{"id":5382,"date":"2026-05-07T03:46:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T03:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nylonplastic.com\/nylon-vs-polycarbonate\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T06:03:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T06:03:35","slug":"nylon-vs-polycarbonate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nylonplastic.com\/vi\/nylon-vs-polycarbonate\/","title":{"rendered":"Nylon vs Polycarbonate: Strength, Heat Resistance, and Cost Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Nylon
Nylon and polycarbonate are both engineering plastics but excel in different areas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nylon and polycarbonate are two of the most specified engineering thermoplastics. Both offer excellent mechanical properties, but their unique characteristics\u2014impact resistance for polycarbonate, wear resistance for nylon\u2014make each better suited for specific applications.<\/p>\n

Mechanical Properties Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
T\u00e0i s\u1ea3n<\/th>\nNylon (PA6)<\/th>\nPolycarbonate (PC)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0110\u1ed9 b\u1ec1n k\u00e9o (MPa)<\/td>\n70-85<\/td>\n55-75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
M\u00f4 \u0111un u\u1ed1n (GPa)<\/td>\n2.5-3.0<\/td>\n2.2-2.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Notched Izod Impact (kJ\/m\u00b2)<\/td>\n5-15<\/td>\n60-80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
M\u1eadt \u0111\u1ed9 (g\/cm\u00b3)<\/td>\n1.14<\/td>\n1.20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Impact
Polycarbonate offers dramatically higher impact resistance than nylon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate’s Signature Strength<\/h2>\n

Polycarbonate is legendary for its impact resistance\u2014it’s used in bulletproof glass and safety goggles. With notched Izod impact values of 60-80 kJ\/m\u00b2, PC is virtually unbreakable under normal use.<\/p>\n

Thermal and Optical Properties<\/h2>\n
\"Optical
Polycarbonate’s optical clarity is a key differentiator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Polycarbonate is naturally transparent with light transmission of 88-90%. Nylon is naturally translucent to opaque.<\/p>\n

Kh\u1ea3 n\u0103ng ch\u1ed1ng h\u00f3a ch\u1ea5t<\/h2>\n

Nylon holds a distinct advantage here. Polycarbonate has poor chemical resistance\u2014it’s attacked by hydrocarbons, ketones, and many cleaners. Nylon offers excellent resistance to oils, greases, fuels, and many organic solvents.<\/p>\n

Moisture and Environmental Resistance<\/h2>\n
\"Moisture
Polycarbonate resists moisture but is susceptible to UV degradation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Application Guide<\/h2>\n

Choose Nylon When:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Chemical resistance to oils and fuels is needed<\/li>\n
  • Wear resistance matters<\/li>\n
  • Parts must survive dynamic loading<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Choose Polycarbonate When:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Optical clarity is required<\/li>\n
    • Exceptional impact resistance is critical<\/li>\n
    • Dimensional stability under varying humidity is needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Our Capabilities<\/h2>\n

      With over 300 CNC machines<\/strong>, we produce more than 10,000 pieces daily<\/strong> with tolerances as tight as \u00b10.005mm<\/strong>. We accept MOQ from 1 piece<\/strong>, with delivery times ranging from 24 hours to 15 days<\/strong>. We machine both nylon and polycarbonate. Get a quote within 24 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      C\u00e2u h\u1ecfi th\u01b0\u1eddng g\u1eb7p<\/h2>\n
      \nWhy is polycarbonate used for bulletproof glass instead of nylon?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

      PC’s exceptional impact resistance (60-80 kJ\/m\u00b2 vs nylon’s 5-15 kJ\/m\u00b2) and optical clarity make it uniquely suited for ballistic protection.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

      \nCan nylon and polycarbonate be used together in the same product?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

      Yes, they’re often used together where each material’s strengths are leveraged\u2014e.g., nylon gear housing with a PC outer shell.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

      \nIs polycarbonate food safe?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

      Yes, PC is FDA-approved for food contact, though BPA concerns have led to BPA-free alternatives for consumer applications.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

      \nWhich material is more environmentally friendly?<\/strong><\/summary>\n

      Neither is biodegradable, but both are recyclable. Bio-based nylons (PA11 from castor oil) offer a renewable option.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\t\t\t

      \n\t\t\t