When it comes to producing nonmetallic stamped components, manufacturers have several material options to choose from. Nylon is often a popular choice due to its versatility and various other beneficial properties. Because nylon is available in several product variations, it is well-suited for use in a wide range of industries and applications, including plumbing, automotive, household appliances, machinery components, and many more. Here, we’ll discuss the primary differences between Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, and Nylon MDS to help you decide which option is best for your needs.
What is Nylon 6?
Nylon 6 features a slightly lower continuous service temperature rating than Nylon 6/6 but can withstand higher speeds and loads when used in bearing applications. This material has all of the primary properties of any nylon polymer, including toughness, stiffness, good insulation characteristics, and excellent mechanical dampening.
Nylon 6 is often found in fabrics but is also a suitable replacement for steel, aluminum, brass, and other metals. Its high strength combined with its other desirable properties make it a great choice for applications such as:
Spacers
Washers
Gears
Plumbing parts
Bearings
Insulators
Forming dies
And much more
What is Nylon 6/6?
Nylon 6/6 is similar to Nylon 6 but features a few key distinguishing features:
Chemical resistance. Compared to Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6 is more resistant to acids, making it a better option for applications exposed to harsh chemicals.
Higher service temperature range. Continuous service temperature range refers to the highest temperature a material can withstand before permanent degradation occurs with prolonged exposure. While Nylon 6 has a continuous service temperature range of 200°F, Nylon 6/6’s continuous service temperature range is 210°F.
These features make Nylon 6/6 suitable for applications such as steering parts, chemical components, electrical components, plumbing parts, and more.
What is Nylon MDS?
Nylon MDS is a variation of Nylon 6/6 made with fine MDS particles. The addition of MDS enhances the load-bearing capacity of the material without sacrificing its impact resistance. MDS-filled nylon also has self-lubrication qualities comparable to PTFE, resulting in exceptionally high service life and resistance to wear.
In addition to its cost-effectiveness, Nylon MDS features superior durability and toughness, making it a great material choice for components exposed to high mechanical stresses. As the strongest and hardest form of nylon, it is ideal for applications such as washers for machinery components, parts that are in constant motion, boating and marine parts, kitchen appliances, food-grade applications, bearings, gears, and more.
How to Select the Correct Type of Nylon for Your Application
When choosing between Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, or Nylon MDS, you must consider your application’s specific requirements for processing, mechanical properties, and aesthetic appearance:
Nylon 6. Nylon 6 is ideal for applications requiring a lightweight material with high stress and impact resistance. Due to its lustrous finish, it has a more attractive appearance than Nylon 6/6. However, this material is not ideal for applications exposed to high-temperature water, as it has a lower heat deflection and higher water absorption rate. For these instances, Nylon 6/6 would be the superior choice.
Nylon 6/6. Nylon 6/6 is the best choice for applications requiring a high-performance engineering plastic capable of withstanding higher temperatures. It also offers good stiffness, tensile strength, and flexural modulus, making it suitable for repeated long-term use.
Nylon MDS. Finely divided particles of MDS impart extra lubricity to this type of Nylon, allowing it to function with little to no lubrication. This makes it ideal for applications where external lubrication is contaminating, difficult to maintain, or impractical. The extra lubricity also enhances component lifespan, making Nylon MDS a cost-effective option.
High-Precision Nonmetal Stamping Services From NPF
Selecting the right nylon is key to ensuring the success of your nonmetal stamping project. At New Process Fibre, we are well-equipped to handle standard and custom nonmetal stamping projects of any size. Whether you choose Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, or Nylon MDS, we can work with you to create high-quality stamped parts that fit the needs of your application. To learn more about our precision nonmetal stamping capabilities, or for help determining which nylon material is right for your needs, contact us today.
As a family business, we place a special emphasis on providing clients with fully in-house solutions. Since 1927, New Process Fibre has served American markets with unmatched quality and cost advantages facilitated by cutting-edge tooling equipment, thorough industry knowledge, and razor-sharp quality controls.
Today, U.S. reshoring efforts have sparked massive demand for non-metallic parts stamping services, as overseas enterprises bring entire operations back home. It’s become a major test of a company’s organizational and parts management efficiencies, supplier relationships, and overall agility. We’re helping them overcome these challenges by mending broken supply chain links with American-made non-metallic stamped parts from our centrally located East Coast headquarters.
