Delrin vs Nylon often comes up in precision machining. You’ll face this choice when working with sliding or moving parts. However, both materials offer solid strength and low surface friction. For example;
Delrin gives you excellent dimensional stability with a hard finish. It resists moisture well and doesn’t swell in humid conditions. So, you can count on it for tight tolerance parts.
On the other hand, nylon handles shock and impact better under load. It is more flexible, though slightly prone to moisture absorption. That gives it a softer touch for dynamic assemblies.
In this guide, you’ll get a complete comparison between Delrin and Nylon Picks. We’ll examine their mechanical traits, ideal uses, pros, and possible drawbacks. That way, you can match the right material to your exact application.
What Is Delrin?
Delrin Sheet & Rod
Delrin is a high-strength acetal homopolymer. It is also known as POM, and is considered among the best materials for CNC machining. You’ll often see it used in parts that demand tight tolerances. It performs well in both CNC machining and injection molding.
This material has a dense crystalline structure, giving it strength. Most Delrin is available in white, but you can order custom colours. Since 1960, it’s been widely used across many industries.
You get great stiffness, low friction, and excellent wear resistance. Delrin works so well for gears, spacers, and bushings. It holds its shape under load and resists warping.
Advantages of Delrin
Delrin offers high toughness, accuracy, and hardiness. Using CNC machining, you can manufacture highly complicated, durable parts in most industries.
Here are the main benefits of Delrin, which make it exceptional in various uses:
Lightweight but Strong
Lightweight Delrin Products
Among delrin vs nylon strength, the latter provides you with high strength without adding weight. It is light as compared to metals and can manage stress. Moreover, it assists in reducing the load in mechanical assemblies.
You may apply it to shock and motion-subject parts. Delrin maintains your parts stationary even after prolonged usage, even though they are low mass.
Superior Mechanical Strength
Delrin gives high stiffness and fatigue resistance. It retains a form under multiple loads and movements. This qualifies it as being suitable for high-performance machine parts.
Moreover, it has a long life, whether in gearing or housing. It is strong enough to sustain operation even after numerous cycles.
Easy and Reliable Machining
Delrin CNC Machining
Delrin can be machined either with simple or sophisticated tools. It may be cut, drilled, or milled with high accuracy.
It is also characterised by a high flow rate, which assists in shaping complex shapes. Hence, it is employed in designs of tight-tolerance and thin-wall components.
Low Surface Friction
Delrin can glide easily. It is suitable for moving parts that do not need lubrication. You can achieve smoother performance, and machining produces less noise.
That makes it ideal for use as bushings, rollers, or glides. It works well in clean systems without oils or greases.
Handles Stress and Snap-Fit Designs
Delrin performs well as a buckle design and snap-fit assembly. It is possible to bend it without breaking.
It has that accord, resulting in strength under the load and enhancing its durability. It can take stress in its everyday use without being deformed irreversibly.
Moisture and Chemical Resistance
Delrin absorbs very little moisture compared to most plastics. This maintains its level in humid and wet or closed places. It also does not swell and weaken.
You are also provided with good solvent and oil resistance features. That is why it suits pumps, valves, and chemical equipment parts.
What Is Nylon?
Nylon Gear Parts
Nylon is a strong synthetic polymer. It is made from polyamide. You can obtain it through condensation polymerisation using acids and amines. That process forms long, stable molecular chains.
It’s known for durability, chemical strength, and heat resistance. You’ll find it helpful in gears, sleeves, and structural parts. It handles impact well and resists abrasion.
However, nylon absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. That can change its size and lower part stability. Preconditioning treatments help reduce this effect before machining or molding.
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Advantages of Nylon
Nylon provides you with a strong, lightweight functionality for various tasks. It performs well in machining, molding, and even 3D printing.
Here are the significant benefits that you will derive from using nylon:
Strong and Long-Lasting
Nylon has good strength, and it is wear-resistant. It is resistant to tension, pressure, and repeated contact.
You can utilize it for bushings, gears, and structural parts. It is strong, which enables parts to endure long in case of excessive usage.
Lightweight for Load-Sensitive Projects
Nylon Prototypes
When comparing Acetal Vs Nylon, nylon is very light in weight. That makes it ideal in areas where weight is to be kept at a minimum.
