Polyamide is a hygroscopic material-this means that it absorbs and releases water. The mechanical properties are significantly affected by the water content-especially flexibility and minimum tensile strength. In a standard atmosphere of 23°C and 50% relative humidity，the degree of water saturation of polyamide is around 2.5% for optimal processing of cable ties it is therefore important that the polyamide has a water content of approximately 2.5% in a state of equilibrium.
The quality and functionality of the products are thus affected by the water content，therefore the correct storage of our products is crucial. Since humidity is so critical to the quality of the tie, the question arises. What happens if the tie is installed and the water content in the tie alters? The water content determines the flexibility and strength of a tie. At a water content of approximately 2.5% the tie has ideal flexibility for installation.
When the strap is being threaded through the head of the tie, the pawl must be flexible enough to seesaw over the serration of the strap without breaking. On the other hand, there must also be adequate material rigidity for the serrations of the pawl to engage with the serrations of the strap during the tying process so that a positive locking action is achieved. After achieving the positive locking action the tie is in a static condition. Changes in the mechanical properties of the tie as a function of water content are insignificant during this status.
Virtually, all brittleness problems occur in outdoor applications in very cold weather, or where cable ties have been stored for long periods in an uncontrolled condition. However, once cable ties are installed around a wire or cable, they are under static condition and virtually immune to brittleness.
Nelco cable ties, fastenings and fixings are manufactured from high-quality polyamide (PA). This industrial synthetic material is mainly processed using injection molding, but can also be extruded.Polyamide is a hygroscopic material. This means that the material absorbs and loses moisture. For optimum handing of cable ties it is important that the material is in a condition of equilibrium with a water content of approximately 2.5%.
The packaging used by Nelco ensures that the water content in the material remains constant.
Therefore, it is important to store the products in their original packaging to preserve the quality of the ties.
