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Best Nylon Filaments For 3D Printing + Best Nylon Filament Brands
Best Nylon 3D Printer Filament Brands, Features, Settings, And More.
3D printing can become way cooler and fun using the best nylon filament, which is much more durable and stronger than ABS and PLA filaments. They can withstand a high amount of heat, shocks, and impact, making them one of the best industrial 3d printer filaments you can find in the market.
Nylon filament is one of the most versatile printing materials because it is used as a filament in FDM 3D printers and in powdered form in SLS 3D printers and MJF 3D printing techniques. It is a common 3D printing filament that provides a great finish with incredible strength and flexibility, thus helping you to create high-quality models.
If you are in a hurry, check these products that are the best for quality prints and performance.
- Overall Best Nylon Filament: OVERTURE Nylon Filament
- Best Budget Nylon Filament: Taulman3D Alloy 910 Black Nylon 3D Printing Filament
- Best Compatible Nylon Filament: HATCHBOX PA Nylon 3D Printer Filament
- Best Composite Nylon Filament: CarbonX Carbon Fiber Nylon 3D Printing Filament
- Best Glass Filled Nylon Filament: Polymaker Glass Fiber Nylon Filament
If you are not using the best quality nylon filament then the project you are working on is liable to fall apart, but the full onus is not on you as there are various types of nylon filament manufacturers that claim to be the best but not all of them are true. We have put together this article with in-depth research on every nylon filament brand to help you out choosing the best filament from the best brand that can help you grow your 3D printing business furthermore.
Best Nylon Filament
Quick List Of Best Nylon 3D Printing Filament
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Nylon Filament Reviews
Best Brands Of Nylon 3D Printing Filament
OVERTURE
OVERTURE Nylon Filament with 3D Build Surface 200mm × 200mm
This nylon filament is based on a copolymer of Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6, a strong and tough thermoplastic polymer with a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.05 which is great for creating parts that need to be strong and durable and is highly sought after by engineers for production of prototypes. This CoPA filament is known to produce high-quality prints with a combination of excellent strength, toughness, and heat resistance up to 180 degrees.
As per Overture’s claims, this filament comes with zero warpings while also being odorless, upon printing with this material we found that the manufacturer is true to their words only the thing is that you need to adjust your nozzle temperature between 250-270 degrees while maintaining a heat bed temperature of 25-50 degrees to incorporate this filament into your printer.
It eases the printing process owing to its humanized inner diameter design that makes the feeding smoother. You will enjoy printing with this material even if you are a newbie or have been printing for some time now, furthermore, it is highly cost-effective and works with most of the 3D printers making it ideal for homeowners and small businesses.
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SainSmart
SainSmart Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon Filament (Black ePA-CF)
This filament from Sainsmart features a lower shrink rate, higher strength, and rigidity, less warpage and more resistant to wear and tear compared to the traditional nylon filament. It is manufactured with a blend of 75% nylon and 25% carbon fiber which in turn improves its rigidy and print prformance. It has the capability of producing high-quality parts with stunning sunning surface finish that are easy to process while delivering functionality, stiffness, dimensional stability and high heat resistance.
All these features make it ideal for printing both strong and flexible industrial parts, prosthetics, medical equipment, and complex costumes, etc. Just remember to maintain a nozzle temperature between 240-260 degrees and build surface temperature between 80-90 degrees, though considered a professional grade filament, it can be used by beginner as well but with some prior knowledge, but once you use it you will surely love it.
Taulman 3D
taulman3D Alloy 910 Black Nylon 3D Printing Filament
Taulman 3D is one of the most innovative filaments brands out there. This nylon filament from Taulman is performance grade, which means it is ideal for printing functional parts, especially gears, where parts rub against each other. Plastic are abrasive and can’t be used in such applications because they will create plastic dust and degrade over time.
But the case of this filament is very different as it is not much abrasive rather is smooth and won’t degrade when they rub against each other. The most amazing fact is the price point of this nylon filament which is fairly low. You can pick up a spool for about the same price as a regular roll of PLA or ABS depending on the size of the spool and grade.
