Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared

Nylon vs Polycarbonate comparison — Nylon and polycarbonate are both engineering plastics but excel in different areas

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.

Mechanical Properties Compared

Недвижимость	Нейлон (PA6)	Поликарбонат (PC)
Прочность на разрыв (МПа)	70-85	55-75
Модуль упругости (ГПа)	2.5-3.0	2.2-2.4
Notched Izod Impact (kJ/m²)	5-15	60-80
Плотность (г/см³)	1.14	1.20

Impact resistance comparison — Polycarbonate offers dramatically higher impact resistance than nylon

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

Optical clarity comparison — Polycarbonate’s optical clarity is a key differentiator

Polycarbonate is naturally transparent with light transmission of 88-90%. Nylon is naturally translucent to opaque.

Химическая стойкость

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

Moisture and weathering comparison — Polycarbonate resists moisture but is susceptible to UV degradation

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

Наши возможности

С более чем 300 станков с ЧПУ, Мы производим более 10 000 штук в день с такими жесткими допусками, как ±0,005 мм. Мы принимаем MOQ от 1 шт., Сроки доставки варьируются от От 24 часов до 15 дней. We machine both nylon and polycarbonate. Получите предложение в течение 24 часов.

ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ

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.