Is nylon better than acrylic?

When choosing materials for industrial, commercial, or engineering applications, two common options often come up: nylon and acrylic. Each has its strengths and limitations, and the right choice depends largely on the specific requirements of your project. But when it comes to fluid transmission, pneumatic systems, chemical resistance, and mechanical flexibility, Nylon Tube frequently comes out on top.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the properties, performance data, and industrial relevance of both materials—especially in tube form—so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Nylon?

Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers known as polyamides, widely used in manufacturing thanks to its outstanding strength, durability, and resistance to wear. In tubing applications, Nylon Tube offers high pressure resistance, excellent chemical compatibility, and superb flexibility.

Common Uses of Nylon Tube:

• Pneumatic control systems

• Automotive fuel lines

• Chemical fluid transfer

• Robotics and automation

• Food and beverage equipment (FDA-compliant versions)

What Is Acrylic?

Acrylic, also known as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a transparent thermoplastic that is often used as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. In tubing, acrylic is rigid, optically clear, and aesthetically appealing—but limited in pressure and impact resistance.

Common Uses of Acrylic Tubes:

• Display and decorative applications

• Aquarium systems

• Laboratory setups where visual monitoring is crucial

• Light piping and photonics

Nylon Tube vs. Acrylic Tube: A Technical Comparison

The following table compares key performance metrics between Nylon Tube and acrylic tube materials.

Property	Nylon Tube	Acrylic Tube
Flexibility	High (excellent for coiling)	Very low (brittle under stress)
Pressure Resistance	Up to 500 PSI (varies by wall thickness)	100–150 PSI (low burst pressure)
Impact Strength	Excellent	Poor (can crack or shatter)
UV Resistance	Moderate to high	Excellent
Chemical Resistance	Excellent with oils, fuels, and alkalis	Limited (can degrade in solvents)
Temperature Tolerance	-40°C to 100°C (some up to 120°C)	0°C to 70°C
Transparency	Semi-transparent to opaque	Crystal clear
Weight	Light	Light
Recyclability	High	Moderate
Cost	Cost-effective	More expensive per meter

From this comparison, it's clear that Nylon Tube is engineered for functionality, while acrylic excels more in aesthetics and light transmission.

Nylon Tube in Industrial Applications

Due to its excellent mechanical and chemical properties, Nylon Tube is often the preferred choice in:

Pneumatic Systems

• Withstands high pressure

• Resistant to shock and vibration

• Easily installed in tight spaces due to flexibility

Automotive and Transportation

• Used in air brake lines, fuel lines, and hydraulic control systems

• Corrosion-resistant for outdoor use

• Temperature-resistant in under-the-hood environments

Robotics and Automation

• Flexible routing in moving parts

• Withstands repeated motion without fatigue

Medical and Food Equipment

• Available in FDA-compliant grades

• Low moisture absorption ensures consistent internal diameter

Advantages of Nylon Tube Over Acrylic

1. Superior Mechanical Strength: Nylon has high tensile strength, making Nylon Tube less likely to rupture under pressure.

2. Thermal Stability: Nylon maintains performance across a broader temperature range.

3. Chemical Compatibility: Withstands oils, fuels, alkalis, and weak acids far better than acrylic.

4. Flexibility: Allows for bending and coiling without stress fractures.

5. Weight Efficiency: Lighter yet stronger than acrylic in pressure-bearing roles.

Disadvantages of Acrylic in Tubing Applications

• Poor Impact Resistance: Acrylic is brittle and prone to cracking.

• Low Pressure Rating: Unsuitable for pneumatic or hydraulic use.

• Poor Flexibility: Cannot be bent or coiled, limiting its industrial use.

Recent Trends in Material Selection

With growing demand in automation, smart manufacturing, and lightweight vehicle design, the industry is shifting toward multi-functional, durable tubing materials. In 2024 and beyond, the following trends are fueling increased use of Nylon Tube:

• Sustainability: Recyclable nylon blends are replacing PVC in many markets.

• Automation Integration: Flexible tubing is needed for robotic and moving parts.

• Miniaturization: Nylon supports thinner walls with high strength, ideal for compact systems.

Industry Insight: Nylon Tube Use by Sector

Industry	Application Example	Why Nylon Tube is Preferred
Automotive	Fuel and brake systems	Heat & chemical resistance
Food & Beverage	Low-pressure fluid dispensing	FDA-grade materials
Robotics	Cable and air line routing	Flexibility and fatigue resistance
Medical Equipment	Surgical air tools	Cleanability and precision dimensions
Agriculture	Sprayers and irrigation systems	UV and weather resistance

Nylon Tube Standards and Grades

Depending on your needs, Nylon Tube is available in:

• PA11 (Polyamide 11): Flexible, good for dynamic applications

• PA12 (Polyamide 12): Excellent chemical resistance, dimensionally stable

• Reinforced Nylon: Glass fiber-reinforced versions for extreme environments

These variants allow manufacturers to tailor solutions based on strength, flexibility, or environmental resistance.

Installation and Handling

Installing Nylon Tube is typically faster and easier than rigid acrylic tubes:

• Compatible with push-to-connect and compression fittings

• Can be routed in compact or confined areas

• Easy to cut, bend, and fit without stress cracking

On the other hand, acrylic tubing requires careful handling and support structures to avoid breakage.

Environmental Performance

Nylon is more durable in variable environmental conditions. While acrylic may yellow or become brittle over time, especially when exposed to fluctuating temperatures or vibration, Nylon Tube remains stable and long-lasting.

Weather Resistance:

• Nylon performs well in moist or outdoor environments

• Acrylic is more suited to indoor, temperature-controlled settings

Nylon Tube and Sustainability

Many Nylon Tube formulations are now manufactured using bio-based polyamides, supporting environmentally conscious design without sacrificing strength or chemical resistance.

Additionally, the recyclability of nylon contributes to lower lifecycle emissions when compared to other thermoplastics like PVC or acrylic.

Cost Efficiency

Though prices vary by grade, Nylon Tube tends to offer better cost-per-performance, especially when considering:

• Service life

• Maintenance frequency

• Failure rates under pressure or impact

Acrylic may initially appear less expensive for decorative purposes, but in functional tubing applications, nylon often proves more economical over time.