Nylon 12, also known as polyamide 12 (PA12), is a type of engineering plastic known for its strength, flexibility, and low friction.

Nylon plastic boasts several advantages:

• High strength and wear resistance: PA12 is a durable material that can withstand significant wear and tear.
• Good flexibility: It offers flexibility compared to other engineering plastics, making it suitable for parts that need to bend without breaking.
• Low friction: This property makes it ideal for parts that need to slide smoothly against each other, reducing friction and wear.
• Good chemical resistance: PA 12 resists many common chemicals and solvents.

• Gears and bearings: Due to its low friction and wear resistance, Nylon 12 is commonly used in gears and bearings.
• Tubes and pipes: Its flexibility and chemical resistance make it suitable for tubes and pipes in various applications.
• Electrical components: Nylon 12 offers good electrical insulation properties.
• Automotive parts: Many automotive parts, like bushings and engine components, utilize Nylon 12.
• Consumer goods: You can find Nylon 12 in various consumer goods like sporting equipment and housings for electronics.

There are many types of nylon, each with its own properties. Nylon 12 offers a good balance of strength, flexibility, and low friction compared to some nylons like Nylon 6 (PA6) which can be stiffer. However, Nylon 6 may offer better high-temperature performance.

• Water absorption: Nylon 12 can absorb water from the environment, which can affect its dimensional stability and mechanical properties.
• Limited temperature range: While offering good performance at moderate temperatures, Nylon 12 can become weaker at very high temperatures.
• Susceptible to strong acids: It’s not resistant to strong oxidizing acids, so avoid using it in such environments.