HATCHBOX
HATCHBOX PA Nylon 3D Printer Filament
This Filament from Hatchbox is one of the most versatile filaments that can be easily used in many a projects without any hiccup. This filament can be flexible in relatively thin sheets and solid in a thicker slab. You can make virtually anything with this 2.2-pound of 1.75 mm spool of polyamide. A phone case, dog tag, or a wallet – you can make it all. While you’re printing, you’ll notice that this nylon produces amazingly accurate results.
The manufacturers have boiled precision down to a science. On even the sharpest corners, it’s dimensionally accurate at about +/- 0.03 mm. Moreover, it doesn’t require a heated bed when you keep the printing temperature Within a range of 200 to 220⁰C. The print won’t shrink over time, as some other materials might. Of course, one thing Hatchbox didn’t forget is that we love using colored nylon and it comes in various bold and bright color variants you may like.
eSUN
eSUN ePA 1.75mm Nylon 3D Printer Filament
This eSUN’s filament is a great choice that has a larger than average spool that maintains an even pull throughout the 3D printing process as uneven pull can affect the overall print quality, and you might face this issue more with smaller-diameter spools than bigger ones. As with any ePA filament, this one also absorbs moisture more than you’d like. It’s best to keep it dry before, during, and after printing.
Despite the absorbing nature of this nylon, it’s not a victim of shrinkage. Your prints will hold form decently for a long while, even after printing. No matter how fine your print is, it’s no good if it’s not accurate, but using this filament you can never go wrong and we can assure you that this filament is accurate up to 0.05 mm and you will be satisfied with the results. Lastly, this nylon gives you super durable prints that last longer than the competitors, you won’t have a problem. And the 2.2-pound spool has a 1.75 mm filament that works with most 3D printers.
Polymaker
Polymaker Glass Fiber Nylon Filament (PA6-GF)
If you want a nylon filament that prevents warping issue right off the bat then this filament from Polymaker. The anti-warp assurance comes from the consistent 2.85 diameter of the fiber itself. Unlike poor-quality products, the PolyMide CoPA maintains thickness all through. The density remains the same from start to end which in turn delivers satisfyingly straight surfaces on any print.
Another related feature is that this filament does not need a heating chamber to give great results as it is capable of holding its form for a longer period of time. Thermal durability is important, and that’s what you get. This polyamide doesn’t start to get soft until temperatures hit 180⁰C, and it has an even higher melting point and is also quite heavy-duty as it flexes on a thin print but isn’t likely to break easily. It is compatible with most 3D printers and is relatively easy to use. And of course, it comes in a neutral color as well as black.
Gizmo Dorks
Gizmo Dorks 1.75mm Nylon Filament
If you are looking for a filament which doesn’t melt on the slightest of temperatures then this nylon 3D printer filament from Gizmo Dorks is perfect for professional use which doesn’t reach pyrolysis until temperatures reach 350⁰C. As for strength, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how strong it is. Peptide bonds hold the material together, like any strong polyamide. You’ll find it to be remarkably resistant to breakage, especially if you use a higher fill setting. It will, however, be flexible if you print a thin sheet.
We recommend air-sealed containers for storing it as just like other hygroscopic filament it will absorb moisture if left out in the open. The filament is 1.75mm thick in diameter, which nicely pairs with this 2.2-pound roll. Warping is a far smaller concern since the manufacturers have made sure to maintain consistency in the build. Additionally, the heat resistance helps retain print form. This nylon can work fast too. You will get 28mm/s to 34mm/s print speeds with it, and your print should finish quickly depending on size. It’s best to use a heated bed for perfect results. But you can work without one, too, it should churn out decent results anyway.
MakerBot
MakerBot Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber Filament
If you are looking for a filament which provides resistance towards moisture then this filament from the 3D printer manufacturers Makerbot is the thing that you should go for. This nylon 12 carbon fiber offers 6000 Mpa tensile modulus making printing easier, delivering more consistent results and parts that can perform in a wide range of environments. Smart Spool provides valuable information including material type, color, and amount remaining via an RFID chip directly to MakerBot Print, while a desiccant in the spool maintains a low moisture level inside the drawer bay.
Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber filament and method makes it accessible to anyone for nearly any application, from simple tools to complex end-use parts. It helps print fast and effortless carbon fiber parts. Furthermore, with reinforced nylon it is optimized for high strength to weight ratio, stiffness, and heat resistance making it ideal for structural applications and metal replacements. It provides the easiest carbon fiber composite 3D printing experience thanks to superior moisture resistance. This means Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber is less affected by moisture and will retain more of its performance in the presence of moisture.
DREMEL
DREMEL 3D Nylon Filament (DF45-NYP-B)
$33.98 in stock
The major downside of this filament is compatibility as it works only with the Dremel 3D printers and will malfunction when used with other 3D printers. However, this 1.8-pound spool of 1.75 mm filament is a delight to use as you will barely face any warping issues or disfigured smaller prints. Furthermore, it needs only minimal post-processing as the printed edges are quite smooth and sanding like a woodworker isn’t necessary.
Durability and flexibility aren’t mutually exclusive, even though you may have to sacrifice one for the other sometimes. With this product, you won’t have to. The nylon is both decently durable and flexible. You’ll get more flex on thinner sheets, and they are less prone to breaking. On the less fortunate side, it softens at lower temperatures than its competitors. The recommended printing temperature is 245⁰C. For a longer lifespan, we suggest keeping it away from heated areas.
KODAK
This filament from Kodak is perfect for enthusiasts and professionals, thanks to its world-class accuracy and quality. You can rest well with your print flying out in the open on a drone. It comes in a vacuum-sealed Ziploc bag that you can use again too. This nylon filament will give you smooth prints together with taking less time on post-processing, and looks good out of the oven.
You can always apply an extra finish for the perfect results, and you can paint over the surface easily too. When you’re working on delicate projects and need to focus on minute details, there’s no room for errors which is evident by the fact that it provides a dimensional accuracy of 0.03 mm delivering best-in-class prints. We suggest you print at temperatures between 240⁰C to 250⁰C. You’ll find that this nylon makes some of the strongest machine components, and they’re impact-resistant.
3DX
CarbonX Carbon Fiber Nylon 3D Printing Filament
This is one of the best carbon fiber nylon filament from 3DX that has the capability of resisting heat and moisture owing to its smart designing of fibers 5-10 micrometers wide made of carbon and are aligned following the axis of the material which gives this material it’s excellent properties. This material is particularly abrasive among 3D printing filaments which is why it’s strongly recommended that this material be printed through a hardened steel nozzle rather than a softer metal. It is Ideal for any application which require light weight and rigidity. For these reasons, this reinforced filament is very popular in aerospace, civil engineering, the military, and motorsports.
All About Nylon Filament
What is Nylon Filament
Nylon, a form of synthetic polymer, is a sturdy and long-lasting material that was first seen in textiles. Polyamide (PA) is the technical term for the material, whereas “nylon” is the common term . The toughness of the material, as well as its resistance to high temperatures and impacts, with low coefficient of friction makes it stand out from other printing materials
PA 6 and PA 66 are more common types of nylon filaments used for manufacturing Both are popular because of their high processability and inexpensive cost, with PA 6 being more popular in 3D printing because of its somewhat superior processibility. These materials are highly hygroscopic which means they absorb more moisture, which might cause the polymers to deteriorate.
Types Of Nylon Filament -: Nylon 6 Vs Nylon 12
When it comes to grades of nylon, the most common are nylon 6 and nylon 66 or 6/6. The more common brand for this is the Taulman nylon filament. They also produce other variations of nylon 6 such as nylon 645 and 618. These two grade variations offer great hardness and strength. However, they may not be as chemically stable compared to nylon 12. With nylon 12 3D printing filament, you can expect it to hold its form consistently even at temperatures of varying range. It is also not as sensitive in terms of water absorption.
