From The Blog
Nylon Fasteners: Screws, Hex Nuts, Flat Washers and Nylon Custom Parts
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.…
The Rise of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
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). …
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
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.…