Nylon and Teflon are some of the plastics used to make polymer bushings. This type of bushing is of polymer bushings. The term moulded bushings refers to nylon bushings that are injection molding or cast. They are typically available as sleeved or flanged bushings.

What is Nylon?

Nylon is one of the most adaptable synthetic materials, with applications ranging from daily life to industry. Nylon is a type of plastic that experts can easily draw into fibres. It is easily formed into everyday products for the production of amenities. We spend almost our entire lives with nylon on our side. You may hop across the nylon carpet to the kitchen and eat your meals on a nylon bowl after brushing your teeth with a nylon-bristled toothbrush. A nylon umbrella is used overhead to move out of the house in bright sunlight or to keep out of the rain.

Nylon is a generic name for a class of synthetic polymers. It is a thermoplastic material that is very silky and can be melted and processed into fibres, films, or forms. It is made up of polyamides, which are repeating units connected by amide links. Nylon polymers are frequently mixed with a wide range of additives to achieve a wide range of property variations.

Nylon polymers have a various range of commercial usages in fabric. It is also important in various fibres such as apparel, flooring, rubber reinforcement, and shapes such as car parts, electrical equipment, and so on.

What is the chemistry involved in it?

The term ‘nylon’ refers to a family of polymers recognized as linear polyamides. There are two methods for producing nylon for fibre implementations. In the first approach, molecules with an acidic group, i.e., COOH, react with molecules with amino NH 2 groups on each end. The nylon that results is named after the number of carbon atoms that separate the two acidic groups and two amines.

In the other method, a compound with an amine at one end and an acid at the other end is polymerized to form a chain with repeating units of -NH-[CH 2] n-CO-) x. If n = 5, the nylon is known as nylon 6, another prevalent type of this polymer. The commercial production of nylon 6 begins with caprolactam, polymerized using an open-ring process.

In both methods, the polyamide is melted and then drawn after cooling to obtain the properties required for each intended use.

Characteristics of the bushing of this polymer:

• Surface properties:

These bushings are self-lubricating, which implies they don’t need to be lubricated. As a result, they are essentially zero-maintenance bushings. They have an extremely low coefficient of friction as well. They have a strong hardness of about 80 D and are non-galling.

• Performance and strength:

Non-reinforced Nylon bushings have a PV (pressure-velocity) rating of 3000 ft/min/psi. The tensile strength of unreinforced nylon is 12 Ksi, the compressive strength is 15 Ksi, and the flexural strength is around 15 Ksi. Furthermore, when compared to their metal counterparts, they are extremely lightweight.

• Chemical resistance:

Some nylons perform exceptionally well in the involvement of hydrocarbons and alcohols. Strong acids are their greatest weakness. Nylon is chemically resistant to weak acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and most fuels.

• Environmental properties:

Moulded nylon bearings have a constant operating temperature of around 250°F. They are unsuitable for cryogenic temperatures. It has a thermal expansion coefficient of 5.510-5in/in/°F, which is quite low and signifies that it is dimensionally stable even when subjected to wide temperature variations. With a standard moisture absorption rate of 3-7 per cent, design requirements must include nylon’s hygroscopic nature.

• Potential benefits for design engineers:

Don’t rule out nylon when looking for polymer sleeve and flanged bushing options. It can be injection moulded to extremely tight tolerances. These bushings are:

• Self-lubricating,
• Maintenance-free, and
• Non-galling.

They have dimensional stability and a maximum constant operating temperature of around 250°F. They have various chemical resistance and have been the preferred material for innumerable engineers looking to save weight and money while maintaining consistent performance.

Is Lubrication required for this type of bushing?

Bushings (bearings) of nylon can be used lubricated or unlubricated. These bushings are generally quiet, easily moulded, have low friction, and resist abrasion. Operating procedures will determine whether lubrication is necessary. Unless used in a dry application, such as textile or food machinery, it is suggested that the bushings be lubricated in required cases. Applying a small amount of lubricant before starting the machine will help to avoid wear and tear and prolong the life of the bushings.

Why is nylon suitable for self-lubricating material?

Self-lubricating bushings are used when the bearing must function without or with minimal lubrication.

The working principle of self-lubricating bearings is that a solid lubricating film is formed during the initial run-in period of the bearing by transmitting a small amount of material from the bearing layer. This film makes direct contact with the moving parts, safeguarding and lubricating the mating modules and extending the bearing’s service life. We strive to ensure that the bearing provides the best performance and the longest life under various conditions.

Self-lubricating bushings have several advantages that end-users should be aware of. These are some examples:

• Oil hole and groove elimination: The cost of machining oil holes and grooves is unnecessary. The self-lubricating system eliminates the need for an additional oiling system.
• Reduced machinery running costs: The lubricant oil is reduced dramatically with maintenance-free features, and the machinery running costs are also reduced.
• Maintenance-free task: Self-lubricating bearings eliminate the need for oiling devices and reduce bearing maintenance costs.
• Simpler mechanical design and production: Mechanical designs can be easily made more cost-effective.
• Eco-friendly: The self-lubricating bearing materials do not require oil to function.

Petron Thermoplast provides the best quality nylon products with several important industrial applications. Our products are very durable and affordable to buy. Hence, you buy the best quality nylon bushings products per your requirements.