Latest Trends in U.S. Reshoring
What is reshoring, and what effect will it have on domestic manufacturing?
Reshoring is essentially the opposite of offshoring — when companies largely expatriated in pursuit of lower operating costs. Now, non-domestic overseas operations are facing counter-pressure to repatriate to their country of origin.
Driving these trends is a critical mass of corporate and government bodies focusing on the risks posed by offshoring, including supply chain breakdowns and the nationwide threat of disease. Overseas manufacturers are on the front lines of these and other challenges, prompting industry leaders to take a closer look at the benefits of reshoring.
An overwhelming 92% of CEOs surveyed in the Kearney 2021 Reshoring Index have expressed favorable opinions of reshoring, while 79% of U.S. executives running operations in China have either already begun reshoring operations or plan to within the next three years.
To facilitate these massive readjustments, manufacturers are turning to Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software to maintain a broad view of operational needs. When integrated with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, APS helps reshoring planners maintain agility while accommodating new priorities, inventory movement, and production schedules.
The result is greater scheduling flexibility and enhanced operational efficiency and accuracy. APS and ERP/MRP integrations also help industries meet consumer demand for quick deliveries and higher product assortments without succumbing to downward cost pressures.
Benefits of Reshoring and American-Made Manufacturing
The benefits of reshoring have been known for a long time, but modern geopolitical pressures might be precipitating a lasting change toward robust domestic manufacturing practices. Companies and their home countries all stand to gain from the benefits of reshoring, such as:
Improved Product Quality: Reshoring gives manufacturers renewed control over their production process. Because it invokes stricter regulatory standards, manufacturers must also produce higher-quality products.
Competitive Advantages: When available, consumers overwhelmingly prefer products made in America. A study from Perception Research Services recently confirmed that consumers gravitate to products with “Made Locally” labels, giving fully reshored companies an edge in their domestic market(s).
Lower Risk: Domestic production simplifies and shortens supply chains. It also makes many shipping and customs steps obsolete, and companies achieve more direct involvement in each stage of production.
Time Zone Alignment: Reshoring puts geographically dispersed organizations back into alignment, making it easier to coordinate production and business functions. By reducing time zone coordination issues, collaboration improves and manufacturers experience fewer disruptions.
NPF is Proud to Partner with Companies Reshoring their Manufacturing to the U.S.
NPF’s Delaware campus is strategically located on the central East Coast, where we maintain our non-metal stamping services all under one roof. Like reshoring, keeping all operational needs readily available gives us greater control over quality, reducing production costs for our clients in the process.
Our capacities are available to manufacturing companies of any scale, and our one-time tooling process, fast turnarounds, and nationwide distribution make us an attractive resource for offshore companies looking to reshore. NPF is dedicated to supplying custom non-metallic stamped parts fully made in America. We also take strides to secure raw materials free of conflict minerals, which further benefits domestic markets.
Facilitating the Return of American Manufacturing
Just as companies seek greater self-integration, NPF knows the value of maintaining operations all under one roof. It allows us to move with greater speed while tightening every stage of operations. To learn more about our high-quality precision-stamped parts or to book a consultation, contact us and tell our experienced stamping technicians about your reshoring needs.
Nylon washers are one of the most frequently used types of hardware for industrial design purposes. They’re critical components of threaded fasteners and make a highly cost-effective alternative to metal washers. It’s because nylon is made of a synthetic polymer, called polyamide, that’s much more affordable and easy to fabricate. We’ll explain the benefits of nylon, what nylon washers are used for, and how to select exactly the right nylon washer for your application.
Features of Nylon Washers
Unlike metal alternatives, nylon washers are adaptable to a wider range of applications. They’re essentially small pieces of hardware, usually of a flat ring shape, though they can be made in virtually any shape and color. In addition to flat ring washers, there are also square, half-moon, quarter-moon, and many other shapes. Nylon washers are most often used to seal components, separate hardware, and distribute the load forces exerted by threaded fasteners.
New Process Fibre is fully equipped to design and fabricate any type of nylon washer according to the exact specifications of our clients. Depending on the nylon washer’s purpose, our nylon fabrication and stamping specialists can provide fast quotes for washers of any size, shape, thickness, and material considerations.
