PA (Nylon) Filament: Extremely Robust and Wear-Resistant
PA (Polyamide), better known as Nylon, is one of the most robust filaments for 3D printing. It offers exceptional mechanical properties: high impact resistance, wear resistance and self-lubrication. Nylon is the material of choice for highly stressed functional parts like gears, bearings and hinges. However, it requires experience – especially regarding moisture.
What is PA (Nylon)?
Polyamides are a group of plastics formed by condensation reactions of diamines and dicarboxylic acids. In 3D printing, PA6, PA12 and PA-CF (carbon fiber reinforced) are particularly relevant.
Nylon has been used in industry for decades – from cable ties to gears to textiles. Its excellent tribological properties (friction, wear) make it the ideal material for mechanical components.
PA is characterized by the following properties:
- Extremely high impact resistance and toughness
- Self-lubricating (low friction coefficient)
- Excellent wear and abrasion resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Heat-resistant (~80–100 °C depending on type)
- Flexible without becoming brittle
Nylon absorbs moisture from the air faster than any other common filament. Wet Nylon is unprintable and leads to bubbling, poor layer adhesion and brittle prints. Drying before every print is mandatory!
PA Variants Overview
| Variant | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PA6 | Highest strength, highly hygroscopic | High-stress parts, industry |
| PA12 | Less hygroscopic, easier to print | General applications, beginners |
| PA-CF | Carbon fiber reinforced, very stiff | Structural parts, metal replacement |
| PA-GF | Glass fiber reinforced, stiff, affordable | Housings, structural parts |
| PA6/66 | Blend, good balance | Versatile |
Technical Properties in Detail
| Property | PA6/PA12 | PA-CF |
|---|---|---|
| Print Temperature (Nozzle) | 250–280 °C | 260–290 °C |
| Bed Temperature | 80–100 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Glass Transition Temperature | ~80 °C (PA12) / ~50 °C (PA6) | ~100 °C |
| Tensile Strength | 70–85 MPa | 100+ MPa |
| Impact Resistance | Very high | High |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Moisture Absorption | High (PA6) / Medium (PA12) | Medium |
| Nozzle Requirement | Brass OK | Hardened (Steel/Ruby) |
Pros and Cons of PA
✅ Advantages
- Extremely high impact resistance
- Self-lubricating
- Excellent wear resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Flexible yet strong
- Heat-resistant
- Can be dyed (after printing)
- Food-safe (pure PA, unprinted)
❌ Disadvantages
- Extremely hygroscopic
- Drying mandatory
- Strong warping
- High print temperature required
- Enclosure recommended
- Shrinks when cooling (~1.5–2%)
- Expensive
- Not for beginners
The Moisture Problem
Nylon is the most hygroscopic filament in 3D printing. It starts absorbing moisture from the air within hours. Even 0.5% water content massively affects print quality.
Symptoms of wet Nylon:
- Audible hissing and crackling during extrusion
- Steam/smoke at the hotend
- Heavy bubble formation on surface
- Very poor layer adhesion
- Brittle, weak prints
- Stringing and uneven surfaces
Drying Guide for PA:
| Method | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Filament Dryer | 70–80 °C | 8–12 hours (fresh) / 24h (very wet) |
| Oven (convection) | 70 °C | 8–12 hours |
| Vacuum Dryer | 60–70 °C | 4–6 hours |
Optimal Print Settings for PA
| Parameter | PA6/PA12 | PA-CF |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 260–280 °C | 270–290 °C |
| Heated Bed | 90–100 °C | 100–110 °C |
| Print Speed | 40–60 mm/s | 30–50 mm/s |
| Fan | 0–30% | 0–20% |
| Enclosure | Recommended (50–60 °C) | Strongly recommended |
| First Layer | 15–20 mm/s | 15–20 mm/s |
| Bed Adhesion | Magigoo PA or glue stick | Magigoo PA |
Application Areas for PA
Ideally suited for:
- Gears: Self-lubricating, wear-resistant
- Bearings and bushings: Low friction coefficient
- Hinges: Extremely flexible, no fatigue
- Clips and snap connections: Flexible and strong
- Cable tie replacement: Reusable
- Structural parts: High-stress (especially PA-CF)
- Tools: Impact-resistant, durable
- Automotive: Engine compartment components
- Functional parts: Where PLA/PETG fail
Not recommended for:
- ❌ High humidity environments (without post-treatment)
- ❌ Precision parts without shrinkage compensation
- ❌ Beginners without drying capability
- ❌ Quick prototypes (long drying/printing)
PA-CF: The Metal Replacement
PA-CF (carbon fiber reinforced Nylon) combines the toughness of Nylon with the stiffness of carbon fibers. The result is a material that can replace aluminum in many applications – at significantly lower weight.
Advantages of PA-CF:
- Extremely high stiffness
- Less warping than pure PA
- Dimensionally stable
- Professional, matte surface
Our PA Filaments in the Shop
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my Nylon is wet?
Extrude some filament into the air. If it hisses, crackles or you see small steam clouds, it's wet. Dry Nylon extrudes quietly and evenly with a smooth surface.
Can I print PA on PEI?
Yes, but with a release agent! PA adheres extremely strongly to PEI and can destroy the surface. Use glue stick, Magigoo PA or Garolite sheets (G10) as print surface.
Why does my PA print shrink?
PA has a shrinkage of 1.5–2%. For precise parts: Scale horizontally 101.5–102% in the slicer. Or: Use PA-CF which shrinks less.
Is Nylon food-safe?
Pure PA is food-safe as a material (e.g. PA6 for kitchen utensils). However, 3D printed parts have microstructures that can harbor bacteria. For food contact: seal the surface or single-use only.
Which PA for beginners?
PA12 or CoPA are easiest to print. They absorb less moisture and warp less than PA6. Start with PA-CF if you have hardened nozzles.
Related Guides
- PETG Filament: The All-Rounder
- PC Filament: Maximum Heat Resistance
- ASA Filament: Outdoor Specialist
- Drying Filament Properly
Note: The information is based on typical properties of PA filaments. Values vary by PA type and manufacturer. Always consult the technical data sheets.