DELRIN VS.

NYLON: USES,
SPECS, PROS & CONS

August 16, 2022

Delrin, Engineering Plastic Materials, Nylon

Are you looking for exceptionally durable manufactured materials? If yes, Delrin vs. nylon
should be ideal options. These versatile materials provide remarkable strength, durability,
and lifelong wear resilience. As a result, they are suitable choices for a wide range of
injection molding and machining applications.

However, these two materials have distinct features that suit specific applications or project
requirements. In this Delrin vs. nylon guide, we will see how these materials compare in
terms of uses, specs, pros & cons to help you choose one that suits your precise needs
best.

What is Delrin?
Delrin is the emblem name for polyoxymethylene (POM), a succession of acetal resins that
exist as semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers. Delrin is best known as acetal,
polyformaldehyde in the polymer chemistry world. Delrin also exists as a synthetic polymer
material.

Different chemical firms use varying chemicals to produce this material. You’ll find it termed
differently, including Delrin, Celcon, Kocetal, Ultraform, etc.

Specs
Delrin is a great alternative to metal because of its:

High tensile strength of 6000-22000 psi

High density
General toughness
Resilient surface
Low friction coefficient
Prolonged durability
Long-term resistance to wear
High crystalline composition makes it opaque white
Available in multiple colors

Uses of Delrin
It’s a multi-purpose engineering thermoplastic material. That means it’s often used in
precision parts that require low surface friction, high stiffness, and great dimensional
stability. In addition, Delrin can retain its shape and size even when exposed to humidity
and temperature changes.

This smart plastic boasts more excellent mechanical properties than other popular plastics
such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). That’s why you’ll find it tougher and
ideal for extreme industrial applications and environments. Delrin shines in wet
environments as it has a very low moisture absorption rate, excellent performance, and
high dimension retention ability. Therefore, it’s a perfect option for valve and pump
components.

This material is also chemical resistant to solvents, hydrocarbons, and neutral chemicals.
Its natural grade is USDA, FDA, and NSF compliant, meaning you can use this material in
any suitable environment with no worries.

Delrin boasts different uses in various applications, including:

Auto-motive industry
Consumer goods
Industrial equipment
 Electrical equipment
Medical equipment

Delrin Pros
Excellent machinability
Great dimensional stability
Powerful impact capability
Terrific abrasion and wear properties
High fatigue endurance
Good resistance to creep, moisture, solvents, gasoline, etc.
Superb electrical insulating properties
Ideal for vast temperature range
Versatile and desirable material for precision parts

Delrin Cons
Not ideal for 3D printing

What is Nylon?
Polyamide or nylon is a synthetic material formed by a group of polymers that often include
plastics. Basing on their thermal properties, we can call these polymers thermoplastic
manufactured materials.

Nylon material is a result of a synthetic method known as condensation polymerization. It’s

a method where monomers like diamines and dicarboxylic acids combine to form peptide
bonds. Each peptide bond produces a water molecule as a by-product.

Most nylon polymers are semi-crystalline and contain symmetrical backbones. As such,
nylon materials are excellent fibers. However, the name of nylon polymer depends on the
number of carbon atoms present in the monomers. For instance, in nylon 6,6, dicarboxylic
acid has six carbon atoms, and the diamine has six carbon atoms.

Specs
Generally tough material
Good thermal and chemical resistance
High temperatures up to 1850C
76MPa tensile strength
1.13 specific gravity
Low friction coefficient
 Excellent flexibility

Nylon Uses
Here are some of the common applications of nylon material:

Automotive industry: radiator, oil reservoir, water pump impeller, wheel cover, gear,
handle, oil and water tank, outer plate, binding post, bearing, shank, etc.
Electronic industry: Plug-ins, housings, connectors, binding post, etc.
Medical industry: Balloon tubing, implants, catheter shafts, etc.
Clothing: Lingerie, shirts, raincoats, foundation garments, underwear, cyclewear, and
swimwear.
Music industry: Guitar pics and strings
Everyday uses: Toothbrushes, tennis racket strings, carpets, gears, tents, etc.

Nylon Pros
High mechanical stability
Impressive tensile strength
Powerful impact strength
High fatigue resistant
Excellent heat resistant
Smooth surface restricts abrasion
High resilience to corrosion from chemicals
Resistant to weather, wear and tear
Amazing electricity properties
Lightweight for easy usage
Perfect for 3D printing

Nylon Cons
Absorbs water easily
Poor resistance to light
Not suitable for injection molding

Delrin vs. Nylon Differences

Nylon and Delrin are essential thermoplastic polymer materials. However, each material
has distinct features designed for particular applications. Let’s see how Delrin vs. nylon
compare:
Delrin is a thermoplastic material produced from polyoxymethylene, while nylon is a result
of reacting amide and dicarboxylic acid monomers. Besides, Delrin is suitable for
manufacturing precision parts such as pumps, gears, bearings, rollers, bushings, valve
components, etc. In contrast, nylon is ideal for 3D printing, clothing, and strengthening
rubber components like rope, car tiers, threads, etc.

If you’re looking for the best-manufactured material for 3D printing projects, consider
choosing nylon. The material is also suitable for use in higher temperature scenarios than
Delrin. Unlike nylon, Delrin is ideal for applications in wet environments. That’s due to its
low moisture absorption rates. Besides, Delrin’s excellent strength and resilience make it
best for use in machined and precision parts.

Moreover, nylon material boasts higher abrasion resistance levels than Delrin. You’ll find
nylon a more suitable material with more complex geometries than its counterpart.

Delrin vs. Nylon: Head-to-Head Comparison

Basis Delrin Nylon

It’s the trademark name for

Definition polyoxymethylene or POM, a It’s a synthetic polyamide material.
polymer material.

Material Comprises two monomers:

Polyoxymethylene
Composition dicarboxylic acid and amide.

Manufactured through extrusion
Production
or injection molding processes.
Manufactured through
condensation polymerization by
reacting dicarboxylic acid and
amide monomers.

Manufacture of bearings, gears, Clothing, 3D printing, strengthening

Uses valve components, bushings, rubber materials like ropes, car
fittings, rollers, etc. tiers, threads, etc.

Delrin vs. Nylon: Which One is the Best?

Delrin and Nylon are incredibly tough and durable plastics that will perfectly fit your dream
project or application regardless of the material you choose. These manufactured materials
also have low friction, making them ideal for use in precision parts.

However, the choice between Delrin vs. nylon depends on your project or application
requirements. You must go through the differences between these materials based on their
specs, uses, pros and cons. Go through our guide above and further your research to
determine the best material for your needs.

If you’re looking for the best precision machined and molded plastic parts or components,
you’ll never get it wrong with Severna. They are a leading manufacturer of custom-
engineered plastic parts and precision plastic components for aerospace, chemical, and
automotive industries.