Nylon filament is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and robust materials in the 3D printing world. Also known as nylon 3D printer filament, nylon 3D filament, or simply nylon filament 3D printer material, this polymer brings together flexibility, strength, abrasion resistance, and chemical durability in a single spool. Whether you’re looking at standard nylon, black nylon 3D printer filament, or advanced composites like carbon fibre, carbon, carbon reinforced , or glass filled nylon filament, there’s a nylon filament option for every need.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes nylon filament unique, how it’s made, how to choose and print with it, and where it performs best.
What Is Nylon Filament?
Definition and Composition
“Nylon” refers to a family of thermoplastic polymers known as polyamides (commonly PA6, PA66, PA12) is one of the best 3D printing materials that exhibit high toughness and flexibility. When converted into a usable form for additive manufacturing, the material becomes nylon 3D printing filament a spool of filament ready for FDM 3D printing or FFF printing.
The Role of Nylon in 3D Printing
In 3D printing, nylon stands out for its combination of mechanical performance and printability. As nylon 3D printer filament, it offers durability and flexibility in one package. Its low friction coefficient, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance make it ideal for wear parts, gear mechanisms, or functional prototypes.
Origins and Manufacturing of Nylon Filament
Raw Materials and Polymerisation
Nylon polymers are typically synthesized via condensation or ring-opening polymerisation. These processes yield high-molecular-weight thermoplastic resin, which is pelletised, colour-dosed, and extruded into filament.
Filament Extrusion and Variant Types
After polymer preparation, manufacturers extrude nylon into printable diameters (commonly 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm). During extrusion, additives or reinforcement fibres may be incorporated to create advanced variants like carbon reinforced nylon filament or glass filled nylon filament.
Once extruded and cooled, the filament is wound onto spools, dried to reduce moisture absorption, packaged, and shipped.
Key Properties of Nylon Filament
Mechanical and Thermal Behavior
Nylon demonstrates exceptional toughness and impact resistance. It has high fatigue resistance and retains flexibility under load.
Thermally, nylon can tolerate higher operational temperatures than many basic filaments. Some grades can continuously perform at 120 °C or higher. However, printing may require 220–260 °C nozzle temperatures and a heated bed.
Density, Wear, and Chemical Resistance
Nylon typically has a density around 1.01–1.15 g/cm³. It excels in wear and abrasion resistance, meaning sliding or contacting components last longer. It also resists oils, fuels, and organic solvents, making it suitable for industrial environments.
Hygroscopic Nature and Dimensional Stability
Nylon’s hygroscopicity its tendency to absorb moisture can lead to print defects such as bubbling or rough surfaces. Proper drying and storage are essential. Reinforced variants like carbon fibre nylon filament often help reduce shrinkage.
Environmental and Aesthetic Aspects
While nylon is not biodegradable, it is often recyclable. Many manufacturers offer recycled polyamide materials.
Aesthetically, nylon tends to have a natural translucent or off-white colour but is available in many colours, including black (black nylon 3D printer filament). Its surface finish is less glossy than PLA but looks professional, especially after post-processing.
Common Nylon Filament Printing Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Absorption (Bubbling or Popping) | Nylon filament absorbs humidity from the air, leading to bubbles or uneven extrusion. | Always dry nylon filament at 70–80 °C for 4–6 hours before printing and store in an airtight container with desiccant. |
| Warping or Curling | Rapid cooling or uneven bed adhesion. | Use an enclosed printer, increase bed temperature to 80–100 °C, and apply adhesives like Magigoo or glue stick. |
| Layer Separation / Weak Adhesion | Low nozzle temperature or insufficient cooling control. | Increase nozzle temperature by 5–10 °C, reduce print speed, and disable excessive cooling. |
| Nozzle Clogging (especially with reinforced nylon) | Fibres in carbon or glass-filled variants wear down soft brass nozzles. | Use hardened steel or ruby-tipped nozzles; purge regularly between material changes. |
| Stringing / Oozing | High nozzle temperature or insufficient retraction. | Lower print temperature slightly and fine-tune retraction distance and speed. |
| Rough or Dull Surface Finish | Printing with moist filament or poor extrusion calibration. | Ensure filament dryness, calibrate extrusion multiplier, and slow down print speed for smoother surfaces. |
| Dimensional Inaccuracy / Shrinkage | Nylon contracts as it cools. | Print within an enclosure, avoid drafts, and use brim or raft for large parts. |
Pros and Cons of Nylon Filament
Pros of Nylon Filament
-
High toughness and fatigue resistance.