Its light weight does not have any influence on its performance. You can cut down on the system load without strength loss.
Moisture Resistant
Nylon absorbs more moisture than most plastics, which can lead to dimensional instability unless stabilized grades are used (See also Types of Plastic for CNC Machining). It compels the moisture to evaporate out of its surface. This assists in the packing of food and convenient cleaning. It also avoids the growth of molds in wet situations.
Easy to Shape and Process
Nylon CNC Machining
Nylon can be machine-made or molded with less effort. It has quick drying capability, and it can accommodate colour changes. It has a stable, smooth surface when cutting. So, it is suitable for speed production jobs.
Delrin vs Nylon Properties
Delrin and nylon are the top materials used for precision machine parts. These are extensively used in automotive, mechanical, and electrical projects. Both offer strong mechanical features, but with apparent differences. (See Also: Acetal vs Delrin)
Here’s how Nylon and Delrin compare in terms of their performance properties:
Key Nylon Properties
Nylon Sheets
- Maintains shape well under high mechanical loads
- Withstands exposure to fuels, oils, and solvents
- Performs reliably in high-heat environments
- Slides smoothly thanks to reduced surface drag
- Holds up under continuous friction or movement
- laser cutting nylon cuts parts with minimal edge deformation
Key Delrin Properties
- Absorbs minimal moisture, keeping dimensions stable
- Endures cyclic stress without cracking or fatigue
- Delivers high stiffness for load-bearing applications
- Holds form in chemical-heavy and acidic conditions
- Keeps shape in cold, wet, or humid environments
- Resists scuffing, scraping, and wear from contact
- Offers strong impact resistance in moving assemblies
- Machines are used for precise, sharp-edged components
What Is the Difference Between Nylon and Delrin?
Infographic: Delrin Vs. Nylon
Although Delrin and Nylon have numerous advantages regarding their mechanical applications, they are different in some ways, and thus are used in targeted applications. Their machinability, performance, and resistance are different. Here is a comparison based on key functional areas.
Friction and Sliding Behaviour
Delrin and Nylon have low friction on the surface. You may utilize them in the sliding parts, bushings, and wear pads. Neither material should be heavily lubricated.
But Delrin tends to give smoother under-load sliding. Nylon typically exhibits higher surface friction than Delrin, especially in dry or high-speed applications. This is important when it is required to move consistently.
Tensile Strength and Structural Load
Load-carrying sections depend on tensile strength. Delrin typically has higher tensile strength (~10,000–11,000 psi) than unfilled Nylon 6/6, especially in humid environments where nylon strength drops.
Nylon is mainly preferred for manufacturing components that experience high pulling forces. It stretches further, and permanent deformation occurs. Although Delrin is a rigid material, it fails quickly under tensile overload.
Machinability and Dimensional Control
Delrin is considered one of the finest plastics to be machined widely. With very minor effort, you can get tight tolerances and smooth finishes. It also maintains its form when cutting and makes crispy edges.
Nylon is relatively easy to machine, though its flexibility can make tight-tolerance machining more challenging. So, it is the best solution for complex and tight-tolerance components.
Wear and Surface Durability
Delrin typically performs better than nylon in dry sliding conditions due to its lower coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance. This is why it is suitable for high-wear moving parts.
Delrin is stable in similar conditions but can wear out more quickly than nylon with time. In long-cycle, high-load applications, Delrin typically offers better dimensional stability and surface durability than nylon, which may soften or swell over time.
3D Printing Compatibility
Nylon 3D Printing
Nylon is useful for contemporary 3D printing techniques. It can be effectively printed through FDM, SLS, and MultiJet Fusion(MF) is also facilitated. It prints robust, flexible components that can be used in testing functions or for production.
On the other hand, Delrin is difficult to 3D print due to its high crystallinity and warping tendencies; it requires a heated chamber and careful temperature control. Nylon is more commonly printed but requires drying to avoid moisture-related defects. Above all, most Delrin components are machined or molded.
Moisture Absorption and Environmental Stability
Nylon can also absorb water from the surrounding environment, as much as 8 percent of its weight in a humid climate. This may change the dimensions or mechanical strength of the parts. The use of moisture-stabilized or filled grades of nylon can minimize this effect.
