. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is used to boost resistance to the elements, while polypropylene can enhance durability and strength. It’s this type of nylon fastener you find most often in not just electronics, but also telecommunications, computers and cars.
Disadvantages of nylon
However, nylon fasteners are far from ideal for other applications. Nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water, even from air. When wet, nylon swells and quickly deteriorates. Nylon fasteners should not be exposed to the elements, and that includes sunlight. Nylon lacks UV resistance and will yellow no matter what it’s colour, turning brittle and deteriorating quickly.
They’re also not well suited for engineering applications and processes. Nylon fasteners are simply not as durable or reliable as say, other plastics or steel. Industries such as construction, mining and highway need a much higher level of strength and resilience than what nylon fasteners can provide.
Nylon can’t be exposed to extremely high temperatures, either. Generally, these fasteners can only withstand a continuous service temperature of 121°F, or 223°C, making them inappropriate for equipment or products that are heated when in use, such as employed in construction. Needless to say, if you’re designing an oven, look at other materials for your fasteners.
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