-
Excellent abrasion and wear resistance.
-
Strong chemical and impact resistance.
-
Combination of flexibility and strength.
-
Reinforcement options for tailored mechanical properties.
Cons of Nylon Filament
-
Highly moisture-sensitive (requires drying and storage).
-
Warping and print challenges without proper setup.
-
Abrasive to nozzles when reinforced with fibres.
-
Higher cost and greater equipment demands.
-
Limited UV resistance without additives or coatings.
Choosing the Right Nylon 3D Printing Filament
Diameter and Tolerance
Ensure compatibility with your printer. Standard diameters are 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm. Look for tight tolerance for consistent extrusion.
Grade and Reinforcement
Select based on your needs:
-
Black nylon 3D printer filament for aesthetic parts.
-
Carbon fibre nylon filament for high stiffness and strength.
-
Glass filled nylon filament for dimensional stability and heat resistance.
Brand Reputation and Certification
Choose brands with reliable datasheets and consistent manufacturing quality.
Storage and Packaging
Because nylon absorbs moisture, choose spools that come vacuum-sealed with desiccants and store them properly.
Cost vs Performance
Standard nylon works for hobby prints, while reinforced versions suit professional or functional uses.
Printing with Nylon Filament: Best Practices
Printer Setup
-
Nozzle temperature: 230–260 °C.
-
Bed temperature: 60–100 °C.
-
Use an enclosure to reduce warping.
-
Apply strong bed adhesives for better adhesion.
Drying and Moisture Management
Dry nylon for several hours before printing to avoid moisture defects.
Print Speed and Cooling
Use moderate speeds (30–50 mm/s) for good bonding. Keep cooling low to reduce warping.
Post-Processing
Nylon prints can be sanded, dyed, polished, or coated. Reinforced types may need stronger tools for finishing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
Warping: Increase bed temperature or add an enclosure.
-
Layer splitting: Raise nozzle temperature slightly and slow down print speed.
-
Clogging: Use hardened nozzles for reinforced nylon.
-
Rough surfaces: Ensure filament is dry.
Applications of Nylon Filament
Best Uses
-
Functional prototypes: Strong, flexible, and durable parts.
-
End-use parts: Brackets, tool handles, gears, and industrial jigs.
-
Educational models: Ideal for teaching mechanical design.
-
Consumer products: Great for sports gear, tools, or replacement components.
Where to Avoid Using Nylon
-
In humid or wet environments without protection.
-
For decorative prints where cost and complexity aren’t justified.
-
On printers lacking heated beds or enclosures.
Future Trends in Nylon Materials
-
Hybrid filaments combining nylon with carbon or glass fibres.
-
Development of recycled and bio-based nylon.
-
Lower-warp formulations for desktop printers.
-
High-temperature and wear-resistant grades for end-use parts.
FAQs
How to dry nylon filament?
To dry nylon filament, place it in a filament dryer or an oven set between 70–80 °C (160–175 °F) for about 4–6 hours. Drying removes absorbed moisture, which can cause bubbles, rough surfaces, and weak prints. Always store nylon in an airtight container with silica gel after drying to prevent reabsorption.
Is nylon filament flexible?
Yes, nylon 3D printer filament is naturally flexible compared to materials like PLA filament or ABS filament. It can bend under stress without breaking, making it suitable for living hinges, joints, and parts that require repeated motion. However, flexibility varies depending on the specific nylon grade or whether it’s reinforced with carbon or glass fibres.
Is nylon filament toxic?
Nylon filament is generally safe to print when handled properly, but it can release mild fumes during printing. These fumes are not considered highly toxic but can irritate sensitive users. It’s best to print in a well-ventilated area or use an enclosed 3D printer with filtration to minimize exposure.
How strong is nylon filament?
Nylon 3D printing filament is one of the strongest thermoplastics available for FDM printing. It offers high tensile strength (ranging from 45–75 MPa, depending on the grade) and excellent impact resistance. Reinforced types like carbon fibre nylon filaments or glass filled nylon provide even greater stiffness and durability, making nylon ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and end-use applications.
For 3D printing projects, quotes and more information visit KAD 3D