Nylon Rod Weight Calculator | Professional Engineering & Cost Tool
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Nylon Rod Weight Calculator
Accurately calculate the weight and material cost of Nylon 6, 6/6, and Cast Nylon rods for engineering and logistics planning.
Total Batch Weight
0.00 kg
Formula: Weight = π × (Diameter/2)² × Length × Density
Specification Breakdown
Material Weight Comparison (For Same Dimensions)
Comparison of calculated Nylon weight vs. Aluminum and Steel.
What is a Nylon Rod Weight Calculator?
A nylon rod weight calculator is a specialized engineering tool designed to estimate the mass of cylindrical polyamide (nylon) stock based on its dimensions and specific gravity. Whether you are a machinist, a procurement officer, or a logistics coordinator, knowing the precise weight of nylon rods is critical for calculating shipping costs, determining structural loads, and estimating raw material expenses.
Nylon is a versatile thermoplastic widely used in engineering for gears, bushings, and wear pads. However, because it is sold by weight (typically per kilogram or pound) but machined by volume, converting dimensions to weight is a frequent necessity. This calculator bridges that gap, providing instant weight data for single pieces or large batches.
Common misconceptions include assuming all plastics have the same density. In reality, a nylon rod weight calculator must account for the specific grade—Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, or Cast Nylon—as their densities vary slightly, impacting the final weight and cost of large orders.
Nylon Rod Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
To calculate the weight of a nylon rod, we combine the geometric formula for the volume of a cylinder with the material's density. The core logic used in this nylon rod weight calculator is derived as follows:
1. Calculate Volume
First, we determine the volume of the rod in cubic centimeters (cm³). The formula for the volume of a cylinder is:
Volume (V) = π × r² × L
Where r is the radius (Diameter / 2) and L is the length.
2. Calculate Weight
Once volume is known, we multiply it by the density of the specific nylon grade:
Weight (W) = V × Density (ρ)
Variable Reference Table
| Variable |
Meaning |
Unit (Metric) |
Typical Range (Nylon) |
| D |
Diameter |
mm |
6mm – 300mm |
| L |
Length |
mm |
100mm – 3000mm |
| ρ (Rho) |
Density |
g/cm³ |
1.13 – 1.16 |
| W |
Weight |
kg |
Variable |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Machining Bushings
A machine shop needs to produce 50 bushings from Nylon 6/6. They purchase rods with a diameter of 60mm and a length of 1000mm (1 meter).
- Input Diameter: 60 mm
- Input Length: 1000 mm
- Density: 1.14 g/cm³
- Calculation: Volume = π × 3² × 100 = 2,827 cm³. Weight = 2,827 × 1.14 = 3,223g or 3.22 kg per rod.
If the material costs $10/kg, one rod costs approximately $32.20.
Example 2: Logistics Planning for Cast Nylon
A supplier is shipping 20 pieces of large diameter Cast Nylon rods (150mm diameter, 500mm length).
- Input Diameter: 150 mm
- Input Length: 500 mm
- Quantity: 20
- Density: 1.15 g/cm³
- Result: Each rod weighs ~10.16 kg. The total shipment weight is 203.2 kg.
Using the nylon rod weight calculator ensures the logistics team books the correct freight class for a pallet weighing over 200kg.
How to Use This Nylon Rod Weight Calculator
- Select Material Grade: Choose between Nylon 6, 6/6, or Cast. If you have a specialized filled nylon (e.g., MoS2 filled), select "Custom" and enter the density from the datasheet.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the diameter and length in millimeters. Ensure you are using consistent units.
- Set Quantity: Enter the total number of rods you intend to purchase or manufacture.
- Input Cost (Optional): To get a financial estimate, enter the price per kilogram provided by your supplier.
- Analyze Results: Review the total weight for shipping and the total cost for budgeting. Use the "Copy Results" button to paste the data into your purchase order or quote.
Key Factors That Affect Nylon Rod Weight Results
When using a nylon rod weight calculator, consider these six factors that can influence the final accuracy and financial outcome:
- Moisture Absorption: Nylon is hygroscopic. It can absorb up to 7-8% of its weight in water at saturation. A "dry" rod weighs less than one stored in a humid warehouse.
- Manufacturing Tolerances: Extruded rods are often sold "oversized" to allow for machining cleanup. A 50mm rod might actually measure 51mm, increasing the actual weight by ~4%.
