Why Glass Filled Nylon for the ExoDek® QuickClip®?

By Naomi Comstock, 05/09/22

Why We Chose Glass Filled Nylon 6/6

In our last article we discussed many of the great physical attributes of the ExoDek® QuickClip®. One question you may still be asking yourself is: "What is it made of?" Nova has the answers and wants to make sure you understand what the material is and why it is the right choice for hidden fasteners used in decking installations.

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What in the World is Glass Filled Nylon 6/6?

Let's get down to some of the nitty-gritty details. Polyamide 6/6 (PA 66), also known as Nylon 6/6, is a thermoplastic that can be used for many different applications. These applications can include, gun stocks, tennis strings, and even car parts.

Pure Nylon 6/6, without glass fill, has excellent mechanical performance qualities such as high toughness (balance of high strength and high ductility), high resistance to abrasion, high resistance to fatigue, and high impact resistance. When glass fill is added, which is essentially extremely fine glass powder, the material only gets better. It increases performance in terms of stiffness and strength as well as increases heat resistance and chemical resistance.

How Does Nylon 6/6 Perform Outside?

When you hear about a plastic material for outdoors, it's natural to be worried about temperature and weather variations.

Don't worry, we've got it covered!

The standard operating temperature for Nylon 6/6 is rated above 150 °F and it doesn't start to melt until above 495 °F The specific material we've chosen is actually used for a wide variety of automotive applications such as under-hood, under-chassis, exterior, and interior components.

Front Engine Cover - Image curtesy of Dupont https://www.dupont.com/knowledge/lighter-engine-cover-components.html

Many prominent automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and many more have begun to embrace Nylon 6/6 as a metal replacement for a multitude of applications. Oil separators, front engine covers, cylinder head covers, throttle body housings, air, fuel and coolant circulators and more!

Additionally, Nylon 6/6 is used heavily in the buildings and construction industry components like window hinges, high impact roofing bolts, wall plug fixtures, plumbing fittings, frame fixtures, spacers and accessories and suitable for high temperature and outdoor applications.

High performing in all weather, UL94 compliant, and a proven track record, you can feel great about the durability of Nylon 6/6. So go out on your deck, relax, enjoy, and trust your choice in the ExoDek® QuickClip®.

Stay tuned for more details about how our clip perfoms up against hardwood expansion and uplift from wind forces!

By Naomi Comstock, 05/09/22

"I would like to see a follow up article on this deck project."

By Steve G on 08/23/22

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