Lightweight Engineering Plastics Replace Metal! All Around Polymer Launches Nylon Composite Frames

All Around Polymer Co. has launched a data-driven nylon compounding framework aimed at significantly shortening the validation cycle for manufacturers using lightweight engineered plastics as metal alternatives.

This company, based in Tainan City, Taiwan, operates under the Ardlon brand and has developed a method to address the growing industry pressure for lighter and more durable materials in automotive, outdoor, and industrial applications. The company states that its framework combines Design of Experiments (DOE), standardized testing protocols, and predictive modeling to help engineers select materials with greater confidence.

Meet lightweight requirements.

As manufacturers seek to reduce carbon emissions, improve production efficiency, and optimize material costs, the global shift towards lightweight design continues to accelerate. However, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face increasing challenges in ensuring dimensional stability and long-term reliability when replacing metals with engineering plastics.

"Our data-driven framework elevates nylon compounding from art to science," said C.H. Wu of All Around Polymer. "By replacing trial and error with measurable reliability, Ardlon enables global manufacturers to accelerate validation cycles, achieve dimensional stability, and confidently replace metal with lightweight alternatives."

A three-pronged material solution

Ardlon's nylon solutions offer three key advantages for metal replacement applications.

High-intensity performance.A grade containing up to 70% glass fiber (RAG14) offers a stiffness-to-weight ratio comparable to that of metal, while maintaining design freedom through injection molding.

Impact modification.When adding ENZ impact modification agents, the resulting impact-modified nylon balances stiffness and toughness, minimizing brittleness in high glass fiber components.

Dimensional stability.Low moisture content polyamide ensures consistent performance in high humidity environments and provides traceable results throughout the entire production process.

Actual automotive applications

Nylon composites have become a key material in automotive manufacturing, boasting exceptional strength, lightweight properties, and outstanding wear resistance. According to the company, these advanced materials are transforming the production of engine components, interior parts, and structural body panels, directly contributing to improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle durability across the automotive industry.

From enhancing the thermal performance under the hood to reducing the weight of exterior panels, nylon compounds are driving innovation in modern automotive engineering. All Around Compounding states that it is meeting this market demand by offering custom nylon materials specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements of global automakers.

In a recent project in collaboration with a Tier 1 automotive supplier, Ardlon applied its framework to optimize a PA66 GF50 compound with calibrated ENZ impact resistance packages. The solution balanced stiffness and toughness while providing precise drying parameters and molding window guidance.

Achieving batch consistency through the application of statistical process control thresholds significantly shortens the verification cycle, helping OEMs accelerate the time to market for their next-generation vehicle platforms.

Company Background

All Around Polymer specializes in the compounding of nylon (polyamide) and polypropylene, offering customized solutions for PA6, PA66, PA12, and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP+GF). The company provides nylon compounds for injection molding and extrusion processes. It offers reinforcement, impact modification, and additive packages to support the automotive, furniture, outdoor, and sports markets.

The company collaborates with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to provide services ranging from DOE-based material selection to on-site testing and custom color matching for production-ready solutions.