Benefits of Nylon Washers
Due to nylon’s unique balance of qualities, nylon washers are a highly effective and versatile choice for numerous industries. The main benefits of nylon include the following:
Lightweight
Durability
Chemical, rust and mold resistance
Absorptive properties for both vibration and noise
Compressible into effective mechanical seals
Low surface friction, facilitating easy movement between materials (which slows deterioration)
Electrical and thermal Insulation
Cost-effectiveness
Because nylon washers are lighter than metal, they’re also cheaper to ship and can boost the fuel economy of automobiles, aircraft, and other vehicles requiring high quantities of washers.
Nylon Washers Considerations
What are nylon washers used for? With nylon’s extensive material benefits, virtually every industry relies on nylon washers. Generally, they’re frequently used wherever a design requires mechanical spacing or load distribution between hardware when metal is ineffective due to corrosion, weight, or other limitations. There are numerous factors to consider when deciding when to use nylon washers in your project.
Dimensions are a primary consideration, including thickness. This raises the question of function: will your nylon insulate or seal components, space hardware apart, or distribute forces exerted by fasteners? For example, thicker nylon washers are more durable and absorptive than thinner alternatives, but they take up more space and may be less compressible.
Shape is another consideration. Options besides flat rings can be useful in uniquely shaped recesses or when only one-half of a fastener is accessible. In the latter case, moon-shaped nylon washers are appropriate. The right type of nylon is also important, and there are several types of nylon with unique mechanical, chemical, and other properties.
Certain polymers, such as Nylon 6, have higher impact resistance and load-bearing capacity than standard nylon. Nylon 6/6, a more crystalline type of Nylon 6, is even stronger, with greater thermal insulation and less water absorption.
Our nylon fabrication experts can work closely with you to select the right combination of form factors and material considerations to most effectively achieve your design requirements.
Why Choose New Process Fibre
The wide-ranging benefits of nylon make it a highly versatile and often more effective alternative to metal washers, especially when corrosion resistance, weight, and costs are significant design factors. New Process Fibre has nearly a century of experience in nylon and other non-metal stamping services. In that time, our family-run business has accumulated a long track record of consistent innovation in nylon fabrication methods and technologies.
We continue that tradition, finding new ways to advance our clients’ interests at our state-of-the-art facility. For any questions or to inform us of your non-metal custom fabrication needs, contact us. Our experienced nylon stamping experts will help select the right nylon washers or work with your product developers to create a new custom washer solution according to your exact specifications.
For generations, New Process Fibre’s family-owned business has strived to provide ever-improving products and maximum quality while maintaining cost-effectiveness. As the business continues to grow and innovate, we are improving on processes and providing critical non-metallic stamping solutions to a variety of industries.
As New Process Fibre enters its third generation, our family’s desire to improve operations has only become stronger. As a one-stop shop for all of your plastic washer needs, our experts can provide Nylon, Teflon™PTFE, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, and many other types of plastic washers, all while remaining under one roof. You can learn more about New Process Fibre by checking out our new video.
Your Reliable Non-Metallic Manufacturer
New Process Fibre is an experienced custom manufacturer for a variety of top-quality non-metallic components. Since 1927, we’ve been at the forefront of non-metallic solutions. Ever since, we’ve been dedicated to delivering innovations designed to enhance quality while maintaining cost-effectiveness. We perform all of our operations under one roof in our Greenwood, Delaware campus, allowing us to keep a close eye on production quality throughout the entire manufacturing process.
By streamlining the supply chain, you can be assured that you’re doing business with a reliable partner. With a wide range of production equipment, raw material storage, an extensive material selection, and the ability to extrude our own plastics, we can meet any of your needs with a fast turnaround. We are proud to manufacture all of our products in America, and we’d love to work with you on your next project.
New Process Fibre: 1927 To the Present
Carl Porter started New Process Fibre in 1927 with a strong desire to enhance manufacturing processes. In fact, the company’s name is derived from the innovative process that Porter created for a new, more affordable way of transforming cotton paper into vulcanized fibre. With guidance from Porter’s son-in-law, Henry Peters, New Process Fibre moved towards enhancing all aspects of the non-metallic stamping process, which included vulcanized fiber washers.