3D Printer Nylon filament Properties
Nylon filament is known for being extremely tough and durable, as well as for its flexibility. Though ABS is known for its toughness, Nylon is a step above, with very high impact resistance, abrasion resistance and increased flexibility.
While filaments like PLA can be brittle, Nylon is tough, and when printed thick it can handle large shocks and impacts. Unlike ABS, it does not print with bad odors. This makes it ideal for functional parts that can be made quickly using rapid prototyping, tested for errors, and quickly iterated on. Nylon filaments are hygroscopic which means that it absorbs a lot of moisture from the surroundings and needs to be stored in a air tight storage to keep its quality intact. Nylon also offers very good surface finish if you use the right 3D slicer and printing settings, and despite the toughness can be printed very intricately and accurately.
Advantages Of Nylon 3D Printer Filament
The nylon 3D filaments have various advantages of their own such as durability, strength, flexibility, and delivering high-quality prints.
One of the big reasons that many people choose to 3D print with nylon filament is its durability. Nylon is one of the most rigid filaments you can use. Therefore, it is excellent for printing off tough printed objects, and if you need durability in your 3D models, nylon is perfect for this. Using nylon filament means that it will take a lot of work to break your 3D printed models and parts. Even though plastic filaments such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and PLA are perhaps more common, nylon is more robust and durable.
Another big reason to go with nylon filament for your 3D printing material is down to its flexibility. This flexible filament means it has great shock absorption properties. If you need to print 3D objects that regularly experience a lot of force, nylon is a great choice. In addition, this filament has superior impact resistance, so nylon is a fantastic filament to use for moving parts and mechanical gears.
This might not seem as an advantage to many but this property enables the printed models of nylon filament to be painted easily.
Nylon is perfect for functional parts that need to be able to hold up to significant, long-term strains, and for testing whether a design will work.
Disadvantages Of Nylon 3D Filaments
Everything in this world has an upside and downside and nylon filaments too come with some disadvantages that make them somewhat hard to control.
How To Print With Nylon Filament
Nylon filaments are often tricky to print with. They usually require higher print temperatures and a heated print bed in order to prevent warping.
The best temperature for printing with nylon filaments is often higher than 240 degrees. You will have to test several higher temperatures to figure out which temperature works best for you.
- Make sure your hotend can handle temperatures higher than 240 degrees. All metal hotends work best.
- The best materials for the printer bed are Garolite and Glass, since they can handle higher temperatures. Use a little PVA Glue help the nylon stick better.
- If you haven’t stored the nylon properly with a desiccant, make sure to dry the nylon filament before printing with it. Nylon absorbs water very easily.
Printer Settings
- An extruder temperature of around 250C is used to 3D print Nylon, though some prefer to print at a lower temperature, and some slightly higher. Between 220C and 260C is the broad temperature range. Maintaining a speed of 30-60mm/s while creating 0.2mm-0.4mm heighted layers is very important to get the optimal result out of the filament.
- You will certainly need a heated bed to print Nylon to prevent warping. Most professionals and hobbyists use between 70-90C heated bed temperatures, though some recommend going even higher, at 100C. Without a heated bed, parts will cool too quickly, leading to warping and curling that ruins your parts.
- For the same reason it is highly recommended to use an enclosure or heated chamber when printing Nylon filament. These enclosures maintain a hot temperature around the print, so the part cools at a steady, slower rate that reduces warping and curling.
- Using the correct build surface is also key to an accurate part, as this improves bed adhesion and reduces warping. Makers often use glue stick, PEI sheets, and Kapton tape, though this changes slightly depending on what type of print bed you have.
Tips To Get Best Results
- Use a 3D printer with an enclosure: Some Nylons are prone to warping as a result from the huge change between the printing temperature and the outside environment. A heated bed can help, especially with the bottom layers, but a heated chamber or enclosure work far better at controlling warping and curling.
- Optimize printing settings: if necessary, consider using brims or rafts to prevent warping, and use the correct heated bed and extruder temperatures for the best results.
- Dry filament before use / uses an airtight filament container: dry filament prints better quality, stronger, and more crisp surface finish parts.