- Material Grade Density: Nylon 6 (1.13 g/cm³) is lighter than Glass-Filled Nylon (1.30+ g/cm³). Using the wrong density setting can lead to 15-20% errors.
- Temperature Expansion: Plastics have high coefficients of thermal expansion. Measurements taken in a hot factory may differ slightly from those in a cold storage unit.
- Scrap Rates: While the calculator gives the net weight of the rod, financial planning must account for the material removed (chips) during machining, which is paid for but becomes waste.
- Supplier Surcharges: The calculated "Material Cost" is a baseline. Suppliers often add cutting fees or small-order surcharges that aren't captured by a simple weight × price formula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the density of Nylon 6 vs Nylon 6/6?
Nylon 6 typically has a density of 1.13 g/cm³, while Nylon 6/6 is slightly denser at roughly 1.14 g/cm³. While the difference is small, it adds up in large production runs.
Does this calculator account for rod tolerances?
No, this nylon rod weight calculator uses nominal dimensions. If your supplier provides oversized rods (e.g., +0.5mm), enter the actual measured diameter for precise weight.
Can I calculate the weight of a hollow nylon tube?
This specific tool is for solid rods. For tubes, you would calculate the weight of the outer cylinder and subtract the weight of the inner void (air).
Why is Cast Nylon heavier than Extruded Nylon?
Cast Nylon (Type 6) generally has a slightly higher crystallinity and density (approx 1.15 g/cm³) compared to extruded Nylon 6, resulting in a marginally higher weight per volume.
How do I convert the result to pounds (lbs)?
1 kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds. Multiply the result shown in the calculator by 2.205 to get the weight in lbs.
Is the price calculated including tax?
No, the "Estimated Cost" is a raw material calculation based on the "Price per kg" input. It does not include VAT, shipping, or machining costs.
Does color affect the weight of nylon?
Generally, no. Pigments added to black or blue nylon constitute a negligible percentage of the total mass and do not significantly alter the density for standard weight calculations.
Why is accurate weight calculation important for shipping?
Carriers often have weight thresholds. Underestimating the weight of a pallet of nylon rods could result in rejected pickups or re-weighing fees from the freight company.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore our other engineering and financial planning tools to optimize your material procurement:
// Initialize calculator
window.onload = function() {
calculate();
};
function updateDensity() {
var select = document.getElementById('materialType');
var customGroup = document.getElementById('customDensityGroup');
if (select.value === 'custom') {
customGroup.style.display = 'block';
} else {
customGroup.style.display = 'none';
}
calculate();
}
function calculate() {
// Get Inputs
var diameter = parseFloat(document.getElementById('diameter').value);
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('length').value);
var quantity = parseInt(document.getElementById('quantity').value);
var pricePerKg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('price').value);
var materialSelect = document.getElementById('materialType');
var density = 0;
if (materialSelect.value === 'custom') {
density = parseFloat(document.getElementById('customDensity').value);
} else {
density = parseFloat(materialSelect.value);
}
// Validation
var isValid = true;
if (isNaN(diameter) || diameter <= 0) {
document.getElementById('err-diameter').style.display = 'block';
isValid = false;
} else {
document.getElementById('err-diameter').style.display = 'none';
}
if (isNaN(length) || length <= 0) {
document.getElementById('err-length').style.display = 'block';
isValid = false;
} else {
document.getElementById('err-length').style.display = 'none';
}
if (isNaN(quantity) || quantity < 1) {
document.getElementById('err-quantity').style.display = 'block';
isValid = false;
} else {
document.getElementById('err-quantity').style.display = 'none';
}
if (isNaN(density) || density <= 0) {
if(materialSelect.value === 'custom') document.getElementById('err-density').style.display = 'block';
isValid = false;
} else {