Today, New Process Fibre continues to improve products, ensure optimal quality, and maintain cost-effectiveness. With a dedication to keeping all manufacturing operations in-house, we ensure that every aspect of the non-metallic stamping process meets the highest standards for quality. Our on-site capabilities include:
Extruding our own thermoplastics
In-house tool room with EDM capabilities, enabling us to make our own tooling
A wide range of production equipment, allowing us to complete projects ranging from small prototype runs to multi-million piece production
As experts in non-metallic manufacturing, we are committed to delivering the highest level of quality to our customers. With a wide material selection and state-of-the-art tooling, we can create custom plastic washers in various colors, thicknesses, and diameters to meet a range of application requirements.
Our “Under One Roof” Philosophy
At New Process Fibre, we perform all of our operations in-house, which really sets us apart from the competitors. Specifically, we offer:
Slitting and shearing. We can form sheets, strips, coils, and rolls from a wide range of non-metallic materials, including NEMA grade materials.
Extrusion and slitting. We can extrude various non-metallic materials into coils, rolls, strips, and sheets in a range of dimensions.
Tool and die making. Our superior tooling facilities allow us to create both basic and intricate tooling and dies using the latest technology to reduce overall cycle time.
Non-metallic stamping services. With over 75 punch presses, more than 7,500 washer dies, and a range of colors and materials, New Process Fibre can create non-metallic parts to meet your specific needs.
For more information about our capabilities, or to work with us on your next non-metallic manufacturing project, contact New Process Fibre today.
As an ISO 9001:2015 registered manufacturer, New Process Fibre offers superior quality tool and die manufacturing and nonmetallic stamping services custom-designed for specialized requirements. Learn more about our state-of-the-art tooling and machinery as well as the benefits of partnering with us for your tooling and nonmetallic stamping needs.
State-of-the-Art Tooling
With our advanced tooling and technology, we can efficiently perform all services, reducing production cycle times and adhering to stringent tolerances. We can accommodate our customers’ diverse design requirements using the following capabilities:
75 conventional and high-speed punch press machines
More than 10,000 compound washer dies
Vast material inventory
Free maintenance of your tool for the full duration of your program, with only a partial tooling charge
CAD/CAM
Progressive and compound dies
Custom die design and manufacturing
Multi-cavity tools that save material costs and increase throughput
Cost-effective and critical tolerance applications
Wire EDM capabilities
Automated wire EDM cutting can remove excess material without leaving damage or residual stress on the workpiece. It’s also ideally suited for hard, difficult-to-machine materials, reducing the need for secondary treatments. For the manufacturing sector, wire EDM often creates dies and molds, especially blanking punches and extrusion dies. The process can accommodate prototypes or large production runs of aerospace, automotive, and electronics components that have minimal residual stress.
Cutting-Edge Machinery
At New Process Fibre, we furnish our facilities with premium specialty equipment so that we can fulfill high-volume, high-speed orders of complex projects. Our two main types of equipment are Bruderer stamping press machines and Euromac CNC punching machines.
Bruderer Stamping Press Machines
Bruderer stamping press machines produce high precision, accuracy, and speed even when working with difficult materials or complicated designs for large volume runs. The machines feature responsive clutch and brake units that enable small changes and fine-tuning. Their first-punch accuracy means we can consistently ensure the quality and repeatability of the finished products. We keep our machinery well-calibrated and maintained to deliver optimal performance every time.
Euromac CNC Punching Machines
These highly productive machines incur low running costs. Their larger working surfaces provide greater stability while punching parts out of flat sheets. This machine is particularly well-suited for low volume runs and producing prototypes.
Benefits of Working with New Process Fibre
We continually improve our equipment to be the most up-to-date so that our customers receive the highest quality products on time. Some of these products can be punched without making a new tool, further reducing your production costs and turnaround times. Our machines are also dedicated to specific materials, such as sheet material, canvas, and G-10, ensuring the best quality for your nonmetallic products.
All hard tooling is developed in our in-house tool shop, which allows us to machine parts to tighter tolerances. Our niche method of developing tooling for customers means that you only pay a one-time tooling cost regardless of time.
Choose New Process Fibre for Your Tooling Needs
New Process Fibre is focused on building long-term relationships by going above and beyond project standards to add extra quality steps. With our broad inventory of materials, advanced machinery, in-house tooling capabilities, and strict quality controls, we provide the highest quality nonmetallic stamped parts for all our customers.
