NYCOA PROCESSING INSIGHTS: MONOFILAMENT EXTRUSION OF NYLON POLYMERS
Monofilament - a long strand of engineered polymer that has consistent tension and mechanical performance, as well as thickness diameter - is one of the more common ways Nylon is sold and used, and represents an exciting market for Nylon, where the features of consistency, performance, and quality are all valued. Whether it’s classic uses such as fishing line or medical sutures, lawn and garden trimmer line, or the new market of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) or specialty instrument strings, Monofilament is versatile and in high demand for monofilament.
Nylon monofilament is a single extruded fiber of synthetic nylon material. Manufactured by melting Nylon Polymers and squeezing them through a die, or hole, to create a desired filament thickness. The Monofilament is then treated, it’s final thickness is adjusted through several rolling drums, and brought to resting temperature. Then it can simply be collected by automated spools at the end of the manufacturing line. Monofilament fiber is used to create non-stick surfaces which can withstand high temperatures. It is used as braided sleeves to protect pipes, hoses, and wire from chemicals and abrasion in the automotive and aerospace industries. Monofilament fiber made from nylons and other specialty polymers is also often used in the construction of brushes, belts, fabrics,medical supplies manufacturers, trimmer lines, guitar strings, 3D printing, textiles, and apparel. Polymers are selected when material needs to be chemically-resistant, have a heat resistance, withstand UV exposure, and exhibit good mechanical and flexural properties, making them a great option for many industrial applications.
Monofilament remains in a constant high demand due to growth in fish consumption, lawn and garden maintenance, combined with growing use in the automotive medical, and emerging 3d printing industries. IN 3D Printing (also known as additive manufacturing), Monofilament is fed through an extruder which melts and applies the nylon in additive layers until a figure is printed out. For fishing monofilament is used both in fishing line and also the manufacture of fishing nets, which today are starting to see collection for use in recycling (some of which we cover in our blog).
Monofilaments tend to be made from Nylon 6 or 66 by a wide majority. Nylon 6 is mainly selected for its ability to resist heat, it’s toughness, and it’s appearance. Nylon 66 is great for applications that need water and chemical resistances (such as nets or fishing lines). Other polyamides are used, specifically combinations of 6- and 9-carbon nylon chains. These are the most common uses of Monofilaments but by no means was this list exhaustive. Monofilament is one of many ways Nylon is transforming the manufacturing industries to make them more cost-effective, more customized to specific needs, and more reliable to manufactured products around the world.
About NYCOA
NYCOA (the nylon corporation of America) commercially manufactures many grades of nylon, including both nylon 6,10 and nylon 6,12. All NYCOA products are made in the USA, manufactured in our ISO plant located in Manchester, NH. NYCOA is dedicated to plastics engineering, plastics innovation, and a consistent quality earned through operational excellence. NYCOA is dedicated to its customers, and produces specialty engineered polymers for industries and partners around the world, and has plastics compounding capabilities to produce a variety of reinforced grades.
Nylon manufactures specialty engineered polyamide (nylon) plastics for many industries and applications, including fasteners, hook and loop, extruded parts, injection molding, foamed components, monofilament, powders, and wire and cable jacketing.
Contact:
333 Sundial Ave.
Manchester, NH 03103-7230
Tel: 603.627.5150
Fax: 603.627.4499