The Application Of Nylon in Auto Parts
Nylon 6 and nylon 66 are playing an increasingly important role in the production of auto parts, competing with raw material metals and thermoset plastics. The reason why nylon is so popular in the field of auto parts is mainly because of its excellent properties: high temperature resistance, oil resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, high tensile strength and modulus, relatively small density and low production cost, good Surface characteristics, and the possibility of cooperation between components.
1. The hood
The appearance of the hood of auto parts is very important. Nylon can provide a good surface for the product, so nylon is very suitable for this application. At the same time, nylon can also obtain colored mold parts, thereby avoiding expensive painting steps.
Some reinforced and modified nylon varieties that are very suitable for the manufacture of engine hoods have been applied. According to reports, compared with other polyamide resins, this material can be used to design and manufacture thinner auto parts. The output of this resin is expected to increase rapidly by 40% in order to compete with other nylon products. According to reports, these nylon varieties also have the advantages of high strength, good appearance, low injection molding pressure and less scrap.
2. Intake valve box
Many automakers have replaced the aluminum airbox valves with nylon airbox valves. According to industry analysis, replacing aluminum with nylon can reduce production costs by 30% and weight by 50%. It is also possible to further reduce costs through component integration.
The inlet tank valve usually adopts 30~35% glass fiber reinforced nylon 6 and nylon 66. Some air intake box valves use coreless processing technology, while others use vibration welding to connect two injection-molded shells. Nylon is suitable for air intake box valve, can withstand 150oC high temperature, oil resistance, and has good rigidity and low noise performance.
3. Rocker cover
Traditionally, the rocker arm cover used to protect and seal the engine valve is made of aluminum or thermosetting plastic. However, glass or mineral-reinforced nylon resins are gradually becoming the ideal choice for this application. The main reason for this trend is that nylon can reduce the weight of products and has good adaptability.
The nylon 66 used to make the rocker cover has high hardness, oil and chemical corrosion resistance, good dimensional stability and low thermal deformation. Reinforced nylon 6 can also be used to make door sill panels. According to DSM, one of the manufacturers, nylon 6 can provide higher strength and stiffness than nylon 66, and it is easier to fill the mold because it has good flow stability at a given temperature.
4. Heating and cooling system
Glass fiber reinforced nylon can be used to produce fan blades, fan covers, radiator tanks, heat exchangers, water evaporators, hot water control valves and thermostat housings. Nylon has the advantages of good thermal stability, high hardness, small thermal deformation, and good wear resistance, and can be used in this field. The low weight of nylon molded parts and the ability to integrate components make the radiator fan much lighter than metal products.