Explore Nylon, a strong and versatile thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, flexibility,
and abrasion resistance—ideal for durable functional parts in FDM 3D printing.
Material Name:
Nylon (Polyamide)
Description:
Nylon, also known as Polyamide, is a family of synthetic polymers renowned for their exceptional
strength, durability, and flexibility. In the context of FDM 3D printing, Nylon offers a unique
combination of high mechanical strength, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. It is hygroscopic,
meaning it absorbs moisture, which can affect printing and final part properties if not properly managed.
Nylon's semi-flexible nature allows for the production of parts that can withstand significant stress and
strain without fracturing. Its chemical resistance to oils, greases, and solvents makes it suitable for
industrial applications. Nylon is widely used in engineering for producing functional prototypes, gears,
bearings, bushings, and mechanical components that require toughness and wear resistance. Despite being
more challenging to print than materials like PLA or ABS, advances in filament formulations have made
Nylon more accessible for 3D printing applications.
Material Type:
Thermoplastic Polymer
Price:
Available color:
Natural (off-white)
Natural (Translucent)
Black
White
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Special Properties:
High Mechanical Strength
Excellent Wear and Abrasion
Resistance
Good Chemical Resistance
Semi-Flexible Nature
Limitations:
Hygroscopic (Moisture
Absorption)
Difficult to Print
Requires Controlled
Environment
Warping Tendencies
Material rating
Key Nylon properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.
Strength5 of 5
Flexibility4 of 5
Detail Resolution3 of
5
Surface Smoothness3 of
5
Heat Resistance4 of 5
Chemical Resistance4 of
5
Ease of Printing2 of 5
Cost Efficiency5 of 5
Applications
Nylon is ideal for producing durable, high-strength functional parts that require
flexibility and wear resistance. Its mechanical properties make it suitable for industrial components,
engineering prototypes, and mechanical assemblies subjected to stress and friction.
Automotive Applications
Gears and bearings
Engine components
Cable ties
Industrial Machinery Applications
Bushings and pulleys
Wear-resistant surfaces
Mechanical fasteners
Consumer Products Applications
Sporting goods
Tool handles
Wearable components
Engineering Prototypes Applications
Functional testing models
Mechanical parts
Durable assemblies
Additional Applications
Functional Prototypes
Mechanical Components
Snap-Fit Parts
Wear-Resistant Surfaces
Mechanical Properties
Exhibits high tensile strength and durability with excellent wear resistance, suitable for parts under
mechanical stress.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 65 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 1,800 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
60%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 90 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 1,500 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 100-150 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 75
Characteristics
Printing with Nylon requires careful environmental control due to its hygroscopic nature
and warping tendencies. It is recommended to dry the filament before printing, use a heated bed, and
maintain consistent ambient temperatures. Adhesion aids and enclosures can improve print quality.
Type
Value
Lead Time
2-6 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance
±0.20%, minimum ±0.2 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height
0.1 mm to 0.3 mm
Thermal Properties
Good heat resistance suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 90°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 80 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
75
Max Service Temperature
Up to 85°C before significant deformation may occur
Electrical Properties
Acts as an electrical insulator with good dielectric properties.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Standard Nylon is not ESD safe; ESD-safe grades are available.
Conductivity
Non-conductive; insulating material
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific Nylon formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is Nylon, and what are its primary characteristics?
Nylon is a strong, durable thermoplastic known for its high tensile strength, flexibility, and
excellent abrasion resistance, making it suitable for functional parts.
Is Nylon hygroscopic, and how does this affect printing?
Yes, Nylon is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to
printing defects like bubbling and poor layer adhesion if not properly dried.
How does Nylon compare to materials like PLA and ABS?
Nylon offers higher strength and flexibility than PLA and ABS but is more challenging to print
due to its sensitivity to moisture and warping tendencies.
Is Nylon suitable for outdoor applications?
Nylon has good UV and chemical resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. However,
prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause degradation over time.
Can Nylon be used for food-contact applications?
Some Nylon grades are FDA-approved for food contact, but printed parts may have surface porosity
that can harbor bacteria. Proper post-processing is necessary for food safety.
What are the ideal print settings for Nylon?
Print temperatures between 240-260°C, bed temperature of 70-90°C, and slower print speeds of
30-60 mm/s are recommended for Nylon.
Does Nylon require a heated bed and enclosure?
Yes, a heated bed is necessary to reduce warping, and an enclosure helps maintain a consistent
temperature, improving print quality.
How can I prevent warping when printing with Nylon?
Use a heated bed, apply adhesives like glue stick or PVA, print with a brim or raft, and
maintain a warm ambient temperature to minimize warping.
Do I need to dry Nylon filament before printing?
Yes, drying Nylon filament is crucial to remove absorbed moisture. This can be done using a
filament dryer or an oven at low temperatures.
Can I print Nylon on a standard FDM printer?
Yes, but the printer must be capable of reaching higher extruder temperatures, and modifications
like an all-metal hotend may be necessary.
Can Nylon prints be dyed or colored after printing?
Yes, Nylon readily absorbs dyes, allowing you to color your prints using fabric dyes in a heated
bath.
Is it possible to sand and paint Nylon prints?
Sanding is possible but challenging due to Nylon's toughness. Painting requires primers suitable
for flexible plastics to ensure adhesion.
How do I remove support material from Nylon prints?
Supports can be manually removed using tools. For complex geometries, consider using
water-soluble support materials like PVA.
Can Nylon parts be smoothed using chemical solvents?
Nylon is resistant to many solvents, making chemical smoothing difficult. Mechanical methods are
more practical for finishing.
How do I bond Nylon parts together?
Specialized adhesives designed for Nylon or mechanical fastening methods are recommended, as
standard glues may not adhere well.
Why is my Nylon print warping or lifting off the bed?
Warping occurs due to Nylon's shrinkage upon cooling. Use a heated bed, adhesion aids, and
maintain ambient temperature to reduce warping.
How can I prevent moisture-related defects in Nylon prints?
Dry the filament thoroughly before printing and store it in airtight containers with desiccants
to prevent moisture absorption.
What causes layer adhesion issues when printing with Nylon?
Insufficient print temperatures or cooling can lead to poor layer adhesion. Ensure the extruder
temperature is adequate and minimize cooling fans.
Why are my Nylon prints brittle or breaking easily?
Moisture in the filament can cause brittleness. Dry the filament and ensure proper print
settings to maintain Nylon's toughness.
How do I fix stringing and oozing in Nylon prints?
Adjust retraction settings, lower print temperatures, and ensure the filament is dry to reduce
stringing and oozing.
Can Nylon be used in dual-extrusion printers with other materials?
Yes, but pairing materials with similar print temperatures is crucial. Combining Nylon with PVA
for supports is possible.
Are there different types of Nylon filaments available?
Yes, variations like Nylon 6, Nylon 12, and Nylon blends with additives like carbon fiber offer
different properties.
Can Nylon prints be annealed to improve properties?
Annealing can relieve internal stresses but may cause warping or dimensional changes. It
requires careful control of heating and cooling.
How does Nylon respond to environmental factors like chemicals or UV exposure?
Nylon has good chemical resistance to oils and greases but can degrade under strong acids or
bases. UV-resistant grades are available.
Is Nylon recyclable or environmentally friendly?
Recycling Nylon is possible but not commonly practiced for 3D printed parts. It is not
biodegradable but offers durability for long-term use.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
Nylon is available across multiple 3D printing technologies including FDM, SLS, and MJF. Consider these related materials:
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