In CNC machining, nylon is a versatile and popular material. It offers excellent abrasion resistance, high impact strength, and good mechanical properties, making it suitable for various end parts. Additionally, nylon is lightweight, has high tensile strength and low friction, and can be used as an electric insulator. In this article, we’ll look closely at nylon and share some tips and tricks for milling CNC with ZMorph VX.
What is Nylon?
Nylon, also known as polyamide, is an engineering thermoplastic that can be machined easily. It is an ideal material for CNC machining because of its unique properties. Nylon is resistant to abrasion and impact, making it suitable for manufacturing products that require these features. It is lightweight, has high tensile strength, and is low-friction, which makes it ideal for use as bearings or gears.
How to CNC Machine Nylon?
If you want to start 2D or 3D milling in nylon using ZMorph VX, you should use Voxelizer software. Here are some tips and tricks for CNC milling nylon with ZMorph All-In-One machines:
Voxelizer Settings When choosing the tool head, specify whether you want to perform 2D or 3D milling in nylon. Both options are available, depending on what you want to accomplish. Based on our internal testing, nylon is best machined with speeds of 1-12 mm/s. You can find even more settings for CNC milling in the Voxelizer Experimental version.
Workpiece Holding Proper workpiece holding is essential for successful machining. There are several ways to mount nylon on the CNC worktable, but the best is to use clamps shipped with every ZMorph VX. For a comprehensive guide on material work holding, check out our guide.
End Mills It is best to use single and double flute end mills from our bundle pack available via ZMorph online store. These end mills are made of high-quality materials and are designed to last.
Other Tips It’s best to CNC mill with closed covers to minimize chips spreading near the machine. Vacuum occasionally during bigger projects because the end mill can clog.
Nylon Applications
Nylon has a wide range of applications. It can be used as cogwheels, dampening elements, or wear blocks. Nylon is also used for machining jigs and fixtures. Below are some real-life nylon applications:
- Automotive parts such as bushings, gears, and bearings
- Consumer products such as handles, knobs, and buttons
- Industrial parts such as conveyor belts and rollers
- Medical devices such as surgical instruments and implant components
Health & Safety
When operating the ZMorph VX, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Never touch the moving parts of the machine while it’s operating. Some parts of the machine may get extra hot, so it’s a good idea to wait until it cools down before removing your project. ZMorph VX operates at high speeds, and there’s a serious risk of injury, so be extra careful when working with the machine.
In conclusion, nylon is an excellent material for CNC machining. It has unique properties that make it suitable for various applications. You can easily machine nylon with ZMorph VX with the right tools and settings. Remember to follow safety guidelines when operating the machine to prevent accidents.