By Material - Nuts & Bolts

Material choice affects how a plastic fixing behaves under load, around electrical components and in contact with moisture or chemicals. Nylon, polypropylene, clear acrylic/polycarbonate and engineering plastics are available as bolts, nuts, screws and threaded rods. These lightweight, non-magnetic fixings are corrosion-free.

Which plastic fastener material suits my application?

Nylon PA66 suits strong, electrically insulating fixings. Polypropylene suits moisture exposure and contact with acids, alkalis, oils and solvents. Clear acrylic/polycarbonate offers high transparency where a fixing remains visible. Other useful choices include:

• Glass filled nylon PA66-GF for extra stiffness and strength, with resistance to bending and good shape retention under load. It is more brittle than plain PA66.
• PEEK for strength, rigidity, resistance to hot water and steam, and thermal stability up to 250 °C.
• PTFE for low friction and electrical insulation. Its high thermal expansion matters when dimensional changes affect the assembly.
• POM for rigid hex head bolts with low friction and low moisture absorption.
• PVC for water resistance and resistance to abrasion, impact and outdoor weathering.

PVDF offers strength, water resistance and resistance to weather and UV. PPS provides rigidity, very low thermal expansion and resistance to water and steam.

What should I know about nylon and polypropylene in damp conditions?

Polypropylene does not absorb water. PA66 nylon absorbs moisture, and prolonged wet exposure reduces its strength. Nylon provides high wear and impact resistance; polypropylene is inherently flexible and has moderate impact resistance.

Which fastener types and pack sizes can I choose?

Examples include natural PEEK hex, pan cross-head and socket head bolts in packs of five, and natural PVDF socket head bolts in M3, M4, M5 and M6 in packs of ten. White POM hex head bolts include M12 and M16, with packs of five or ten depending on the product.

For hand adjustment, nylon and clear acrylic/polycarbonate wing nuts and thumbscrews provide an accessible grip. Slotted grub screws give a headless fixing for electronics, enclosures and furniture. Fully threaded rods can be cut to length for spacers, standoffs, jigs and fixtures.

Volume discounts and quotes on request are available for larger quantities. See nylon PA66, polypropylene, PEEK and PTFE.