
Nylon is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in the injection molding industry. Whether you’re an engineer working on optimizing your injection molding processes or a designer looking to choose the right material for your next project, knowing the intricacies of nylon’s melting behavior can make all the difference. Let’s dive into what makes nylon tick when it comes to melting and how that knowledge can help in the injection molding process.
What is Nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that belongs to the polyamide family, renowned for its strength, durability, and versatility. It was first developed in the 1930s by Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont, making it one of the earliest synthetic fibers. Since then, nylon has become a widely used material in various industries, thanks to its impressive properties and adaptability.
What Exactly is the Melting Point of Nylon?
Nylon, known chemically as polyamide, comes in various types, with the most common being Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6. Each type of nylon has a different melting point, which is essential to know when processing the material.

Nylon 6 Melting Point
Nylon 6 has a melting point of approximately 220°C (428°F).
Nylon 6/6 Melting Point
A slightly different variant, Nylon 6/6, melts at around 265°C (509°F).
Choosing the Right Nylon for Your Project
Nylon 6/6 is often preferred for its higher melting point and better mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength and thermal resistance. On the other hand, Nylon 6 might be chosen for its easier processing and lower cost, especially in applications where the highest strength isn’t necessary.
If your project demands even higher performance, you might consider reinforced nylons, such as those filled with glass fibers, which can provide superior strength and stiffness but will require even more careful control of processing conditions.
Why Nylon’s Melting Point Matters?
In injection molding, the melting point is crucial for a few reasons:
Flow Characteristics
The temperature at which nylon melts influences its flow characteristics. If the temperature is too low, the nylon may not flow adequately into the mold, leading to incomplete parts or injection molding defects. Conversely, if it’s too high, the material may degrade, resulting in poor-quality parts with compromised mechanical properties.
Cycle Time
The melting point affects the cooling time and, consequently, the cycle time of the molding process. Proper temperature control ensures that the nylon solidifies correctly, allowing for efficient production without sacrificing quality.
Material Integrity
Maintaining the right temperature prevents the material from breaking down during processing. Overheating nylon can cause it to oxidize or decompose, leading to discoloration, loss of mechanical strength, and other issues.
The Impact of Moisture on Melting Point
One of the challenges with nylon is its tendency to absorb moisture from the air, which can affect the melting point and the injection molding process. Moisture in nylon can cause hydrolysis, leading to lower melting points and weaker parts. It’s crucial to dry the nylon pellets thoroughly before processing, usually at around 80°C to 90°C (176°F to 194°F) for a few hours, depending on the type of nylon and its moisture content.
The Role of Cooling in Nylon Injection Molding
Once the nylon has been injected into the mold, the cooling process begins, and this is where the material’s crystallinity comes into play. Nylon is a semi-crystalline polymer, which means it doesn’t just solidify when it cools; it forms crystalline structures that impact its final properties. Cooling too quickly can lead to internal stresses, warping, or shrinkage, while too slow cooling might result in reduced crystallinity, affecting the part’s strength.
The cooling rate is heavily influenced by the initial melting temperature. If your melting temperature was spot-on, the nylon will have just the right amount of energy to form a uniform crystalline structure during cooling.

Practical Tips for Injection Molding with Nylon
To ensure successful injection molding with nylon, it’s essential to control the processing temperature accurately. Here’s how you can manage it effectively:
Pre-dry Your Nylon
Nylon is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Excess moisture can lower the effective melting point, leading to hydrolysis during molding, which degrades the polymer. Pre-dry your nylon at 80°C (176°F) for at least 4-6 hours before molding.
Temperature Control
Set the barrel temperature of the injection molding machine to the appropriate level based on the type of nylon you’re using. For Nylon 6, the temperature should be slightly above its melting point, usually between 230°C and 250°C. For Nylon 6/6, a range of 270°C to 290°C is recommended. Precise temperature control prevents overheating and ensures consistent part quality.
Optimize Your Mold Temperature
The mold temperature should be set to about 80-100°C (176-212°F) for nylon. This helps in achieving better crystallinity and reduces the risk of warping.
Adjust Your Injection Speed
A slower injection speed allows better control over the material flow, which is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of the molten nylon. Faster speeds might cause shear heating, which can raise the material temperature beyond the ideal range.
What is the Melting Point of Nylon 12?
Nylon 12, also known as polyamide 12, has a melting point typically around 178°C to 180°C (352°F to 356°F). This makes it lower than the melting points of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, which can be advantageous for applications requiring a lower processing temperature.
What is the Melting Point of Nylon 6/12?
Nylon 6/12, also known as polyamide 6/12, has a melting point in the range of 217°C (422°F ). This type of nylon is a copolymer of nylon 6 and nylon 12, combining properties from both types of nylons. It generally offers improved flexibility, reduced moisture absorption, and better chemical resistance compared to standard nylon 6 or nylon 66.
What is the Melting Point of Nylon 6/10?
Nylon 6/10, also known as polyamide 6/10, has a melting point typically around 223°C (433°F). This copolymer of nylon 6 and nylon 10 offers a good balance of properties such as improved chemical resistance, reduced moisture absorption, and enhanced dimensional stability.

