Nylon is one of the most widely used plastic materials in the world.
Thanks to its combination of strength, light weight, flexibility and durability, it is used in sectors ranging from clothing to mechanical engineering, from automotive to 3D printing.
In this 2026 guide you will discover:
1. What nylon is
2. Why nylon is so widely used
3. The main applications of nylon
4. Why choose nylon instead of metal
5. Its limitations
6. Conclusion
Nylon is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyamide family.
It was developed in the 1930s as an alternative to natural materials (such as silk) and quickly became established in industrial applications as well.
Common types include:
Each variant has specific properties, suitable for different uses.
Nylon is chosen because it offers a unique balance of:
high mechanical strength
good impact and wear resistance
low weight compared to metals
low coefficient of friction
resistance to oils and chemical agents
good thermal stability
ease of processing and moulding
These characteristics make it ideal for both functional and structural components.
Nylon originated specifically in textile sector and is still widely used for:
It is valued for its light weight, elasticity and tear resistance.
In the automotive industry, nylon is used to reduce weight and noise:
It provides resistance to heat, vibrations and chemical agents.
Nylon often replaces metal in parts subject to wear:
Main advantages include:
Nylon is found in a wide range of everyday items:
suitcase and backpack components
Its fatigue resistance makes it ideal for objects subjected to repeated stress.
Thanks to its insulating properties, nylon is used for:
terminal blocks
Flame-retardant grades are also available.
Some types of nylon are used in healthcare applications:
They are chosen for their strength, flexibility and biocompatibility (in specific grades).
In aerospace, nylon is used for:
lightweight brackets and supports
ducting
housings
non-structural components
It offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and vibration damping.
Nylon is one of the most important materials in industrial 3D printing.
It is used in technologies such as:
Common applications include:
housings and enclosures
jigs and fixtures
end-use production parts
The most commonly used grades are PA12 (well-balanced) and PA11 (more flexible and impact-resistant).
In many applications, nylon is an excellent alternative to metal because it:
is much lighter
does not rust
reduces vibration and noise
is cheaper to manufacture
offers greater design freedom
provides electrical insulation
In many cases provides comparable performance with additional advantages.
Despite its versatility, nylon has some limitations:
For this reason, choosing the correct type of nylon is essential.
Nylon is used in industry, automotive, electronics, medical, aerospace and 3D printing because it combines strength, light weight and durability.
It is one of the most versatile polymers ever developed and continues to play a central role in materials innovation.
Do you need to make nylon components with industrial quality?
Upload your 3D file and choose the nylon best suited to your application
Nylon is a synthetic polymer belonging to the polyamide family. It is a lightweight, strong and versatile material used in industrial, automotive, textile and 3D printing applications.
The most common types of nylon are:
Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 → industrial and mechanical uses
Nylon PA12 → balanced rigidity and flexibility, ideal for 3D printing
Nylon PA11 → more elastic and impact-resistant
Each type has different properties and is selected according to the application.
The main properties of nylon include:
high mechanical strength
good wear resistance
light weight
low coefficient of friction
chemical resistance
good thermal stability
These characteristics make it an excellent substitute for metal in many applications.
Nylon is recommended when you need a material that is:
strong yet lightweight
durable over time
suitable for parts subject to wear or friction
easy to machine or 3D print
It is ideal for gears, supports, housings, mechanical components and functional parts.
3 min read
Weerg staff: Jan 21, 2026
Nylon is one of the most widely used plastic materials in the world.Thanks to its combination of strength, light weight, flexibility and durability,...
3 min read
Weerg staff: Jan 15, 2026
How Environmental Management System certification strengthens the quality of our production processes and the value we deliver to our partners
3 min read
Weerg staff: Jan 14, 2026
The Brinell test is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for measuring the hardness of materials, particularly metals.Even today it is widely...
