Why Nylatron 703 XL is suitable for lifting systems
In lifting systems, everything revolves around controlled movement. Whether it concerns a forklift mast, telescopic crane, aerial work platform or another extendable system: components must move smoothly along each other, even under high loads. As soon as that movement becomes jerky, risks arise in terms of accuracy, safety, wear and maintenance.
In these types of applications, the material choice for sliding and guide components plays a major role. A slide block or wear plate may seem like a relatively simple component, but in practice it largely determines how stable and predictable a lifting system moves.
What is Nylatron 703 XL?
Nylatron 703 XL is a high-quality, internally lubricated cast polyamide 6, also known as PA6. Polyamide is known for its good mechanical properties, wear resistance and load-bearing capacity. Thanks to the addition of internal lubrication, Nylatron 703 XL also offers very good sliding properties.
The material has been specifically developed for applications in which not only strength is important, but above all control over movement. This makes it different from standard PA6 or regular wear-resistant plastics. In applications where components slide over each other under pressure, the material must respond predictably. It must not stick, jerk, squeak or move unevenly.
The key properties of Nylatron 703 XL are:
| Property | Meaning in practice |
|---|---|
| Virtually zero stick-slip | Smooth movement without jerking when starting and stopping |
| High wear resistance | Less material loss under intensive sliding loads |
| Good load-bearing capacity | Suitable for heavy industrial loads |
| Internal lubrication | Less dependent on external lubrication |
| Good machinability | Suitable for custom slide blocks, plates and guides |
This combination makes Nylatron 703 XL particularly interesting for applications in which movement must not only be possible, but must also be highly controlled.
What is stick-slip?
Stick-slip is a phenomenon in which two surfaces do not move smoothly along each other, but alternately “stick” and then suddenly break free. Instead of a smooth sliding motion, a jerky movement occurs.
This mainly happens at low speeds, under high loads or in applications where a system has to start moving from a standstill. Static friction is then higher than dynamic friction. In other words, relatively much force is needed to initiate movement, but once the component is moving, less force is needed to keep it moving.
This difference can cause uncontrolled movements. In a lifting system, this may be noticeable as:
- jerking when starting a lifting movement;
- vibrations during extension or retraction;
- squeaking or creaking noises;
- inaccurate positioning;
- extra load on cylinders, guides and structural components.
For a lifting system, this is undesirable. A load must move up, down or forward in a controlled way. The smoother the sliding movement, the easier the system is to control.
Nylatron 703 XL was developed specifically to virtually eliminate this stick-slip effect. This creates a smoother transition from standstill to movement and keeps the movement more controllable. This is one of the main reasons why the material is used in wear pads, conveyor components and parts for the construction and heavy equipment sectors.
Why stick-slip is so critical in lifting systems
In lifting systems, high forces are combined with relatively precise movements. A forklift mast or the telescopic boom of a crane often moves under load. The guide system must support and stabilise the structure while also allowing it to move smoothly.
When sliding components move jerkily, this affects the entire system. The movement becomes less predictable, making the controls feel less precise. In addition, shocks can lead to extra stress on hydraulic components, mounting points and the structure itself.
In the long term, stick-slip can also contribute to accelerated wear. Because the movement is not uniform, peak loads occur at specific points. As a result, slide plates, wear blocks or counter surfaces may be locally loaded more heavily than intended.
In applications such as aerial work platforms and telescopic cranes, this is especially important. There, it is not only about service life, but also about stability, positioning and operating comfort.
Applications of Nylatron 703 XL in lifting systems
Within lifting systems, Nylatron 703 XL is mainly used in places where components slide along each other under high pressure. The most common applications are slide plates, wear blocks, telescopic guides and guide rollers.
Slide plates and wear blocks
Slide plates and wear blocks are used to allow metal structural parts to move along each other in a controlled way. In a forklift mast or telescopic boom, they ensure that the moving parts are properly guided and do not make direct metal-to-metal contact.
Here, the material must fulfil several functions at the same time. It must absorb pressure, limit wear and enable a stable sliding movement. Nylatron 703 XL is suitable for this because it combines high load-bearing capacity with good sliding properties.
An important advantage is that the material does not easily jerk when movement starts from a standstill. This makes the system calmer and easier to control.
Telescopic systems
Telescopic systems are found in cranes, aerial work platforms, telehandlers and other extendable structures. The different sections slide in and out of each other and are guided by sliding or wear components.
In such systems, control is essential. The sections must not only be able to move, but also be positioned accurately. With a material that has a high level of stick-slip, the system may first build up resistance and then suddenly overshoot. This makes fine positioning more difficult.
Nylatron 703 XL helps to reduce this effect. Thanks to its low stick-slip, the movement remains more consistent, even when the system moves slowly or is under load.
