Nylon and polycarbonate are two of the most specified engineering thermoplastics. Both offer excellent mechanical properties, but their unique characteristics—impact resistance for polycarbonate, wear resistance for nylon—make each better suited for specific applications.
For engineering and sourcing teams
Nylon or Polycarbonate for a Production Part?
Polycarbonate usually leads when impact strength, transparency or lower moisture uptake matters. Nylon is often preferred for wear, fatigue and tough mechanical components.
- Use polycarbonate for impact-focused housings and transparent parts
- Use nylon for wear surfaces, gears, clips and structural components
- Check chemical exposure, moisture and service temperature before release
Request a nylon vs polycarbonate review → View the engineering plastics selection guide
Mechanical Properties Compared
| Property | Nylon (PA6) | Polycarbonate (PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 70-85 | 55-75 |
| Flexural Modulus (GPa) | 2.5-3.0 | 2.2-2.4 |
| Notched Izod Impact (kJ/m²) | 5-15 | 60-80 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.14 | 1.20 |
Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate’s Signature Strength
Polycarbonate is legendary for its impact resistance—it’s used in bulletproof glass and safety goggles. With notched Izod impact values of 60-80 kJ/m², PC is virtually unbreakable under normal use.
Thermal and Optical Properties
Polycarbonate is naturally transparent with light transmission of 88-90%. Nylon is naturally translucent to opaque.
Chemical Resistance
Nylon holds a distinct advantage here. Polycarbonate has poor chemical resistance—it’s attacked by hydrocarbons, ketones, and many cleaners. Nylon offers excellent resistance to oils, greases, fuels, and many organic solvents.
Moisture and Environmental Resistance
Polycarbonate absorbs negligible moisture (0.15-0.35%). Nylon’s moisture absorption (2.5-3.0%) can cause dimensional changes. However, PC is susceptible to UV degradation.
Application Guide
Choose Nylon When:
- Chemical resistance to oils and fuels is needed
- Wear resistance matters
- Parts must survive dynamic loading
Choose Polycarbonate When:
- Optical clarity is required
- Exceptional impact resistance is critical
- Dimensional stability under varying humidity is needed
Our Capabilities
With over 300 CNC machines, we produce more than 10,000 pieces daily with tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm. We accept MOQ from 1 piece, with delivery times ranging from 24 hours to 15 days. We machine both nylon and polycarbonate. Get a quote within 24 hours.
For a polycarbonate vs nylon decision, compare impact, wear, heat, moisture, chemical exposure and the actual part geometry before approving a grade.
FAQ
Nylon vs Polycarbonate Properties Comparison
| Property | Nylon (PA6/PA66) | Polycarbonate (PC) | Winner Depends On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 70 – 85 MPa (unfilled); 160 – 200 MPa (GF30) | 55 – 70 MPa | Nylon wins with GF; unfilled nylon vs PC is close |
| Impact Resistance | 5 – 8 kJ/m² (notched) | 25 – 35 kJ/m² (notched) | PC wins significantly — key for safety parts |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 65 – 85°C (unfilled); 245 – 255°C (GF30) | 125 – 135°C | Nylon GF wins on heat; unfilled nylon loses |
| Moisture Absorption (24h) | 1.2 – 1.5% (PA66) | 0.15 – 0.35% | PC wins — critical for dimensional stability |
| Chemical Resistance | Good to oils, fuels, hydrocarbons | Poor to many solvents, fuels | Nylon wins for chemical exposure |
| Density | 1.13 – 1.15 g/cm³ | 1.18 – 1.22 g/cm³ | Similar; nylon slightly lighter unfilled |
| Cost (relative) | $$ – $$$ (depending on grade) | $$$ – $$$$ | Nylon generally lower cost per kg |
| Transparency | Opaque | Transparent or translucent | PC wins — only choice for see-through parts |
| Typical Use | Structural brackets, gears, automotive | Lenses, safety shields, electronics, medical | Application-specific; no universal winner |
Decision framework: Choose polycarbonate when impact safety, optical clarity, or tight dimensional tolerance in varying humidity is required. Choose nylon (especially GF grades) when heat resistance, chemical exposure, or structural load-bearing dominates the application. When both high impact and chemical resistance are needed, consider PC/ABS blends or PBT as alternatives.
How do you know whether Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared fits a part?
Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared fits a part when its load capacity, temperature range, moisture exposure, wear behavior, and processing method match the real service conditions.
What properties should be checked for Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared?
Check strength, stiffness, impact resistance, heat resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, friction, wear, and chemical compatibility.
What is the biggest selection risk for Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared?
The biggest risk is choosing from a datasheet value without considering actual environment, processing method, part geometry, and long-term use.
When should Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared be tested before production?
Testing is recommended when the part faces load, heat, chemicals, moisture, tight tolerances, regulatory requirements, or a new operating environment.
Related Reading
- Nylon Chemical Resistance: Acids, Bases, Solvents, and More
- Nylon Chemical Resistance: Acids, Bases, Solvents, and More
- Polyamide vs Nylon: Complete Comparison Guide
- Plastic Material Selection and Properties
At a Glance
| Decision Point | Nylon | Polycarbonate | Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact | Tough and fatigue resistant | Very impact resistant | Choose by crack risk and duty cycle |
| Moisture | Absorbs more water | More stable | Use PC when humidity swings are severe |
| Heat | Grade dependent | Good heat resistance | Confirm service temperature, not just a datasheet peak |
| Best use | Wear and structural parts | Transparent and impact parts | Match part function to the real environment |
Why Choose Nylon Plastic
Nylon Plastic helps buyers compare nylon and polycarbonate when moisture, impact and part function have to be balanced for production.
