Nylon (polyamide) filaments for 3D printers

Polyamide or nylon is part of the branch of synthetic polymers, being one of the most resistant and durable materials, which was initially found mainly in the textile sector, and its history dates back to before the Second World War.

What is nylon (polyamide)

The technical name of the material is polyamide (PA) and the colloquial name is nylon; the material is appreciated above all for its properties, for its hardness and resistance to strong impacts and high temperatures.

Properties of nylon include:

• • The hardness

• • Abrasion resistance

• • Absorbent character

• • Heat resistance

• • Elasticity

• • Resilience

What are the advantages of nylon (polyamide) filaments.

A hard material with a low friction coefficient, nylon has numerous advantages that are worth mentioning:

• • flexibility

• • Very high impact resistance

• • No unpleasant odors when printing

• • Abrasion resistance

Nylon filaments – disadvantages

Before choosing nylon filaments for 3D printing you must also know the weak points that this material has:

• • Absorbs water if not stored properly

• • Filaments that are not properly dried can cause faulty printing

• • It is not suitable for environments with high humidity

In which sectors do we recommend the use of 3D nylon filaments

Originally known for its applications in the textile industry, 3D nylon filaments have expanded their uses; a durable and versatile material with physical and chemical properties, 3D polyamide filament finds its usefulness in numerous sectors:

For cables and tools

In the construction sector, polyamide filament it is mainly used for its properties, being resistant and long-lasting. Applications where we can use nylon filament include:

• • Cables

• • tube

• • Pipes

• • Screws

• • Safety nets

• • WASHERS

• • Hydraulic fittings.

In the electronics/home appliances sector

Nylon filament is also widely used in the electrical industry, due to its resistance to wear and high-energy radiation (gamma and X-rays):

• • Circuit isolation boards

• • switching

• • Electronic seals

• • Hardware parts.

In medicine

Nylon was the first synthetic polymer used successfully in the medical industry, being used mainly for medical tubing, but also in other industrial applications:

• • Medicine containers;

• • Medical gloves;

• • Systems;

• • Toothbrushes;

• • Medicine boxes;

• • Catheter.

In textile production

In the textile industry, nylon has its history in World War II, when it was used to make parachutes. With the end of the war, new uses for the material were identified, the first of which was the underwear industry; In a short time, nylon became the material of choice for underwear and tights. Other applications of nylon in the textile industry are:

• • Socks

• • Sports bras and tops

• • Yoga pants

• • Leggings

• • Sportswear: windbreakers, raincoats, ski trousers and suits, etc.

Combined with other materials, nylon also forms the basis of the clothing we wear every day.

In the auto industry

The popularity of nylon increased in the 1970s, when several industries were already using this material. Today Nylon filament is also used in the automotive industry:

• • Cast parts

• • Seat belts

• • Pedal

• • Gears.

Which 3D printers are nylon filaments compatible with?

A versatile, durable, strong and flexible material with increased adhesion between layers, nylon filaments are ideal for 3D printing due to their strength. The difficulty of using Nylon filaments is medium and the shrinkage/deformation is notable.

Printing with Nylon filaments can be a challenge if we do not carefully choose the right 3D printer; an important reference point is printing technology, because FDM technologies do 3D printing with polyamide filament harder than SLS.

What technologies do you need to use nylon filaments

The most suitable technology for optimal printing with polyamide filament is SLS – selective laser sintering. When printed with SLS printers, nylon is usually used in a powdery, dusty state. With SLS printers, printing is a simple process and the end result lives up to expectations.

However, if you need something much faster and with greater dimensional accuracy, a 3D printer with MJF technology – Multi-jet fusion – is an equally suitable option. In the case of MJF printing, the advantage is that 70% of the excess nylon powder is recycled and can be reused.

Differences between Nylon filaments and other types of 3D filaments

PLA, ABS, PET, nylon and PP polypropylene are some of the most popular materials for 3D printing. Have a common point against accessible, all these materials have advantages and disadvantages:

3D Nylon versus PLA filament

PLA filament is, like ABS, a thermoplastic material. PLA filament is more durable and strong than nylon, but has much higher chemical resistance and flexibility. Durability is better with nylon and its impact resistance is higher than PLA. Compared to PLA filament, 3D nylon filament is more heat resistant.

3D Nylon versus ABS filament

ABS, a weaker and less rigid material than PLA filament, is as strong and durable as nylon. However, the resistance of ABS over time is significantly lower, as is the chemical resistance. ABS filament is more heat resistant than nylon and both require special attention in the printing process; they must be extruded at high temperatures, and since both tend to absorb moisture from the air, they must be stored in completely dry places.

Fellary 3D Nylon 3D versus PET/PET-G

Nylon and PET filament are synthetic materials used in similar industries; both nylon and PET are water resistant, but react differently to fire: nylon melts before burning, while PET melts and burns at the same time. Nylon is a more resistant filament than PET, but its price is also higher.

3D Filament Nylon vs. Polypropylene PP

PP polypropylene is a much less durable material than nylon, even though their lifespan is similar. Polypropylene is a variant with high chemical resistance, but also more sustainable than nylon. However, 3D nylon filaments are much more flexible but absorb much more water. Polypropylene is also more resistant to UV rays than nylon.

Frequently asked questions about 3D nylon filament

Are nylon filaments biodegradable?

Nylon filaments are extremely durable, which means they are not biodegradable. However, since they are plastic, they can be recycled.

How are nylon filaments stored?

Nylon filaments tend to absorb moisture from the air, making printing difficult, which is why they need to be stored out of the sun and completely dry.

What is the recommended temperature for printing with nylon filaments?

The printing temperature with nylon filaments is between 240 and 260 degrees Celsius, while the print bed temperature should be between 70 and 100 degrees Celsius.

What is post-processing of 3D printed objects with Nylon filaments

One of the advantages of Nylon is that the finish after printing is uniform, so some surface post-processing is necessary in this chapter. Objects 3D printed with Nylon filaments can easily be dyed with special substances.