To learn more about our tooling, machinery, or other capabilities, contact us today.
Plastic extrusion is a highly customizable fabrication process that uses thermoplastic resins and a pre-shaped die to create components at high volumes. This manufacturing method can utilize different extrusion techniques based on the needs of the end application.
Polyethylene plastics are some of the most commonly used plastics on the market today. They are found in products you use every day, from water bottles to sandwich bags to garbage cans. Polyethylene plastics can be further broken down into High-Density Plastics (HDPE) or Low-Density Plastics (LDPE).
Polyethylene plastic is created through the polymerization of petroleum. Although HDPE and LDPE are both polyethylene plastics, they have visible differences. This is due to the differences in the manufacturing process. LDPE has an amorphous structure that isn’t organized, while HDPE has either a partially or completely crystalline structure, making it stronger and more durable.
High-Density vs. Low-Density Polyethylene
High-density polyethylene is a petroleum product. This polymer is melted into liquid form for easy molding and shaping. This allows manufacturers to create custom-shaped, durable containers. During manufacturing, HDPE experiences very little polymer branching, keeping the molecular structure very tight. The resulting material is strong and more rigid with the ability to retain its shape under pressure.
HDPE is ideal for projects that require custom printing or coloring. Since it’s both easy to manufacture and incredibly strong, it’s a preferred material for packaging. HDPE can also be made food-safe and it is capable of withstanding caustic chemicals.
LDPE is a lighter and more flexible plastic. LDPE polymer chains experience a considerable amount of branching and spreading. Since the chains are separated or scattered, the plastic has far less structure. The resulting plastic is lighter and more flexible. Its softness, however, means it is prone to damage.
Similarities Between HDPE vs. LDPE
There are numerous similarities between the two polyethylene plastics. Both plastics have a low material weight, are highly recyclable and have a high impact strength, and can be resistant to water vapor, weathering, and even chemicals. The tensile strength of both plastics ranges from 0.02 to 0.40 N/mm2 and are cost-effective to manufacture. Polyethylene is naturally inert, which provides both HDPE and LDPE with excellent mechanical and electrical properties.
Differences between HDPE & LDPE
The different production methods of the two substrates give them very distinct properties. These include:
Physical Characteristics: HDPE is much sturdier than LDPE. LDPE has a lower melting point and the products are usually more transparent than HDPE products. LDPE is slightly abrasion-resistant but is the more fragile of the two plastics. HDPE is more rigid. This durability makes it more resistant to chemicals. It has a higher melting point, which means it can withstand greater temperatures. Unlike LDPE, it’s much less transparent. HDPE is fully abrasion-resistant.
Recyclability: Both plastics can be recycled, but have different recycling requirements. LDPE is a recycling number 4 product and is more difficult to recycle due to its softness, increasing the risk of binding or clogging recycling machinery. HDPE is a recycling number 2 product and is easier to process through the recycling equipment.
Production Methods: HDPE is manufactured by heating petroleum to an extreme temperature. This releases ethylene gas monomers, which combine to form the polymer chains. LDPE is created by compressing the monomer ethylene gas within a tubular reactor, or autoclave, to facilitate linking monomers, creating the polymer chain.
Applications of HDPE vs. LDPE
HDPE and LDPE are often used in the same industries, but for different purposes. These industries include:
Hydraulics and pneumatics
Automotive
Packaging
Pipe and Piping
Electrical
HDPE plastics are used in applications such as:
Food processing
Chemical and petroleum manufacturing
Pharmaceutical processing
LDPE plastics are used for applications such as:
Food processing
Paper processing
In the marine market
HDPE Solutions from New Process Fibre
While both HDPE and LDPE thermoplastic have their advantages, HDPE plastic creates more durable products for a wide range of applications. New Process Fibre specializes in complete HDPE stamping and die-cutting services. We are an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer that provides custom thicknesses, widths, and colors to meet your project’s requirements.
Contact us for further information on our HDPE solutions.
Plastic extrusion involves a top-mounted hopper system that feeds thermoplastic resin through an extruder barrel. With the help of heat and pressure, the plastic takes the shape of the mold. Manufacturers can incorporate additives like colorants and UV inhibitors to enhance the appearance or performance of the final product.
