Nylon has an enduring popularity within the 3D printing industry. It is applicable to both material extrusion and powder bed fusion 3D printing technologies. It can be difficult to print on a desktop 3d printer, so we’ve gathered a few tips and tricks.
About Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer which is based on polyamides. It’s resilient, strong, durable and a tad bit flexible. Another property is that it’s hydroscopic. This means it absorbs liquids. This makes nylon a good choice when you need to dye your printed part in a certain color. It also means that nylon filament has a short shelf live and is difficult to store.
Functional 3D printed parts
Since nylon has such a unique durability to flexibility ratio, it is often used for functional parts. Think of prosthetics, medical equipment, connectors and living hinges.
These nylon connectors were printed on a Dremel 3D45. Read our 3D45 review here.
Why Nylon?
Nylon has its own distinct pros and cons:
Pros
- Nylon is very resilient and durable.
- Excellent strength to flexibility ratio.
- Easily colored / dyed.
- UV resistant and higher chemical resistance than PLA or ABS.
Cons
- Nylon is very sensitive to moisture and must be kept dry.
- You’ll need to store nylon filament in a moisture free container or drybox.
- You might need to dry it in an oven prior to printing.
- First layers tends to warp.
- Most nylon brands have a shelf life of max. 12 months.
- Nylon can (potentially) shrink during cooling so printed parts may be less precise.
Requirements
There are quite a few desktop printers that are capable of printing nylon filament. Due to it’s moisture absorption and being sensitive to temperature changes we recommend to use:
- A print chamber enclosure (temperature controlled would be even better).
- Heated bed not necessary for all nylon filaments (yet preferable).
- Some sort of adhesion spray or glue stick to prevent warping.
Print Temperature
Things can get tricky here. Nylons can vary widely in terms of temperatures, cause each brand has their own range of nylons. Temperatures can range from 446 °F / 230 °C all the way up to 572 °F / 300 °C.
Featured Nylon Filament
Nexeo Novamid ID 1030 Nylon, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 220°C – 245°C
- - Print bed: 80°C - 120°C
- - Print chamber: 40°C - 70°C
- Manufacturer:
- Nexeo
- Type:
- Nylon
- Application:
- Connectors, Hinges, Shafts and levers
- Property:
- Durable, Impact resistant, Strong
Taulman 230 Nylon, 1.75mm, 450g Spool, Natural
Taulman 230 Nylon, 1.75mm, 450g Spool, Natural.
Taulman3D Nylon 230 is an easy to print nylon with great properties.
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 228°C - 235°C
- - Print bed: Roomtemperature
- Manufacturer:
- Taulman 3D
- Type:
- Nylon
- Application:
- Fan blades, Housings
- Property:
- Durable, Impact resistant, Strong
Taulman 680 Nylon, 1.75mm, 450g Spool, Natural
Taulman 680 Nylon, 1.75mm, 450g Spool, Natural.
Nylon 680 is a medical grade nylon which is slightly more transparent than Nylon 645. This is to support non-destructive visual inspection of the printed part. This filament is a non-leaching FDA nylon that's capable of low temperature sterilization techniques (specifically, Ethylene oxide and high temperature sterilization as in Flash Steam post processing).
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 250°C - 255°C
- - Print bed: 30°C - 65°C
- - Print chamber: 30°C - 100°C
- Manufacturer:
- Taulman 3D
- Type:
- Nylon
- Application:
- Connectors, Food containers, Hinges, Shafts and levers
- Property:
- Durable, FDA approved, Impact resistant, Strong
Polymaker PolyMide Nylon, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, Black
Polymaker PolyMide Nylon, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, Black.
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 250°C - 270°C
- - Print bed: 25°C – 70°C
- Manufacturer:
- Polymaker
- Type:
- Nylon
- Application:
- Connectors, Outdoor, Thermostat housings
- Property:
- High temperature resistant, Strong
Mathieu says
Hi Ahmed, thanks for great article. Which affordable 3d printer would you recommend for a small business printing nylon all day long, and quite big parts. ? Many thanks, Mathieu
Peter Strikwerda says
Hi Mathieu. I would recommend the Bolt Pro https://3dprinting.com/pricewatch/3d-printer/leapfrog-bolt-pro/
Dorothy Tang says
Hi,
which kind of support material can i use with nylon?
Peter says
It depends on which brands you use, but you have a good chance PVA will work just fine.
Jamie B. says
Hi Ahmed,
I was wondering if you would still recommend the Bolt Pro as the best 3d printer for nylon. I am looking to print parts that production grade in strength but also with a fine surface finish, I realize that is asking a lot. Any advice is appreciated.
Best -Jamie
Sumant says
Hi,
Do we have any solvent for nylon?
Peter Strikwerda says
I think you can try both PVA and HIPS, but it really depends on which printer you use and which filament brand.
Das_Sams says
Solvent for Polyamide is concentrated formic acid.