Guide rollers and sliding guides
In addition to flat slide plates, Nylatron 703 XL can also be used in rollers, bushes or other guide components. In these parts, friction, wear and load also play a major role.
Where traditional materials often depend on external lubrication, Nylatron 703 XL offers a lower-maintenance solution thanks to its internal lubrication. This does not mean that lubrication is unnecessary in every application, but it does mean that the material itself has better sliding properties than standard PA6.
Why not standard PA6?
PA6 is a widely used engineering plastic with good mechanical properties. For many machine components, standard PA6 is an excellent choice. However, it is not the best solution for every application.
In heavily loaded sliding applications, standard PA6 can cause more friction than desired. The stick-slip effect may also be more pronounced. In applications where movement must be smooth and precise, this can be a limitation.
Nylatron 703 XL was developed for situations where standard PA6 falls short in terms of motion control. The material retains the strong basis of cast nylon, but adds better sliding properties, higher wear resistance and greater control.
This means Nylatron 703 XL is not simply “a stronger nylon”, but a material that is specifically interesting for sliding and load-bearing applications with high demands on movement.
Load-bearing capacity under high loads
Lifting systems are heavily loaded applications. The sliding components do not only fulfil their own function, but also directly influence the stability of the complete structure. A slide block must be able to absorb pressure without deforming too quickly or losing its shape.
That is why load-bearing capacity is just as important as friction. A material with low friction but insufficient compressive strength could deform under load. This can lead to play, misalignment or uneven wear.
Nylatron 703 XL is particularly interesting because it combines good sliding properties with mechanical strength. As a result, it can be used in applications where both movement and load play a major role.
Maintenance and lubrication
Maintenance plays an important role in many lifting systems. Lubrication may be required to reduce friction and wear, but it also has disadvantages. Grease or oil can attract dirt, be difficult to access or be undesirable in certain environments.
Because Nylatron 703 XL is internally lubricated, the material has better sliding properties by itself. This can help reduce dependence on external lubrication. The system remains cleaner and maintenance can become easier.
However, the practical application remains decisive. Load, speed, environment, counter material and contamination together determine whether additional lubrication is necessary or desirable.
Why machining is just as important as the material
A good material only becomes effective when the component is also well designed and machined. With slide plates and wear blocks, dimensions, flatness, tolerances and surface finish are critical. A small deviation can affect fit, pressure distribution and wear behaviour.
That is why Nylatron 703 XL is often supplied as semi-finished material and then machined to size. This may include sawing, milling, turning or adding slots and mounting holes.
At Lakwijk Kunststoffen, the added value lies not only in supplying the material, but especially in translating the application into a suitable component. This may involve a single prototype, a replacement part or series production of slide blocks and wear plates.
Important points to consider for custom-made parts are:
| Point of attention | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| Correct tolerance | Prevents excessive play or, conversely, jamming |
| Flatness | Ensures even pressure distribution |
| Surface finish | Influences friction and wear |
| Mounting holes and slots | Determine how the component is fixed under load |
| Material thickness | Influences pressure absorption and service life |
| Counter material | Also determines sliding and wear behaviour |
When should you choose Nylatron 703 XL?
Nylatron 703 XL is particularly suitable when an application requires controlled movement under load. The material is especially interesting when standard PA6, POM or other engineering plastics do not provide sufficient control, wear resistance or load-bearing capacity.
Typical situations in which Nylatron 703 XL can be a good choice:
- the system must start and stop smoothly;
- jerky movements must be prevented;
- positioning must remain accurate;
- high sliding loads are involved;
- wear parts need to last longer;
- maintenance and lubrication need to be reduced;
- metal parts must be protected against wear;
- the component is used in heavy-duty machines or lifting systems.
This makes the material especially valuable in applications where the quality of movement directly affects machine performance.
Advice on Nylatron 703 XL for your lifting system
Nylatron 703 XL is a high-quality choice for sliding and wear parts in lifting systems. Thanks to its combination of virtually zero stick-slip, high wear resistance and good load-bearing capacity, the material contributes to smooth movement, better control and a longer service life for components.
However, the right application always remains a matter of customisation. Load, speed, dimensions, tolerances, environment and mounting together determine whether Nylatron 703 XL is the best choice. In some situations, a standard polyamide or another engineering plastic is sufficient. In other cases, Nylatron 703 XL makes exactly the difference.
Lakwijk Kunststoffen is happy to advise on material choice, design and machining. From slide plates and wear blocks to guides and custom components for heavy machinery: we are happy to help you find the right plastic solution.
Would you like to know whether Nylatron 703 XL is suitable for your lifting system? Contact our specialists for targeted advice.