document.getElementById('err-density').style.display = 'none';
}
if (!isValid) return;
// Calculations
// 1. Convert dimensions to cm for density calculation (g/cm3)
var radiusCm = (diameter / 10) / 2;
var lengthCm = length / 10;
// 2. Volume in cm3
var volumeCm3 = Math.PI * Math.pow(radiusCm, 2) * lengthCm;
// 3. Weight in grams, then kg
var weightGrams = volumeCm3 * density;
var weightKg = weightGrams / 1000;
// 4. Totals
var totalWeight = weightKg * quantity;
var totalCost = 0;
if (!isNaN(pricePerKg)) {
totalCost = totalWeight * pricePerKg;
}
// Update UI
document.getElementById('singleWeightDisplay').innerText = weightKg.toFixed(3) + " kg";
document.getElementById('totalWeightDisplay').innerText = totalWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('volumeDisplay').innerText = (volumeCm3 * quantity).toFixed(0) + " cm³";
document.getElementById('costDisplay').innerText = totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Update Table
updateTable(diameter, length, density, quantity, totalWeight);
// Update Chart
drawChart(weightKg);
}
function updateTable(d, l, rho, qty, totalW) {
var tbody = document.querySelector('#specTable tbody');
tbody.innerHTML = '';
var rows = [
{ p: 'Diameter', v: d, u: 'mm' },
{ p: 'Length', v: l, u: 'mm' },
{ p: 'Material Density', v: rho, u: 'g/cm³' },
{ p: 'Quantity', v: qty, u: 'pcs' },
{ p: 'Total Weight', v: totalW.toFixed(3), u: 'kg' }
];
for (var i = 0; i < rows.length; i++) {
var tr = document.createElement('tr');
tr.innerHTML = '
' + rows[i].p + ' | ' + rows[i].v + ' | ' + rows[i].u + ' | ';
tbody.appendChild(tr);
}
}
function drawChart(nylonWeight) {
var canvas = document.getElementById('weightChart');
var ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
// Fix resolution for retina
var dpr = window.devicePixelRatio || 1;
var rect = canvas.getBoundingClientRect();
canvas.width = rect.width * dpr;
canvas.height = rect.height * dpr;
ctx.scale(dpr, dpr);
var width = rect.width;
var height = rect.height;
// Clear
ctx.clearRect(0, 0, width, height);
// Comparative Densities (approx)
// Nylon ~ 1.14, Aluminum ~ 2.7, Steel ~ 7.85
// Ratio relative to Nylon
var alRatio = 2.7 / 1.14;
var stRatio = 7.85 / 1.14;
var alWeight = nylonWeight * alRatio;
var stWeight = nylonWeight * stRatio;
var maxVal = stWeight * 1.2; // Scale max
var barWidth = 60;
var gap = (width – (barWidth * 3)) / 4;
var bottomMargin = 30;
var chartHeight = height – bottomMargin – 20; // Top padding
var data = [
{ label: 'Nylon', val: nylonWeight, color: '#004a99' },
{ label: 'Aluminum', val: alWeight, color: '#6c757d' },
{ label: 'Steel', val: stWeight, color: '#343a40' }
];
for (var i = 0; i < data.length; i++) {
var x = gap + (i * (barWidth + gap));
var barHeight = (data[i].val / maxVal) * chartHeight;
var y = height – bottomMargin – barHeight;
// Draw Bar
ctx.fillStyle = data[i].color;
ctx.fillRect(x, y, barWidth, barHeight);
// Draw Label
ctx.fillStyle = '#333';
ctx.font = '12px Arial';
ctx.textAlign = 'center';
ctx.fillText(data[i].label, x + (barWidth/2), height – 10);
// Draw Value
ctx.fillText(data[i].val.toFixed(1) + ' kg', x + (barWidth/2), y – 5);
}
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById('diameter').value = 50;
document.getElementById('length').value = 1000;
document.getElementById('quantity').value = 1;
document.getElementById('price').value = 8.50;
document.getElementById('materialType').value = "1.14";
updateDensity(); // This calls calculate
}
function copyResults() {
var txt = "Nylon Rod Weight Calculation:\n";
txt += "Diameter: " + document.getElementById('diameter').value + " mm\n";
txt += "Length: " + document.getElementById('length').value + " mm\n";
txt += "Quantity: " + document.getElementById('quantity').value + "\n";
txt += "Total Weight: " + document.getElementById('totalWeightDisplay').innerText + "\n";
txt += "Estimated Cost: " + document.getElementById('costDisplay').innerText;
var tempInput = document.createElement("textarea");
tempInput.value = txt;
document.body.appendChild(tempInput);
tempInput.select();
document.execCommand("copy");
document.body.removeChild(tempInput);
var btn = document.querySelector('.btn-copy');
var originalText = btn.innerText;
btn.innerText = "Copied!";
setTimeout(function(){ btn.innerText = originalText; }, 2000);
}