Material Guide25 July 2026

Which Compound to Use to Manufacture a Self-Lubricating Gear

What Is It?

NEXXALON™ Self Lubricated Compound disperses PTFE or MoS2 solid lubricant particles, at loadings up to 20%, through the PA6 matrix instead of relying on an external grease or oil.

How It's Manufactured

PTFE or MoS2 powder is metered into the PA6 melt on a twin-screw extruder. Because these solid lubricants do not melt or bond chemically with the polyamide the way glass fiber does, achieving even particle dispersion without agglomeration is the key compounding challenge for consistent friction performance.

Manufacturing Process for This Application

Gears and actuator components are injection molded from the dried, lubricant-filled compound. Because the solid lubricant migrates slightly to the part surface during molding and use, the compound is specified precisely where this behaviour is wanted — anywhere the part cannot practically be greased or re-greased in service.

Why Polymer Choice Matters Here

A gear that cannot be greased (sealed housings, food or clean-room equipment, or components that are simply inaccessible after assembly) has to build its low-friction, low-wear behaviour into the material itself — an unfilled or glass-filled PA6 would run hotter and wear faster under sustained sliding or meshing contact without an external lubricant.

Why This Compound Is Suited

The dry lubrication, anti-friction, and improved wear resistance this grade provides is precisely the property set needed for gears, sleeves, actuators, and clutches that must run without external lubrication.

Nexxa Compounds is a leading manufacturer of PA6 compounds for self-lubricating gear applications in India, supplying some of the largest manufacturers across India and internationally.

View full PA6 compound specification →

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