Nylon Fasteners: Screws, Hex Nuts, Flat Washers and Nylon Custom Parts

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Nylon 6/6 is a polyamide plastic made up of two monomers. Each monomer contains 6 carbon atoms of hexamethylenediamiine and adipic acid. We have written about the reasons not to use nylon in our blog some time ago.
Six Reasons Not to Use Nylon
Nylon is hygroscopic meaning is absorbs water even from the natural environment. This can cause changes in a part’s dimensions.
It is not UV resistant without additives.
It is not particularly chemically resistant as it performs poorly in acids and halogens. … Read more

Nyon plastic

The Rise of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

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Carbon Fibers in Plastic Materials
The use of carbon fibers in plastic materials has a long history.  As early as 1879, Thomas Edison was experimenting with carbon fibers made from cotton threads and bamboo slivers.  In fact, the first incandescent light bulb heated by electricity contained carbon fibers. 
In the 1960’s, Dr. Akio Shindo at the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology in Japan developed a carbon fiber based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN).  … Read more

PAN

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)

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CFRP
Carbon Fiber Reinforce Plastics (CFRP) have long been used in high-performance race cars. However, the cost as well as the manufacturing time of components has made CFRP prohibitive for consumer applications. But that is changing.
Strong and Light Weight
Parts made from Carbon Reinforced Plastics can absorb twelve time more energy than steel improving safety. CFRP is fifty times lighter than steel and thirty times lighter than aluminum making a car built from it significantly more fuel efficient. … Read more

CFRP blades

The Top 3 Plastic Additives for UV Stabilization

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Exposure to UV Radiation
Over time, exposure to the UV radiation from sunlight will degrade plastics. Polymer photo-degradation occurs when non-visible UV radiation made up of short wave lengths breaks down the polymer chains in plastics. This is called the photo-degradation process.  It is caused by exposure to UV radiation and results in the deterioration of physical properties.  These include loss of impact strength, changes in color, cracking,  loss of elongation and tensile strength as well as chalking of the surface. … Read more

uv radiation

Acetal Screws, Hex Nuts, Set Screws, Threaded Rod and Custom Parts

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Polyoxymethlene
Acetal is an engineering thermoplastic. It is also known as polyoxymethlene or POM. POM is used in precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction and dimensional stability. From -40 degrees C to 80 degrees C POM is known for its high strength, hardness and rigidity. Natural POM is an opaque white material. However, it can easily be dyed to almost any color. It has a high crystalline composition. It is available as a homopolymer and a copolymer. … Read more

acetal parts