Extrusion works with a variety of thermoplastic materials, including:
Teflon PTFE
Nylon (6, 6/6, MDS)
Polypropylene (PP)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)
Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Thermoplastic elastomers (Santoprene®)
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG or Codar®)
There are five main types of plastic extrusion methods that use different types of extrusion dies. We will describe the benefits and applications of each type of extrusion to help you determine the ideal method for your application.
Sheet Extrusion
Sheet extrusion works by extruding a molten plastic material in powder, flake, granule, or pellet form through a die into a flat shape. Rollers cool the sheets, which can be between 0.2 and 15 mm. Thin sheets are ideal for consumer products, while thicker sheets are best for industrial or commercial applications. The following are examples of applications for these extruded flat sheets:
Washers
Spacers
Discs
Fasteners
Gaskets
Insulators
Shims
Tags
And more
Thermoplastic Extrusion Services from New Process Fibre
Thermoplastic extrusion is one of the most versatile manufacturing methods. It can produce hollow tubes, sheets of varying thickness, plastic parts with unique properties, plastic wire insulation, and uniform films for packaging.
At New Process Fibre, our specialization in non-metallic products allows us to deliver high-quality thermoplastic extrusion services. We collaborate with our clients from start to finish, ensuring our products meet their goals and expectations. Contact us today to place an order or to speak with a representative about our extrusion capabilities.
As a common alternative to metal washers, plastic washers for screws provide watertight seals, minimize vibrations, and offer unique benefits over their metal counterparts. These opaque or clear plastic washers are available in a wide range of material options to suit nearly every application. Here, we’ll discuss when to use plastic washers, including the common materials to consider when selecting a washer for your specific application.
Plastic Washers
Like metal washers, plastic washers are disks with a hole in the center and function primarily to distribute a fastener’s load. Because of their nonmetal composition, plastic washers do not cause sparks, creating a safer and more reliable work environment. Plastic washers also streamline production by decreasing maintenance downtime.
For these reasons, plastic washers are an attractive, cost-effective option for many applications. Other benefits of plastic washers include:
Plastic washers come in a variety of material options. The best one depends on the unique needs of your application. Here are the most common plastic washer materials:
Nylon: Nylon is a highly versatile synthetic material that comes in several types and offers flexibility, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and machinability. This material is preferable for electrical and chemical applications due to its excellent absorption and insulation properties. Nylon washers are also a durable, lightweight alternative to metal washers in weight-sensitive applications.
Teflon™: Also known as PTFE, Teflon™is known for its extremely low coefficient of friction and resistance to water and oil. Compared to other washer materials, Teflon™ offers exceptionally high chemical and thermal resistance properties. These low-friction washers are ideal for HVAC, automotive, and plumbing applications.
Delrin®: Delrin® is a patented homopolymer with a stable crystalline structure that offers dimensional stability, stiffness, and durability in heavy-duty applications. The material also provides impact and temperature resistance from -50 °C to 90 °C, making Delrin® washers ideal for applications ranging from consumer goods to military equipment.
Polyethylene (PE): We offer both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) washers. The flexibility of LDPE washers is ideal for water-resistant applications in drains, water systems, and fluid feeds. HDPE washers are stronger and less flexible, so they are better suited to mechanical and industrial applications that value crush and abrasion resistance.
Plastic Washer Applications
Plastic is an exceptionally versatile and low-cost material for washers. The following applications rely on plastic washers:
Power tools
Furniture
Fasteners
Medical
Farm and Garden
Marine
Aerospace and Military
Government
Sporting Goods / Fitness Equipment
HVAC
Plumbing
Electronics
Consumer and Kitchen Appliances
Automotive
Plastic Washers From New Process Fibre
Plastic washers are a reliable alternative to metal washers for distributing fastener loads. Four of the most common materials include PE, Delrin®, Teflon™, and Nylon, each of which offers unique advantages.
To select the best plastic washers for your application, consult with an industry professional. Since 1927, New Process Fibre has been a leader in custom nonmetallic solutions.Contact us to learn more about our plastic washers for OEM equipment across diverse industries.
Plastic stamping is a manufacturing process that enables the creation of very thin parts. Typically, this process utilizes a set of dies and a punch press. The press is available in both conventional and high speed options, with varying tonnages depending on the equipment. This machinery is able to punch a shape from a non-metallic substance such as extruded plastic. Manufacturers can utilize plastic stamping to create an array of flat shapes, including gaskets and washers.