Why Nylon 6 Has a High Melting Point?
Nylon 6 has a high melting point due to its strong hydrogen bonds, crystalline structure, and high molecular weight. These factors make it thermally stable, requiring more heat to transition from solid to liquid.
What is Melting Point of Food Grade Nylon?
The melting point of food-grade nylon, often referring to Nylon 6/66 or similar formulations, typically ranges from 215°C to 265°C (419°F to 509°F). This range can vary based on specific formulations and additives used to meet food safety and performance standards.
Is Nylon Waterproof?
Nylon itself is not inherently waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant. Its water resistance comes from its relatively low moisture absorption compared to other fibers, like cotton. However, nylon can absorb some moisture over time, which may affect its properties and performance. For applications requiring complete waterproofing, nylon can be treated with coatings or laminates to enhance its water resistance and prevent water penetration. Learn more about nylon water proof.
Is Nylon Plastic?
Yes, nylon is a type of plastic. Specifically, it is a synthetic polymer known as a polyamide. As a plastic, nylon is used in various applications due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It can be found in products ranging from textiles and automotive parts to industrial components and consumer goods.
Is Nylon Toxic?
Nylon is generally considered safe and non-toxic for most applications, including textiles and consumer products. It is widely used in clothing, packaging, and various industrial applications without significant health concerns. However, during the manufacturing process or when nylon is exposed to high temperatures, it can release small amounts of potentially harmful substances, such as formaldehyde or other additives.
In everyday use, nylon is not typically a health risk, but it’s important to handle and use it according to safety guidelines, especially in high-temperature or industrial settings.
When Was Nylon Invented?
Nylon was invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont. It was one of the first synthetic fibers created, marking a significant development in polymer chemistry. The invention of nylon revolutionized the textile industry and led to numerous applications in various fields.
What is Nylon Made From?
Nylon is made from synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. Specifically, it is produced through a process called polymerization, where monomers (small molecular units) are chemically bonded to form long polymer chains. The two most common types of nylon are:
- Nylon 6: Made from a monomer called caprolactam.
- Nylon 66: Made from two different monomers, hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
These monomers are polymerized to create nylon’s long, strong, and flexible polymer chains, giving the material its distinctive properties.
Custom Nylon Parts — BOYI Injection Molding Services
At BOYI, we specialize in crafting precision custom nylon parts through our advanced nylon injection molding services. Our state-of-the-art technology and experienced team ensure that each part meets your exact specifications, offering exceptional durability and performance.
Whether you need components for automotive, industrial, or consumer applications, our custom nylon parts provide excellent strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear. Reach out today to discuss your project and discover how our expertise can bring your designs to life.

Let’s Start A New Project Today
Our engineers will contact you within 2 hours.
Conclusion
By understanding and managing the melting point, you can optimize the flow, cycle time, and quality of the final product. Whether you’re working with Nylon 6 or Nylon 6/6, precise temperature control is essential for achieving the best results. So, next time you’re gearing up for a molding project, make sure to pay close attention to the melting point—it could make all the difference in your production quality.
If you’re looking to explore more about injection molding or need professional services, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts who can guide you through every step of the process.
FAQ
Nylon typically starts to soften at temperatures around 60°C to 250°C (140°F to 482°F). This softening point is lower than its melting point, where it transitions from a solid to a liquid state.
Yes, nylon does melt when exposed to high heat. Each type of nylon has a specific melting point at which it transitions from a solid to a liquid. Nylon 6 melts at approximately 220°C (428°F). Nylon 66 melts at around 260°C (500°F)
Nylon can generally withstand temperatures up to 85°C to 110°C (185°F to 230°F), depending on the type. Nylon 6 typically handles up to 90°C (194°F), while Nylon 66 can endure up to 110°C (230°F).
Nylon will not melt in boiling water, as its melting point is significantly higher than the boiling point of water. For example, Nylon 6 melts at around 220°C (428°F) and Nylon 66 at about 260°C (500°F), while water boils at 100°C (212°F).
Nylon primarily melts rather than burns when exposed to high temperatures. If exposed to temperatures above its melting point, nylon can eventually decompose and burn. Nylon tends to emit a distinctive, slightly sweet odor when it burns and can produce smoke and potentially harmful fumes.
Catalog: Materials Guide

This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.