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Differences Between PET and Nylon
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a strong, stiff engineering plastic with excellent machining characteristics, chemical resistance, and bearing and wear properties. PET is often used for food processing machinery applications where low moisture absorption, low thermal expansion, resistance to staining, or resistance to cleaning chemicals is required.
Nylon is a strong, stiff engineering plastic with outstanding bearing and wear properties. Nylon is frequently used to replace metal bearings and bushings often eliminating the need for external lubrication. Other benefits include a reduction in part weight, less operating noise, and decreased wear on mating parts.
PET Material Characteristics |
Nylon Material Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Strong and stiff Excellent chemical resistance Excellent wear characteristics, even in wet environments Low moisture absorption Low thermal expansion Stain resistant |
Strong and stiff Good chemical resistance Reduced noise, weight, and wear of mating parts Excellent bearing and wear properties Easy to machine Easy to fabricate |
PET Applications |
Nylon Applications |
| Food processing machinery components Packaging and machinery parts Bearings and bushings Wear pads Wheels and rollers Filler pistons Valve components Manifolds |
Food processing machinery parts Packaging machinery parts Bearings and bushings Wear pads Wheels Rollers Gears Seals and gaskets |
PET Common Brands |
Nylon Common Brands |
| Sustadur PET, TECAPET™ PET, Ertalyte® | SUSTAMID®, TECAMID®, NYCAST® |
Typical Properties of PET vs. Nylon
| Property | Units | ASTM Test | PET | Nylon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity (73°F) | – | D792 | 1.38 | 1.14 |
| Tensile strength (73°F) | psi | D638 | 11,500 | 12,400 |
| Tensile elongation (73°F) | % | D638 | 70 | 90 |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity (73°F) | psi | D790 | 400,000 | 410,000 |
| Hardness Rockwell M&R, Durometer Shore D (73°F) |
scale as noted | D785, D2240 |
M93, R125, Shore D 87 |
M85, R121, Shore D 80 |
| Izod impact (notched, 73°F) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Coefficient of friction | – | Dynamic | 0.25 | 0.28 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 3.9 | 4.5 |
| Heat deflection temperature (66 psi/264 psi) | °F | D648 | 240 / 175 | – / 194 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | – | 230 | 210 |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.1 | 1.2 |