How to store nylon filament
Nylon is extremely hygroscopic, absorbing huge amounts of water from the air, which can ruin printing quality and result in weaker, bubbly parts. To prevent this, Nylon filament should be kept in a filament container.
Nylon filament dryers
Another important factor is to ensure the Nylon filament you use is dry. If not, parts will be weaker, rougher and bubbly. Nylon is extremely hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs large amounts of moisture from the air, worsening printing quality. Nylon filament needs to be stored in airtight containers when not used, and dried if it has been out in the open beforehand. Filament dryers remove a significant amount of the moisture that your filament absorbs, resulting in better quality prints with better surface finish. A dryer, coupled with the appropriate storage container, can keep Nylon in great printing shape for a long time.
Nylon filament application
- Nylon is commonly used to create durable and long-lasting plastic gears, screws, hinges, nuts and bolts and cable ties. Beyond this, custom parts that need to be strong, as well as somewhat flexible, are often best for Nylon.
- Nylon is commonly used to make gears due to its low friction and good abrasion resistance, with its flexibility also making it useful to create hinges. Within 3D printing, Nylon is used in durable parts for rapid prototyping, as well as often in homemade maker projects such as on drones or RC cars.
- In the textiles industry, nylon is used in the manufacturing of fishing lines, and food packaging.
- In the fashion industry, nylon is used as a fabric to manufacture products like hosiery, lingerie, raincoats, windbreakers, and athletic wear used in sports.
- In the electronics industry, nylon is used as insulators and switch housings.
- In the automotive industry, nylon is used in the production of parts such as intake manifolds, door handles, and radiator grills.
- In consumer products, nylon is used in sporting goods such as ski bindings and skateboard wheels.
- In manufacturing machinery for moving parts such as gears and rollers.
Buyer’s Guide
Things To Look For When Buying The Best Nylon Filaments
Nylon filaments have become top choice for several professionals because of its ability to carry weight, flexibility, and durability. Below we have put together few important things to consider before you set out for buying, going through them can easily help you to land on the best nylon filament for 3D printing that can meet all your needs and desires.
Any thin print will be more flexible than a thicker one. If you want a thin but stiff end-result, you can find options that suit your needs. As there can be varying degrees of flexibility to this material, and you might need more or less of it.
Filaments will usually mention the accuracy in their product description or packaging. However, a better option will cost more. Accuracy is essential in engineering projects, especially if you’re printing tiny mechanical components. It can be difficult to work if the screws or bolts you make don’t fit with other parts. Any dimensional accuracy under 0.05mm is really good.
Nylon is a great choice on its own, but there are certain times when you’d want to consider a carbon fiber or a glass compound infused with nylon. These have their advantages. While nylon doesn’t quite break easily, a carbon fiber mix will make it stronger. It isn’t all that flexible but is powerful in strength. Glass fiber is another industrial-grade option you can try.
Unlike most other filament options, nylon is hygroscopic. To make it simpler, it can absorb moisture from thin air and eventually lose its fresh quality. While this may cause concern, storing in an airtight and cool environment keeps nylon filament in near-perfect shape. But being hygroscopic also has advantages. It makes painting over your prints far easier; layering adhesives is another upside as well.
Prices vary based on the type and blend, but generally the cheapest Nylon filaments cost around $30 per kilo. Typical high-quality filament can expect to cost more than $50 per kilo and upwards. Major filament brands such as Polymaker, HATCHBOX and more make their own Nylon filaments, as well as 3D printer manufacturers such as Dremel and Makerbot.
Conclusion
The best nylon filament for 3D printers is in high demand, from casual use by enthusiasts to professional-grade applications. There are many grades of nylon available, and some are better than others. The best nylon filament brands in the list above will give you a nice range of options to choose from. Hopefully, one of the brands above offers a nylon that will fit your needs. But to be honest, if you can’t find what you are looking for here, it probably doesn’t exist yet. We liked GEETECH filament the most owing to its quality print and performance. Once you try it you will definitely love it.
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