The moisture absorption of Delrin is much less, on average about 0.2%. It does not lose its dimension when applicable in wet or humid conditions. Delrin is a good choice for a sealed system or high-precision assembly.
Temperature Tolerance in Continuous Use
Nylon has a higher working temperature than Delrin. The standard Nylon 6/6 can withstand temperatures as high as 210°F (99 °C) without becoming soft. It experiences less deformation in the hot environment.
Delrin works effectively at 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C). It is stable in that range, but it softens earlier than nylon. Nylon is used when you are working with constant exposure to heat.
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Delrin Applications
Delrin is widely used due to its strength, stiffness, and ease of machining. Many industries rely on delrin CNC machining for durable, precision-fit parts across a range of systems:
- Automotive: gear housings, seat adjusters, belt system locks
- Industrial equipment: sprockets, pump components, control levers
- Medical devices: fluid delivery parts, handles, and connectors
- Consumer goods: cabinet hardware, sliding mechanisms, bottle caps
- Electrical components: switch bodies, sensor frames, insulation parts
Nylon Applications
Nylon is valued for its toughness, flexibility, and low friction. It is used in various sectors where durability and performance are required:
- Consumer products: fasteners, spacers, and tool handles
- Automotive parts: bushings, clips, and cooling fan blades
- Kitchen items: spatulas, lids, and food-safe containers
- Mechanical uses: lightweight gears, rollers, and pins
- Agricultural tools: hose fittings, brackets, and wear plates
Delrin vs. Nylon: Which One Is the Best?
Nylon Gear Wheels
Delrin has better dimensional stability than Nylon, particularly in a moist or humid environment. When the accuracy of a part is required under varying environmental conditions, i.e., housings, bearing seats, gearboxes, Delrin can be your go-to solution. Its moisture uptake is so low that the part will not swell up or lose tolerance in the time critical to assemblies that must be very precise regarding alignment.
On the other hand, Nylon is more heat-resistant and can withstand protracted exposure to heat better than Delrin. Under applications that include positioning parts near engines, heaters, or hot systems all the time, nylon does not lose its structural ability.
Moreover, Delrin has a low temperature at which it starts deforming, thus restricting its application in high-temperature conditions. Therefore, nylon is better for long-term heat or thermal cycling.
Nylon performs better against friction when viewed in terms of wear. It can withstand wear on the surface more in a sliding or rotating mode, where the lubricant is limited. This is suitable for gears, bushings, and other contact parts. While Delrin offers low friction, it typically resists wear better than nylon in dry or moderate-load applications. Nylon may outperform in lubricated or cushioned environments.
When it comes to machining, Delrin would work better than nylon. It is clean, provides a smoother surface finish, cuts with minor tool wear, and can retain sharper edges. Delrin is ideal where high precision and fine detail are mandatory, e.g., precision fittings or small enclosures. Nylon is more flexible and likely to bend under the machining process, which can cause slight deformation or unreliability of the outcome in high-tolerance parts.
Key Notes!
You’ve now explored the key differences between Delrin and Nylon. Each material has strengths that support different engineering needs. Nylon handles heat and wears better when moving parts. Delrin offers cleaner machining and tight dimensional control. Your choice depends on how the part performs in real use.
At Prolean Tech, we help you make confident material choices. Our team supports your project with expert CNC machining service and fast delivery. We guide you from selection to final production without delay. Send us your part designs, and we’ll respond within hours. You’ll get a quick quote and tailored DFM insights for success.
FAQ’s
Q1: Which is harder, Nylon or Delrin?
Delrin is harder than Nylon. It has a higher Rockwell hardness and offers greater surface rigidity, making it better for applications requiring firm, wear-resistant components.
Q2: Does Delrin crack easily?
No, Delrin does not crack easily under regular use. It has good impact strength and fatigue resistance, but can become brittle over time under excessive flexing or sharp stress points.
Q3: What material is similar to Delrin?
Acetal copolymer (POM-C) is the closest material to Delrin, an acetal homopolymer. UHMW, Nylon, and PTFE also share some characteristics but differ in strength, friction, and machinability.
Q4: How durable is Delrin?
Delrin is highly durable. It withstands mechanical stress, resists wear and chemicals, and maintains shape under repeated use. It performs well in both industrial and structural applications over long periods.
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