What Dies Are Used in Plastic Stamping?
Dies are highly versatile, with applications across a wide range of industries. The plastic stamping process will most commonly utilize a compound die, which consists of two separate dies. One cuts the outside diameter of the workpiece, while the other punches the interior. After the plastic stamping is complete, high pressurized air will blow away any excess material. The benefit of compound dies is that they enable all stamping to be completed in a single stroke, rather than two separate strokes.
New Process Fibre differs from many other stamping companies, as we specialize in stamping high performance non-metallic materials. We offer an array of stamping solutions, from single stroke compound dies to high-speed progressive dies. This enables us to meet the needs of every customer looking to manufacture high quality non-metallic products.
What Materials Are Considered for Plastic Stamping?
There are many advantages to choosing non-metallic materials over metal ones. Each non-metallic material boasts its own unique properties, enabling them to meet the needs of an array of applications. The materials commonly used for plastic stamping include:
Vulcanized fibre
Laminates
Thermoplastics
Vulcanized Fibre
This material is typically made from a combination of paper, rag, and wood pulp. It offers an excellent strength to weight ratio, and is resistant to impacts and abrasion. It also offers high flammability ratings. As such, vulcanized fibre is a popular choice in the automotive and electrical industries.
Laminates
Commonly found in industries such as petroleum, aerospace, and automotive, laminates are composed of resin. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) grades laminates for mechanical and chemical performance properties.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are a highly versatile option, as they may be composed of a variety of different materials. These include:
Polypropylene copolymer and homopolymer
Polyethylene HDPE & LDPE
Teflon
Acetal copolymer & Delrin homopolymer
Nylon 6, 66 & MDS
G-10 FR4 Nema Grade
Thanks to their versatility, thermoplastics are a popular choice for many consumer products.
New Process Fibre’s Custom Plastic Stamping Capabilities
For stamped parts with unconventional shapes or dimensions, the ability to design custom tooling and dies is invaluable. At New Process Fibre, our in-house tool room offers CAD/CAM and wire EDM capabilities, enabling our design engineers to create custom tooling suited to the unique specifications of every project. We are also able to stamp a wide array of non-metallic specialty materials, including:
Acetal & Delrin
Teflon
Nylon 6,66 & MDS
Vulcanized fibre
High and low density polyethylene
G-10 FR4 Nema Grade
Our range of material options and custom tooling enables us to work on projects in industries ranging from consumer goods and plumbing to aerospace, military, and automotive.
Due to the fact that we maintain ownership of the tool throughout the lifetime of the stamped part, our customers do not need to worry about maintaining or storing the tool for future use. We also provide inventory and storage for any excess production volumes, thus enabling us to provide lower overall costs.
Custom Plastic Stamping Solutions From New Process Fibre
Since 1927, New Process Fibre has been dedicated to innovation and growth. Our operation began from a desire to design a more efficient and cost-effective process for creating vulcanized fibre from cotton paper. We have continued this trend of innovation for nearly a century, performing all our manufacturing in-house to provide our customers with the highest quality non-metallic stamped parts. Our expansive array of production equipment in combination with our customization capabilities enables us to meet the needs of any project, large or small. To learn more about our plastic stamping solutions, contact us today.
These highly productive machines incur low running costs. Their larger working surfaces provide greater stability while punching parts out of flat sheets. This machine is particularly well-suited for low volume runs and producing prototypes.
High-density polyethylene is a petroleum product. This polymer is melted into liquid form for easy molding and shaping. This allows manufacturers to create custom-shaped, durable containers. During manufacturing, HDPE experiences very little polymer branching, keeping the molecular structure very tight. The resulting material is strong and more rigid with the ability to retain its shape under pressure.
HDPE and LDPE are often used in the same industries, but for different purposes. These industries include:
Teflon PTFE
Like metal washers, plastic washers are disks with a hole in the center and function primarily to distribute a fastener’s load. Because of their nonmetal composition, plastic washers do not cause sparks, creating a safer and more reliable work environment. Plastic washers also streamline production by decreasing maintenance downtime.
Plastic is an exceptionally versatile and low-cost material for washers. The following applications rely on plastic washers:
